Voices From the Class of 2026 at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai’s Commencement

May 12, 2026 | Featured, School

Families and friends of the class of 2026 of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai filed into the David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center on Tuesday, May 5, to celebrate one thing: Commencement for the graduating class.

The Icahn School of Medicine granted a total of 192 degrees at the 57th Commencement: 110 MD, 54 PhD, 16 MD/PhD, 4 MD/MPH, and 8 MD/MSCR.

It takes courage for the many medical and graduate students to make it through school, and it will take much more as they embark on their next steps of residency and postdoctoral training, said Eric J. Nestler, MD, PhD, the Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine, speaking to the audience.

“For scientists, that means being courageous in tackling the most complicated scientific questions facing humanity,” said Dr. Nestler. “Courageous in not being intimidated by failures or by the enormity of bold and risky undertakings.

“For physicians, that means being courageous in assuming responsibility for your patients’ health, even when confronting the most difficult cases,” Dr. Nestler added. “And being courageous and compassionate in comforting patients and their families when you do not have an answer, when there is no cure, and sometimes not even a treatment.”

The road ahead might be fraught, but the Icahn School graduates are well-prepared to navigate obstacles and ultimately improve society, said Brendan G. Carr, MD, MA, MS, Chief Executive Officer of the Mount Sinai Health System. “I think you will discover. I know you will cure. And decrease health disparities and make the world a better place,” he said. “And I know we’re going to take credit for it because we trained you. And we’re almost as proud of you as your parents are in the back.”

The Commencement student speakers echoed sentiments of optimism for the future, but also acknowledged what it takes to get there.

“If I had to name the first theme of tonight, it would be this: gratitude,” said graduating student Katrina Nietsch, who represented the MD class. “Gratitude for the patients who trusted us before we had earned it—who let us fumble through our first histories and physicals, who answered our questions with grace, who shared their stories.” She called on the graduating class to be proud of what they have achieved, and to be hopeful for what is to come.

“We tend to focus on the first or last author and forget the most important scientists of all: ‘et al.’” said graduating student Nesteene Param, who represented the PhD class. “All of us have been ‘et al.’ We have all contributed to meaningful ideas and pushed them forward. Every person in this room, and every scientist we acknowledge in our work, has spent thousands of hours building the knowledge that drives our projects.”

The slideshow below gathers the stories of six graduating students on what it was like being at the Icahn School of Medicine, and what advice they would give their past selves or future students.

Matthew Challman, MD, PhD

Next step: Neurology residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital

What was it like starting at the Icahn School of Medicine?

It was 2018. It was very exciting to come here to finally take the next step, to be involved in medicine and research, to do something that I had wanted to do for a really long time.

What was it like going through your program during the pandemic?

I had just finished our first year of medical school, and as I was starting the PhD part of my program, COVID-19 hit. It was a stressful time, being isolated. But I also got to really experience how medicine and research could improve and impact the world. I got to see that through the discoveries and advances made during the pandemic.

Any advice you would give your first-year self?

Just drink it all in. It’s a long journey. It will be a hard journey at times, but it’s a really exciting experience.

Jessica Crowley, MD, PhD

Next step: Neurology residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital

What was it like starting at the Icahn School?

It was so overwhelming and exciting. You’re meeting so many new people. You’re about to start a whole new career journey. I remember my White Coat Ceremony, and it was so special to have my old friends there, family, and also new friends. And now, I’m at the end of this journey, and I get to call those new friends my “old friends” and start the next phase.

What was it like transitioning back to MD training after your PhD?

It was very challenging going from the PhD years back to medical school. It felt like I had lost almost all of the clinical knowledge I had built in the first years, but the residents, attendings, and my medical school peers were so supportive in making that transition smooth.

Any advice you would give your first-year self?

Have fun! M1 is your time to explore. The world is your oyster to have every new experience.

