Abigail Geisinger Scholar spotlight

An empathetic storyteller finds a home at Geisinger

Medical student and creative writer Selena Kattick spent most of her formative years in Guyana, where primary care was almost nonexistent. Since then, she’s witnessed the life-saving impact of primary care, which she plans to harness — along with storytelling — to serve the community she now calls home.

“Growing up, I had very little exposure to primary care,” she said. “Any time I would see a doctor, I was very sick. I didn’t really understand doctors or what they did because I was usually in a fever haze when I met them.”

When Ms. Kattick moved to the U.S. at 15, she experienced primary care for the first time and built a relationship with a doctor she still sees today. “When I first started receiving care from her, I felt seen. And she was interested in everything that was going on with me, like my mental and emotional health.”

Ms. Kattick was also struck by the fact that many family members she lost in her home country to preventable diseases might be alive today if they had access to screenings and disease management with a primary care physician.

“I lost 3 aunts due to complications from diabetes.” she said. “In my experience, the health system in the U.S. and the power of primary care make a big difference.”

When Ms. Kattick was researching medical schools, she found Geisinger and the Abigail Geisinger Scholars program. Along with the promise of a focus on primary care, she was delighted by the option to conduct research in medical humanities.

“I love the humanities,” she said. “I love to immerse myself in stories and characters and their narratives. It helps me to be more empathetic.”

As she completes her second year and readies for deeper clinical experiences, Ms. Kattick believes her background, her humanities research and the time she’s spent with Abigail Geisinger Scholars Program mentors have prepared her well.

“I envision my future family medicine practice as very patient-centered and considerate of the patient’s total health,” she said. “I also want a practice that is community-focused and considers the social factors that affect the patient’s health.”

She added, “I’ve fallen in love with Scranton and Geisinger, and I love the innovative programs Geisinger has. I see Geisinger’s commitment to patients and serving this community. I just really love being here.”