On October 17, students from the Pathways to Healthcare program and students interested in medicine gathered at the Health Sciences Center for an engaging event, the Women in Healthcare Panel.
Fifteen inspiring experts from Stony Brook Medicine spoke with students interested in the medical professions. Their esteemed positions spanned roles such as social work, clinical pharmacy, nursing, and neurosurgery. Panelists spent nearly two hours talking with students about their jobs, challenges, and joys they have experienced in their professions.
The panel was coordinated by Dr. Robert Nocito, clinical assistant professor and attending physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine, and Dr. Jillian Leibowitz, PGY3 EM chief resident. Other event coordinators include: Path to Healthcare Programs The other is the Stony Brook University Career Center. The former is a credit-bearing internship offered to underrepresented and underserved students interested in exploring health care as a career. The year-long program includes weekly two-hour meetings and is co-supervised by two physicians from Stony Brook University Hospital, one of whom is Dr. Nocito.
○The final comments to the panel were made by Dr. Nocito, who detailed the history of the Pathway Program. Dr. Leibovitz moderated the panel using questions submitted by students. Topics ranged from gender bias, workplace challenges, personal resilience, workplace culture, and diversity in healthcare.
Several doctors shared their unique paths and personal motivations that led them into the world of medicine. Dr. Ana María López expressed the joy she feels every time she is able to provide comfort to patients and their families who speak Spanish as their first language. Dr Priyanka Ramchandra described her journey as a transition period in her life, explaining how she switched from film industry to take a gap year. During this time, Ramchandra taught middle school students in underprivileged areas before deciding to enroll in medical school.
All panelists encouraged students to find mentors in their fields who know them and support their goals, regardless of gender or race. Dr. Chinenya Okudoh, PGY2 EM resident, said: It's about having confidence in your journey and standing up for yourself. ”
Following the advice provided during the panel discussion, Chanel Rolon, a second-year student in the Pathways to Healthcare program, gained a new understanding of medicine and the career path she should take. “From practical insights on applying to medical school to inspiration I’ve gained from amazing women in medicine, I’m more motivated than ever to pursue this path,” Rolon said. .
“Empowering the next generation of healthcare leaders starts with fostering meaningful connections and sharing knowledge,” Dr. Nocito said of the event. “The success of our Q&A panel with women health professionals highlights the importance of diverse voices and experiences in shaping the future of health care. By giving undergraduate students a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of women in the health care industry, we It not only inspires us to pursue our goals, but also encourages a more inclusive and equitable future for our entire industry.”
The event coordinator would like to thank the panelists and medical professionals who attended.
Dr. Robert Nocito (ER)
Jillian Leibowitz, DO (PGY3 EM Chief Resident)
Dr. Sarah Rosenzweig (PGY3 EM Chief Resident)
Amanda Balugian, MD (PGY3 EM Resident)
Chinenye Okudoh, MD (PGY2 EM Resident)
Aneesa Ali, DO (EM Ultrasound Fellow/ER Physician)
Katrina D'Amore, DO (EM Attending Physician)
Aleka Sukoko, MD (neurosurgeon, intensivist)
Dr. Ana Costa (anesthesiologist)
Dr. Isadora Botwinik (General Surgeon/Trauma Surgeon)
Dr. Priyanka Ramachandra (Chief Resident, General Surgery)
Dr. Ana Lopez (PGY4 Medicine/Pediatrics Resident)
Jane Moldovan, Pennsylvania (ER Physician Assistant)
Liya Johnson, Pharm.D. (ER Pharmacist)
Annemarie Lupo, RN (ER Nurse)
Natalie Lomond (ER Social Worker)
Interested in attending other related events? Check out our events page handshake. If you're interested in the Pathways to Healthcare program, next year's applications will be open in February. Program website And a handshake.
— Melanie Carniewich