Lauren Dierdorff, PhD in Neuroscience

Next step: An associate focusing on biotech and life sciences at an investment bank

What was it like starting at the Icahn School?

I started in August 2020, so it was pretty intense due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Right away, I made some really good friends with my cohort, plus I had already been at Mount Sinai previously for a summer program, so I knew some people already. It felt like my home away from home.

Who helped inspire you when faced with challenges?

I am in neuroscience, and in science, experiments fail—most of them. I just kept pursuing my goals, and learned from my lab mates, my cohort mates, and my mentors. They taught me to keep on persevering.

Any advice you would give your first-year self?

You will face the impostor syndrome, but know that it is not real. You can do it; you have all the resources and people supporting you. And one day, you’ll be here: at Commencement!

Sunjay Letchuman, MD

Next step: Anesthesiology residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital

What was it like starting at the Icahn School?

I was the only person in my class from Louisiana, and I studied business in college. I remembered being uncertain about whether or not I would fit into my very accomplished class. But as soon as I got to Mount Sinai, I realized that everyone was treated as an equal here. It didn’t matter whether you came from a small school or an Ivy League school, everyone started at ground zero together. I remember being really comforted by that camaraderie.

A cherished memory during your time in school?

On my first day in New York City, I didn’t know anyone at Mount Sinai. That night, I went to the gym at Aron Hall and decided to introduce myself to one other person there. His name was Christos, a PhD student from Cyprus. When I told him I was hoping to meet people, he was incredibly warm and welcoming and even invited me to a Mount Sinai social event he was helping organize in Central Park the next day. The event introduced me to dozens of fellow students, and my friendship with Christos only grew from there. We ended up living in Aron Hall for three years until he completed his PhD. He’s now in Boston, so we’ll be in the same city when I start residency!

Any important lesson you’ve learned about becoming a doctor?

The most important thing about becoming a doctor is building trust with patients, so that they will allow you to walk alongside them on their journey toward recovery. Building trust with patients first requires competence. You have to study really hard to learn thousands of medical concepts, so you have the knowledge to help people when they’re hurt. And the second part about building trust is being kind and empathetic toward various patients’ experiences. You want to be able to walk a mile in your patient’s shoes. I’m grateful that Mount Sinai taught me how to become a competent, kind, and compassionate doctor.

Farimata (Fari) Mbaye-Rolph, MD

Next step: Anesthesiology residency at Weill Cornell Medicine

What was it like starting at the Icahn School?

First year, I remember being so scared. I was so nervous that it was going to be too much, and that I wasn’t going to have time for friends. I was then surprised by the wonderful community and the flexibility of the classes. It was a really cool time to be learning the things that I had wanted to learn since I was five years old, when I knew I wanted to become a doctor.

A moment where you overcame a tough time in school?

It was during my third-year rotations, it was February—deep winter—and I’m from the south, so I’m not a person who enjoys the cold. I was on my pediatric rotation, getting up super early, going home, studying, my dog was sick—everything was stacking up and crashing down on me at once. But I made it with the support of my husband and friends, who picked me up, as well as a wonderful conference that reinspired me and reminded me why I love medicine. By May, I was back on my feet. Those were a tough couple of months when I really had to lean on the people who knew me the best and cared about me.

Any advice you would give your first-year self?

Enjoy it more. Enjoy the company of people around you more. Enjoy the experiences more. Spend 10 extra minutes with that patient. Spend 10 extra minutes with that friend. The first year is a beautiful time in our lives that we will never have again. Live in that moment, and stop worrying so much.

Jeury Veloz, PhD in Biomedical Sciences

Next step: Microbiology postdoctoral fellow at the Icahn School of Medicine

What was it like starting at the Icahn School?

My first year at the Icahn School of Medicine was one of resource discovery and learning about my interests in research in biomedical sciences—in infectious diseases specifically. I started in 2019, during the pandemic, so it was a really interesting time for students like myself studying virology. It was a very unique experience that I look fondly upon.

