SCRANTON, Pa. – Geisinger College of Health Sciences is seeking speakers for TEDxGCSOM 2026, an event that will challenge the community to explore a universal question: Why Care?
The event will be held Wednesday, Oct. 15, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Medical Sciences Building in Scranton.
Selected local speakers will examine the many ways care shapes lives, communities and healthcare. Applications are open to a diverse range of speakers, including patients and family members, students, healthcare providers, social workers, therapists, educators, caregivers, community leaders — essentially anyone with a meaningful perspective on the role of care in our lives.
“Care is at the heart of the human experience,” said first-year medical student and event organizer Mario Lopez. “It can be found in a life-changing medical intervention, a difficult conversation, an act of advocacy, a moment of compassion or a connection that leaves a lasting impact. TEDxGCSOM offers an opportunity to explore why care matters and how it influences our world.”
Potential topics include:
• Personal experiences receiving care
• The impact of compassionate healthcare
• Caregiving and caregiving challenges
• Patient advocacy
• Health equity and access
• Mental health
• Innovation in healthcare
• Resilience, healing and recovery
• Lessons learned through providing care
To apply, visit TEDxGCSOM Speaker Application. Application deadline is Sept. 20.
About TEDx
TEDx events are local, independently organized programs that bring people together to share ideas and foster meaningful dialogue. Modeled after TED conferences, TEDx events feature live speakers and recorded TED Talks centered on ideas worth spreading within local communities.
About Geisinger College of Health Sciences
Educating. Inspiring. Leading. At Geisinger College of Health Sciences, we bring innovation and purpose together to educate the next generation of healthcare leaders. As the academic and research arm of the Geisinger family, our college was founded to enhance and improve community health, with a focus on discovery, hands-on learning and applied practice across our system. Today, we offer a research institute, graduate medical education, schools of medicine, graduate education and nursing, and faculty and professional development programs. Visit geisinger.edu/gchs.
The College is committed to nondiscrimination in all employment and educational programs or activities. Concerns or questions may be directed to the Title IX coordinator whose contact information is available at geisinger.edu/titleix.