James P. Orlando Honored with National Leadership Award in Graduate Medical Education

St. Luke’s University Health Network proudly announces that James P. Orlando, Ed.D, PCC, ACTC, Chief Graduate Medical Education Officer, has been named a recipient of the prestigious Parker J. Palmer Courage to Lead Award by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

This national recognition celebrates exceptional leadership in academic medicine, honoring individuals who have fostered innovation, collaboration and excellence in graduate medical education (GME). Orlando joined St. Luke’s in 2014 and spearheaded the development and implementation of an ambitious eight-year GME plan aimed at expanding the physician workforce, addressing community health needs and creating new residency opportunities for Temple/St. Luke’s medical school graduates.

Under his leadership, St. Luke’s GME programs have grown from 180 residents in 20 programs to over 530 residents and fellows across 60 programs. Today, more than one-third of Temple/St. Luke’s medical students continue their training within St. Luke’s, and nearly half of all graduates remain in the region as part of the St. Luke’s Physician Group.

Orlando has also served on numerous national medical education committees and boards, helping elevate St. Luke’s reputation across the country.

“Receiving the Parker J. Palmer Courage to Lead Award is both humbling and meaningful, particularly knowing that Dr. Andrew Krakowski and our outstanding program directors, residents, fellows and staff nominated me,” said Orlando. “This recognition affirms our belief that where you train matters. The graduates of our residency and fellowship programs deliver the best care to the greater Lehigh Valley community because they trained at St. Luke's—a workplace distinguished by exceptional patient safety and quality. This award reflects our entire team's commitment to excellence and St. Luke's ongoing investments and dedication to our community.”