What were some challenging periods during your time in school?

In the beginning, it was adjusting to life as a student during the pandemic. Then throughout the PhD years, there were challenges in research where you had hiccups throughout. But with the help of my mentors and peers, I was able to overcome the challenges to get me to the point where I am graduating today.

Any advice you would give your first-year self?

Have an open mind and really put yourself out there. Make yourself uncomfortable if you have to. Put yourself in labs and experiences within the school that you might not have thought to experience previously. Put yourself out there to learn more and grow as a student.

Navigate with the arrows to learn more about the Class of 2026 and their time in medical and graduate school.

Ask the Expert: A Conversation With Anna Barbieri, MD, Clinical Strategy Leader for the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness

Updated on May 6, 2026 | Featured, Women's Health, Your Health

A portrait of Anna Barbieri, MD

Anna Barbieri, MD

The new Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness exists to move women’s health care from fragmented encounters to coordinated, whole-person care.

“We know every woman’s health journey is different,” says Anna Barbieri, MD, Clinical Strategy Leader at the Center. “But too often, the experience feels the same with rushed appointments, disconnected specialists, and the burden of coordinating it all yourself. The Rowan Women’s Health Center was created to change that.”

In this Q&A, Dr. Barbieri explains how the Center was created to move women’s health care from fragmented encounters to coordinated, whole-person care by bringing the right experts together, listening deeply, and creating a streamlined plan that supports the whole woman at every stage of life.

In simple terms, what problem is the Center designed to solve?

Fragmentation. Women are often left piecing together care. They have to retell their story, juggle opinions, and try to connect the dots on their own. We bring that care together. Our teams communicate, share a plan, and coordinate the care so patients don’t have to.

How will a patient’s experience feel different?

You won’t feel rushed or dismissed. We take the time to understand what’s happening in your body and your life. Then we build a clear, personalized plan that makes sense across specialties. Care here is holistic, integrated, proactive, and intentional. We are not taking a symptom-by-symptom approach.

 Women often manage separate appointments for hormones, sleep, mental health, and more. How do you simplify that?

Those issues are connected, so that’s where we start. Our guided clinical pathways bring the right experts together under one roof, and the care including appointments is coordinated by a dedicated navigator—essentially a care guide that helps organize the journey through the health care system. There’s a shared plan and clear next steps aimed at eliminating any gaps.

Many women say they don’t feel heard. How is this different?

Being heard isn’t optional. It’s essential to good medicine. We’ve built our model around longer visits, deeper listening, and a culture that takes women’s concerns seriously.

What does coordinated care actually look like from the patient’s perspective?

Seamless. There’s a clear entry point, a thoughtful assessment, and a plan that unfolds over time. Specialists communicate directly with each other, so patients aren’t stuck playing messenger. The personal navigator is the glue making sure all details are taken care of efficiently.

What about major transitions like perimenopause or postpartum recovery?

These aren’t one-visit issues. We support women over time through education, evidence-based treatments, and adjusting care as needs evolve. The goal is thoughtful help with symptoms and long-term health, not crisis-driven visits. It’s impossible to cover all aspects of these transitions such as emotional health, sleep, energy, and gynecologic health in a single 15-minute time slot. That is why we designed our care pathways to unfold in a way that addresses these and other layers of health. For example, we know that women can struggle with sleep problems, and adequate sleep is critical for women’s health and plays a vital role in regulating various functions of your body.

How do you make sure care is truly personalized?

It starts with listening, but it’s also grounded in data and shared decision-making. Every treatment has its intended benefits and trade-offs. We consider a woman’s symptoms, risks, goals, and preferences and build a plan together. What’s right for one patient may not be right for another.

Who might be part of a woman’s care team?

Depending on her needs, that could include gynecology, cardiology, endocrinology, behavioral health, nutrition, pelvic floor therapy, and more. The difference is that everyone works within a shared model, with shared goals.

