HARRISBURG ÔÇô Virginia McGregor Recognized as Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG ÔÇô Virginia McGregor, esteemed board member of Geisinger and dedicated advocate for healthcare and higher education in the Scranton community, was honored in Harrisburg on Wednesday as a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania, a prestigious recognition.

McGregor expressed her gratitude from the state capitol, saying, “This is an incredible honor. I am truly humbled to be among such accomplished women. As a daughter of Pennsylvania and of Scranton, I am immensely proud.”

Geisinger College of Health Sciences President, Julie Byerley, MD, MPH, lauded Virginia McGregor, stating, “I applaud the Commonwealth for bestowing the title ÔÇÿDistinguished DaughterÔÇÖ upon Virginia McGregor. It is a well-deserved recognition, given her exceptional contributions to the well-being and access to advanced education in northeastern Pennsylvania. We are fortunate to have her as our board chair, advocate, and friend.”

The Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania program was founded in 1948 to honor women who have displayed exceptional service through their professional careers and/or voluntary work. Nonprofit organizations across Pennsylvania nominate deserving women, and this year, a total of ten women from various regions of the state received this distinguished honor.

Virginia McGregor attributes her dedication to community engagement and service to her mother, Grace Doherty, whose focus revolved around faith, friendships, and family. Inspired by her mother’s emphasis on education and service, McGregor has dedicated her leadership to enhancing the well-being of her beloved hometown, Scranton.

One of McGregor’s most significant achievements in community service has been the expansion of healthcare and education in the Scranton area, particularly through her role as the board chair of Community Medical Center during its transition to Geisinger. This visionary move facilitated Geisinger’s expansion into northeastern Pennsylvania. As a healthcare system committed to precision medicine and value-based care, Geisinger is uniquely focused on improving the health of entire communities and populations. Backed by a robust research institute, Geisinger’s communities benefit from cutting-edge care. With its mission to make better care more accessible, McGregor has played a pivotal role in ensuring that her neighbors receive top-quality care.

Virginia McGregor continues to serve as a member of the Geisinger Health Board of Directors and chair of the Geisinger Family Committee. She is also involved in the Patient Experience, Academic Affairs, and Quality committee of the board.

However, McGregor’s leadership has had the most significant impact in the field of education. Not only is she an advocate for the city of Scranton, but she is also a passionate supporter of the local medical school, which she considers the “crown jewel” of the community. McGregor staunchly supported the establishment of a medical school in Scranton and utilized her prominent position and influence in the community to rally support for the project, even when many doubted its feasibility.

Having successfully established the medical school, McGregor played a vital role in integrating it into Geisinger, ensuring its long-term financial stability.

As chair of the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Board of Directors, McGregor oversaw an ambitious plan to address the shortage of physicians in her communities. With local doctors, especially in primary care, aging and retiring, the region faced the risk of inadequate healthcare services in numerous neighborhoods. Moreover, the pandemic-induced surge in demand for mental healthcare further exacerbated the pressing shortage of psychiatrists in the region. By championing the Abigail Geisinger Scholars Program, McGregor endeavors to attract and retain medical students who receive tuition remission and a stipend in exchange for committing to work at Geisinger in primary care or psychiatry after completing their residency.

Today, as the medical school approaches the milestone of graduating over 1,000 doctors, an increasing number of these graduates will return to serve the communities that nurtured them. McGregor’s lifelong dedication has greatly enhanced her community beyond measure.

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About Geisinger College of Health Sciences

Geisinger College of Health Sciences serves as the esteemed research and education entity of the Geisinger family. As Geisinger commits to making better health more accessible to over 1 million people, it stands as a healthcare system with a rich history. Founded over a century ago by Abigail Geisinger, the system comprises 10 hospital campuses, a health plan with more than 500,000 members, and the College. The College houses a Research Institute, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Geisinger School of Nursing, the School of Graduate Education, Geisinger graduate medical education programs, and the Academy of Educators. Non-discrimination is at the core of the College’s principles, ensuring equal employment and educational opportunities for all. To learn more, visit geisinger.edu/education.