Geisinger to host Cardiogenic Shock Symposium featuring nationally recognized cardiovascular experts

Danville, PA - Healthcare professionals from across the region will gather at Geisinger on Saturday, Sept. 19, for the Geisinger Cardiogenic Shock Symposium, a full-day educational event bringing together nationally recognized leaders in cardiology, cardiac surgery and critical care to explore the latest advances in diagnosing and treating cardiogenic shock.

WHAT: Geisinger Cardiogenic Shock Symposium

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.)

WHERE: Henry Hood Center for Health Research
Geisinger Medical Center
100 N. Academy Ave.
Danville, PA 17822

Cardiogenic shock remains one of the most challenging cardiovascular emergencies, requiring rapid diagnosis, multidisciplinary collaboration and evolving treatment strategies. The symposium will provide physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses and other cardiovascular professionals with practical insights into the newest evidence, technologies and clinical approaches that are improving patient outcomes.

The program features nationally renowned experts from leading academic medical centers, including:

● Dr. Joyce Wald, transplant cardiologist at the University of Pennsylvania, who will discuss how recent guideline updates are changing the role of heart transplantation in patients with cardiogenic shock.
● Dr. Sarah Thordsen, heart failure and transplant cardiologist at the University of Wisconsin, presenting on peripartum cardiomyopathy leading to cardiogenic shock, highlighting the unique challenges of caring for pregnant and postpartum patients.
● Dr. David Dudzinski, cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, who will explore the role of noninvasive imaging in the management of cardiogenic shock, demonstrating how advanced imaging can guide timely clinical decision-making.
● Dr. Balakrishnan Mahesh, cardiac surgeon at Penn State Health, presenting Management of Right Ventricular Failure Following Cardiac Surgery: The Role of Surgical Right Ventricular Assist Devices, focusing on emerging surgical approaches for critically ill patients.

In addition to nationally recognized guest faculty, the symposium showcases Geisinger's cardiovascular experts, who will present on topics including:

● Team-based management of cardiogenic shock
● Temporary mechanical circulatory support devices
● Advances in durable ventricular assist devices
● Coronary revascularization strategies
● Management of valvular heart disease in cardiogenic shock
● Right ventricular failure and evolving diagnostic approaches
● Mechanical circulatory support for pulmonary embolism, including updates from the 2026 clinical guidelines

The event is accredited for continuing medical education (CME) and is designed for cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, intensivists, emergency medicine physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients experiencing cardiogenic shock. Additional event details and registration information are available through Geisinger's Continuing Education website.

To register, visit this site: go.geisinger.edu/cardiogenic.

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.