What excites you most about the future of women’s health care?

We’re moving from reactive, episodic care to integrated, lifelong care. That means connecting hormonal health in young adulthood to midlife and beyond, integrating emotional and cognitive health, and blending medical treatments with lifestyle strategies. We’re also bringing research directly into clinical care so knowledge advances faster.

Learn more about the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness
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A Tennis Lesson: My Friend Was Having a Stroke While We Played Tennis and Didn’t Know It

Updated on May 23, 2026 | Featured, Your Health

Author David Schwab, left, and his tennis partner James

My friend recently had a stroke while we were playing tennis and didn’t know it.

This may seem hard to believe. But it was confirmed after a visit to the Emergency Room, hours after we had stopped running around the court and smashing tennis balls.

James, 62, is one of the fittest guys I know and one of the most intense competitors on the tennis court. Thanks to medical professionals, he is fine now. After spending three days in the hospital, where he was treated for a stroke and prescribed a blood thinner, he doesn’t have any lasting effects. Doctors are trying to figure out whether this might have been related to a pre-existing condition.

But the lesson is clear: Don’t ignore symptoms, and call 911 immediately if you suspect a stroke, which is the key to recovery and avoiding long-term damage, according to the American Stroke Association. A stroke is a medical emergency and, while those who are older and have existing conditions such as high blood pressure are more at risk, a stroke can happen to anyone, which is the point of Stroke Awareness Month in May.

“We see these kind of cases all the time. Strokes can happen for all kinds of reasons, including in people who are healthy and have minor symptoms,” says Laura Stein, MD, MPH, Associate Professor, Neurology, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, who treats patients and is a researcher who focuses on improving the detection of strokes and the emergency services available to treat patients.

Laura Stein, MD, MPH

“Stroke can be very subtle, and patients need to take any sudden change in neurologic function seriously,” she says. In fact, if you suspect stroke you should call 911 and not drive to hospital. That’s because you can begin receiving treatment immediately in the ambulance and because the 911 response system is specifically set up to take you to the hospital best equipped to treat the type of stroke you may be having, according to Dr. Stein.

On the tennis court that morning, something did not seem right from the outset. When we walked on the indoor court as we normally do about 6:30 am, James told me he didn’t feel great. He asked if I had ever seen streaks of light in my eyes. He said something about “bumping into things” at his house that morning. He said he had trouble driving to the club. I was a bit alarmed. For most people, these signs might be discounted as early morning fog before you have your coffee. But not him. I suggested he sit down on the chair beside the net. He brushed me off and popped open a new can of balls.

Most people may associate strokes with obvious symptoms, such as a drooping face or slurring your words. But other key signs can be more subtle, such as balance loss, vision changes, and speech difficulty as James was experiencing.

So we began playing as if nothing were wrong. We are pretty strong players. We don’t sit around much. Our goal is to hit as many tennis balls, as hard as we can, for at least an hour and 15 minutes. I’m not in such great shape, so occasionally I try to stop early. But he normally won’t have it. We played for 90 minutes as we often do.

During this time, he seemed a bit off, not so much in how hard he was hitting the ball but in his manner on the court. He seemed at times a bit subdued, unfocused, agitated. You would notice things like this because this guy is normally so focused when we’re playing.

When we finally did stop, we stood by the net, pulling off our soaked tennis shirts for dry ones and packing our tennis bags. He said he still didn’t feel good. I suggested he sit down. He scoffed at that. But he looked a bit dazed. Some might have that look of exhaustion after an intense workout, but not him. Often he heads to the gym. I asked if he could drive himself home. He paused for a moment, and he seemed to think about that. So I offered to take him. Declined.

I urged him to make sure that he spoke with his wife when he got home; I knew she would know what to do. Unbeknownst to him, I drove behind him to make sure he got to his house, a 15-minute drive away in the northern New Jersey town where we both live.

