Dear LPS Post-Baccalaureate Studies Pre-Health Program Community:
We are deeply saddened to deliver the difficult news that your classmate, Christina Goessman, passed away Sunday in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) after suffering a brain aneurysm. We know this loss weighs heavily on your close-knit community. We share the grief of all who knew and loved Christina.
Christina, 24, began the Pre-Health Program in 2019 to prepare for medical school applications. She was a member of the University of Pennsylvania chapter of the American Medical Women’s Association. She greatly enjoyed her work with Dr. Benjamin Abella in the Academic Associates Program at HUP’s Department of Emergency Medicine.
Christina came to Penn after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Archeology and Master’s in Palaeopathology at Durham University in England. While abroad, she became a United Kingdom varsity champion in ballroom dancing. Christina spoke German, Spanish, and some Russian. She loved traveling on archeological excavations, including to a Viking village in Sweden and a medieval churchyard in Spain.
Christina grew up near Seattle and is survived by her parents, John and Cornelia Goessman, a younger sister, Julia, maternal grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Christina had “an infectious sense of humor and the gift to find joy in little things,” her father, John Goessman shared. She “valued good friendships… Always curious and open for new experiences, she did everything with purpose and intent.”
A virtual support session will be held on Zoom Wednesday April 28th at Noon ET.
Staff from LPS, the Chaplain’s Office, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Counseling and Psychological Services, Special Services, and Student Health Service will be on hand to offer comfort. Breakout rooms will be provided for students to speak directly with support offices.
Now and always, please know that University resources are open and available to assist you – wherever you are – in your time of need.
If you want to talk to someone at the University of Pennsylvania:
- Counseling and Psychological Services (215-898-7021, 24/7): Any student can speak to a trained clinician by phone, day or night. Students also can schedule virtual appointments.
- The University Chaplain’s Office (215-898-8456), provides pastoral support, informal advising, and counseling to students in need of care and comfort, “to be a shoulder, to be an ear, to be a friend, to be a fellow sojourner, to be an advocate, and a faithful presence.” The Chaplain’s Office works with faith communities and campus ministers who also provide spiritual support. Students of all faiths are warmly welcomed.
- LPS Pre-Health Health Program Staff.
- Employee Assistance Program: LPS students who are also Penn staff members can schedule appointments and/or get 24/7 resources by calling 866-799-2329.
- Other faculty or staff you know and trust.
If you don’t feel well:
- Student Health Service (215-746-3535) offers comprehensive primary care, including services to help you eat well, sleep well, and reduce stress. Students must call first to speak to SHS staff, who can determine whether to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment.
If you aren’t sure where to go or you’re concerned about a friend:
- Student Intervention Services (vpul-sisteam@pobox.upenn.edu) supports students in crises, helps students access resources, and responds to concerns about students’ well-being.
- The Division of Public Safety’s HELP line (215-898-HELP/215-898-4357) is a 24/7 service that connects Penn students, staff, faculty, and families with appropriate resources.