About
Francis X. Brescia Jr., DO, FACOFP has built one of the most enduring family medicine careers in the Dauphin, Pennsylvania area. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Lake Forest College in 1973 and his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1977. He completed both his internship and his Family Medicine residency at Community General Osteopathic Hospital-Pinnacle Health in Harrisburg, PA.
Dr. Brescia holds board certification from the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. In 1989, the American College of Family Physician in Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery awarded him a Fellow distinction. He serves as a Pennsylvania Delegate to the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians National Convention and as a District 5 Delegate to the State Convention, both since 1984. Since 2009, he has held the role of Chief Medical Officer through Med Health Services in Central Pennsylvania. Before entering medicine, Dr. Brescia served as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army Engineer Corps, including a tour as Executive Officer in the Republic of Vietnam and as a Platoon Leader with the 82nd Airborne. He has earned Patients' Choice Recognition in 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2014. His goal is to partner with each patient on a personalized healthcare plan that treats current problems and prevents new ones.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Lake Forest College, Bachelor of Arts 1973
Medical School
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine 1977
Residency
Family Medicine, Community General Osteopathic Hospital-Pinnacle Health, Harrisburg, PA 1978-1979
Additional Training
Internship: Community General Osteopathic Hospital-Pinnacle Health, Harrisburg, PA 1977-1978
Certifications
Who is Dr. Brescia right for?
Dr. Brescia is a strong fit for adults seeking a long-term, relationship-driven primary care physician. Patients who value prevention, wellness planning, and same-day access will find his approach well-suited to their needs. Families looking for a doctor who treats multiple generations will appreciate his deep roots in the Middle Paxton Township community. His osteopathic background and decades of clinical experience make him particularly effective with patients managing chronic or complex health conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Brescia specializes in family medicine with a strong focus on preventive care and wellness. He draws on his osteopathic training and over 37 years of clinical experience to deliver personalized care. He treats patients across a broad range of conditions and health concerns.
Yes. Dr. Brescia holds board certification from the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. He also earned a Fellow Award from the American College of Family Physician in Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in 1989.
Dr. Brescia earned his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1977. He completed his internship and Family Medicine residency at Community General Osteopathic Hospital-Pinnacle Health in Harrisburg, PA.
Dr. Brescia has served patients in Middle Paxton Township for over 37 years. Many of his patients have trusted him across multiple generations of their families.
Yes. Dr. Brescia maintains active staff privileges at Pinnacle Health Systems hospitals, including Community Osteopathic Hospital, Harrisburg Hospital, and West Shore Hospital. He also serves as Chief Medical Officer for the Central Dauphin School District.
Dr. Brescia holds memberships in the American College of Osteopathic Physicians, the American Osteopathic Association, the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Association, and the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians Society. He has served as a Pennsylvania Delegate to the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians since 1984.
Yes. Dr. Brescia earned Patients' Choice Recognition in 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2014. Patient reviews consistently highlight his thoroughness, warmth, and longstanding commitment to the families he serves.
Dr. Brescia aims to partner with each patient to build a personalized healthcare plan. His goal is to address current health concerns while actively working to prevent new ones. He approaches each patient relationship with the care he would extend to his own family.
Doctor profile last updated June 8, 2026