“Stroke can be very subtle, and patients need to take any sudden change in neurologic function seriously.” — Laura Stein, MD, MPH

When I got home, I was still very concerned. About 20 minutes later I got a text: His wife was taking him to the nearby urgent care center. I was relieved.

The urgent care doctor would immediately send him to the Emergency Department at nearby Overlook Hospital in Summit, New Jersey. The doctor called ahead, so at the ED they were waiting for him at the door with a wheel chair. There were a series of tests. The next day, a neurologist confirmed he had had a stroke, which meant that a clot had blocked the blood supply to a part of his brain. And it probably was related to a pulmonary embolism (a clot in his lung) he had years earlier, something his doctors will be examining further.

 

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Concerned About Aging? You’re Not Alone

Updated on May 6, 2026 | Featured, Your Health

A picture of an older man talking to a younger man

Are you concerned about how you’ll remain healthy as you age? If so, you’re not alone, and there’s something you can do about it.

Many older New Yorkers are concerned about aging well and living a long, healthy life but most have never spoken to their physician about their age-related concerns even while trying a variety of possible remedies, ranging from taking supplements to doing crossword puzzles.

These are among the key findings from a new poll on healthy aging produced by Mount Sinai South Nassau and sponsored by FourLeaf Federal Credit Union.

The survey also found that women are more concerned than men, especially those younger than 70. And 65 percent of all respondents have some concern about memory loss or dementia, according to the “Truth in Medicine” poll of New Yorkers older than 50.

Experts say staying active and engaged with others is key to safeguarding cognitive health.

Mount Sinai South Nassau hosted a panel discussion together with Optimum and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America on Wednesday, April 22. From left: Mount Sinai South Nassau moderators Dana Sanneman, Vice President, Public Affairs and Development, and Joe Calderone, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications and Development; Brigit C. Palathra, MD, FACP, FAAHPM, Chief, Palliative Care, Mount Sinai South Nassau; Adhi Sharma, President, Mount Sinai South Nassau; Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America; and Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Kathryn Geraghty, Mount Sinai South Nassau.

“Healthy aging is not just about adding years to your life, it is about adding quality life to the years that you live,” said Adhi Sharma, MD, President of Mount Sinai South Nassau. “When individuals devote themselves to the prevention of memory loss and chronic disease as they age, they are preserving their independence, dignity, and joy. One way to do that is to be engaged in activities they enjoy, whether it’s volunteering or watching a grandchild or traveling.”

In addition to the fear of dementia, area residents expressed concerns about a variety of other health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

“The findings from the Truth in Medicine poll underscore that aging, cognitive decline, and caregiving are not distant concerns—they are present realities touching families across New York and throughout the United States in profound and urgent ways,” said Charles Fuschillo, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. “The poll data is a call to action. Society must embrace a new mindset—one where healthy aging and caregiver readiness go hand in hand.”

The poll found that in an effort to prevent cognitive decline associated with a progressive neurological disorder, many New Yorkers turn to a variety of possible remedies, including taking vitamin supplements, prescription drugs, exercise, and even playing brain games and crossword puzzles.

Here are some of the specific findings from the poll:

  • 69 percent of all respondents (and 77 percent of women polled age 70 or older) take vitamin supplements.
  • 47 percent of respondents take prescription drugs in an attempt to possibly prevent or delay cognitive decline.
  • 41 percent of all respondents and 52 percent of women younger than 70 exercise.
  • 35 percent of all respondents (and 51 percent of women age 70 or older) play brain games, such as puzzles and crosswords.
  • 30 percent of all respondents (and 39 percent of women younger than 70) follow a strict or limited diet.
  • 26 percent of all respondents (and 32 percent of women younger than 70) practice weightlifting and balance training.

The Truth in Medicine poll is part of Mount Sinai South Nassau’s mission of outreach to improve education around critical public health issues. A panel discussion to review the results of the poll was hosted by Optimum in their theatre on Wednesday, April 22.

