Lifestyle and Benefits
Life in central Pennsylvania
Training to become a physician is a rigorous process. But a successful career as a physician requires a healthy balance of dedication to patient care as well as attention to life outside of work. In selecting a residency program you should consider whether you will truly be happy living in the area for your several years of training. The central Pennsylvania region is well-suited to help you achieve that work-life balance.
High Quality Lifestyle
Many single residents choose to spend their free time with fellow residents or mingle with other locals. A popular Friday and Saturday night destination is downtown Harrisburg's nightclub-lined "Second Street," where the local music and dance scene is a short drive to the state's capital city. Great restaurants, live music, stand-up comics, and resident and visiting DJ's create a vibrant, exciting atmosphere.
We know that in order for residents to be happy, the important people in their lives need to be happy too. With consistently low unemployment rates, the area offers diverse employment options for residents' partners. Major employers in Hershey and Lebanon include Hershey Medical Center, The Good Samaritan Hospital, and a VA Medical Center. The Hershey Company, Hershey Entertainment and Resort Company are other large, stable employers. Many employment opportunities are afforded by our proximity to the state capital in Harrisburg.
The low cost of living in Hershey and Lebanon means your salary will allow you to live comfortably in the community. Ample apartments and homes in all settings and for all tastes can be found. A list is maintained on the Medical Center's website.
Partners in Medicine is a group comprised of spouses/significant others of residents, interns, and fellows of all specialties at the Medical Center. Although they come from various backgrounds and perspectives, they share a common bond: the residency journey. P
The local school systems are excellent with public and private options. Nearby Penn State Campus in Middletown provides educational opportunities for dependents of residents with a generous 75 percent discount on tuition. A local National Public Radio station and diverse religious organizations knit the community together.
A quiet yet vibrant area, in central Pennsylvania you will enjoy an excellent quality of life and easy access to recreation, fostering the work-life balance that will help residents develop into outstanding physicians.
Benefit Highlights
- 75 percent tuition reduction for resident and dependents while attending any Penn State campus
- Competitive salary
- Health, vision, dental, disability, life, and malpractice insurance
- 15-20 days annually of vacation and CME
- Free access to an academic medical center library's educational resources: UpToDate, DynaMed, MedLine, and many others
- Access to on-site fitness center and on-site daycare center at discounted employee rates
- Click here to learn more about our benefits
Hershey: a town built on chocolate
When Milton Hershey established the town of Hershey he intended it to be an attractive community for the employees of his chocolate factory to live, work, and play. One hundred years later, the town of Hershey continues to be welcoming and vibrant.
Milton Hershey's mark on the community is evident as streets are lined with "chocolate kisses," and the smell of chocolate permeates the air from The Hershey Company's chocolate factory. Hershey Entertainment & Resorts also attracts millions of visitors from around the world. Local residents join in the fun at Hersheypark, ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, and the Hershey Gardens. The American Hockey League Championship-winning Hershey Bears team shares the Giant Center with national and world-renowned performers that rival the lineup of any major city. Keith Urban, Jeff Foxworthy, Disney on Ice, and even political rallies are a small sampling of the diverse entertainment options. More intimate gatherings at the Star Pavilion and the Hershey Theater bring the Blue Man Group, Ben Folds, James Taylor, and Broadway shows like Saturday Night Fever to Hershey.
Upscale accommodations and spa experiences are available at The Hotel Hershey and The Chocolate Spa, while fine dining is enjoyed at Devon Seafood Grill, Harvest restaurant, and the Hotel Hershey's Circular Dining Room among others. Hershey also boasts a collection of coffee shops and casual dining options. The chef in the house will appreciate the fresh produce available at several farmer's markets nearby and even right next to the hospital campus. Shop at the Tanger Outlets of Hershey or channel your competitive streak by hitting the links at four local golf courses.
The Lebanon Valley
On a stretch of farmland nestled between mountains to the north and south, the Lebanon Valley is a beautiful place to call home. Surrounding state game lands, Middlecreek Wildlife Project, Rails to Trails, and the nearby Appalachian Trail provide escapes for the outdoorsman. The cultural aficionado will be drawn to the nearby woodland village of Mt. Gretna with its nationally recognized Arts Festival and charming Gretna Theater, known for its outdoor performances. The Allen Theater, a short drive away in the college town of Annville, offers a refreshing experience at the movies. In this art deco style theater, patrons enjoy the amenities of a coffeehouse while absorbing themselves in feature films and film series. Ample fishing and golfing opportunities and day trips to Amish Country provide relaxation on weekends. Historic Lebanon's downtown farmers market draws many locals into the city.
Within Driving Distance
Many local residents enjoy summer weekends on the beaches of New Jersey and Maryland. Others prefer to get away to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New York, all of which are well within a day trip of home. Getting there is even easier with the local Amtrak stations.