The poll aims to gather data about public attitudes on key public health topics and spur education and discussion. The poll was conducted from Thursday, March 12, through Wednesday, March 18. Poll findings are subject to a sampling error of plus or minus 3.9 percent.

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Shaping a Future in Health Care Operations: An MHA Student’s Experience at Mount Sinai

Apr 28, 2026 | Featured, School

A portrait of Maria Carrasco

“The MHA program gave me more than academic preparation; it gave me the confidence and tools to step into my future as a health care leader,” says Maria Carrasco.

Maria Carrasco is a second-year student in the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She is an international student from the Dominican Republic and has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Florida International University.

In this Q&A, she discusses how she believes the curriculum and mentorship at Mount Sinai is preparing her to become an effective health care leader.

Why did you choose to study at Mount Sinai?

I chose to pursue my Master of Health Administration at the Icahn School of Medicine because of its strong reputation in health care leadership and its commitment to patient-centered care. I was looking for a program that would challenge me academically while also preparing me for real-world health care environments, and the school felt like the right place from the start.

From my first semester, I felt supported by professors and mentors who genuinely care about our growth and preparation. In every class, they took time to connect with us, encourage our critical thinking, and relate course material to real health care challenges.

What course has had the biggest impact on you so far?

Every course has had a lasting impact; they have helped me understand how strong leadership and organizational culture directly influence patient care and employee engagement. Learning about health care systems and management strategies deepened my appreciation for the role administrators play in creating efficient and compassionate environments.

One course that had a particularly strong impact on me was Health Care Operations in my first semester. Through this class, I realized that this is the area of health care I truly want to pursue in my career. It helped me see how behind-the-scenes processes directly affect patient care, staff experiences, and overall outcomes. Learning about workflow design, resource management, and operational efficiency showed me how meaningful this work can be, especially when done with intention and compassion. The course gave me clarity and confidence in my professional direction, and it reinforced my desire to be part of improving health care systems in practical, sustainable ways.

Can you share your experience as an international student in the MHA program?

As an international student, the MHA program has played a huge role in helping me grow both professionally and personally. It has prepared me to become a health care leader by teaching me how to think strategically, work collaboratively, and make informed decisions in a new health care system and culture. Through case studies, group projects, and applied coursework, I’ve learned how to evaluate health care processes, manage resources, and approach challenges with both structure and empathy. The program has also strengthened my communication skills and given me the confidence to navigate complex health care settings.

What part of the MHA program has been the most important?

Beyond academics, the program has helped me connect my passion for helping others with practical leadership skills, reinforcing my desire to help health care systems become more efficient and compassionate. I now feel prepared to support operational improvements, advocate for patients, and be part of building stronger health care organizations. The MHA program gave me more than academic preparation; it gave me the confidence and tools to step into my future as a health care leader.

What are your plans upon completing your MHA degree?

I’m graduating from the MHA program in June 2026. I hope to work in an operations role within a health system. I want to improve processes, particularly how care is delivered to patients. The patient experience can be confusing and difficult, and I want to address operational challenges to make it easier for them.

Learn more about the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program at Mount Sinai

AMPATH Nepal Research Day: Innovation Through Collaboration

Updated on Apr 24, 2026 | AIGH, Featured

Biraj Man Karmacharya, MBBS, PhD, MS, left, and Ram KM Shrestha, MD, review scientific posters at Research Day.

Dhulikhel Hospital in Dhulikhel, Nepal, recently hosted the first AMPATH Nepal Research Day, coming alive with ideas, energy, and a shared sense of purpose.

Supported by AMPATH Nepal and held in collaboration with Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences and the Arnhold Institute for Global Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, the day was a celebration of research, partnerships, and people. The theme, “Innovation Through Collaboration,” was not merely a slogan; it was the lived experience of everyone involved.

Archana Shrestha, PhD, MPH, Co-Director of AMPATH Nepal, first had the vision of establishing Dhulikhel Hospital’s own Research Day for clinicians, researchers, students, and partners to share knowledge and inspire one another.

More than 200 participants attended AMPATH Nepal’s first Research Day.

Watching that vision turn into reality was incredibly rewarding. The response exceeded our expectations, with 38 oral presentations, 62 poster presentations, and 263 participants gathered under one roof. The audience included researchers, clinicians, medical residents, students, and dignitaries from Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, the Arnhold Institute, and AMPATH Nepal, reflecting the strength of our national and international partnerships.

As the Project Coordinator, this journey was deeply meaningful to me. From organizing and coordinating the event to hosting sessions, keeping time, troubleshooting behind the scenes, and even performing on stage in a dance with fellow researchers, every role reminded me that successful events, like successful research, are built through collective effort. Months of hard work culminated in a day filled with learning, teamwork, joy, and growth.

Members of the Arnhold Institute’s AMPATH Nepal team celebrate the start of Research Day.

The journey began three months before Research Day, with planning that was both ambitious and meticulous.

To manage the scale of the event, we formed 20 committees, each entrusted with specific responsibilities that together ensured the seamless execution of the day. Every detail mattered, from participant registration and scientific session alignment to logistics, documentation, cultural performances, and live streaming. What stood out most was how harmoniously these teams worked, communicating across roles and stepping in for one another whenever needed. That collaboration was innovation in its truest form.

Celebrating collaboration and connection as core elements of impactful research

The opening ceremony set the tone beautifully. As we began with a lamp lighting and the Nepali national anthem, the atmosphere was filled with pride and anticipation. Along with my co-host, Sagar Adhikari, MDS, BDS, I had the honor of welcoming our esteemed guests and participants. Dr. Archana Shrestha’s opening remarks reminded us that progress happens when ideas, institutions, and individuals come together with a shared purpose. Speakers Ram KM Shrestha, MD, founder and Executive Director of Dhulikhel Hospital; Dr. Biraj Man Karmacharya, MBBS, PhD, MS, Administrative Director of Dhulikhel Hospital; and AMPATH Nepal Director Rose House, MD, further highlighted the importance of collaboration in strengthening research and health systems in Nepal.

The Department of Community Programs perform a cultural dance, emphasizing the importance of human connection in research

The keynote sessions truly embodied the theme of innovation through collaboration. Namita Ghimire, PhD, Chief of Ethical Review and Monitoring and Evaluation from the Nepal Health Research Council, offered invaluable insights into ethical governance, national and international research collaboration, and the evolving research landscape in Nepal. Her reflections emphasized that innovation must always be grounded in ethics and accountability.

Tim Mercer, MD, MPH, Director of AMPATH México/MAPAS, shared compelling experiences from his work, illustrating how partnerships across borders and communities can transform health systems. His discussion on community engagement, mental health integration, and addressing non-communicable diseases reinforced the idea that sustainable innovation grows out of collaboration with the people we aim to serve.

Beyond scientific rigor, the day also celebrated culture and connection. The welcome dance performed by the Dhulikhel Hospital Department of Community Programs was a joyful reminder that creativity and innovation flourish together when people unite. Moments like these added warmth and humanity to Research Day, reminding us that collaboration extends beyond academia into shared experiences and collective pride.

The takeaway: Meaningful research ecosystems are not built by individuals alone

As a project coordinator, the responsibilities were many and often demanding, but they were balanced by the incredible support of the entire team. Every challenge was met with cooperation, every success shared collectively.

This Research Day reinforced my belief that meaningful research ecosystems are not built by individuals alone, but by teams that trust one another and work toward a shared vision. I am deeply grateful for everyone who came together to achieve this milestone for AMPATH Nepal.

As we look ahead to our second Research Day in 2026, I hope this inaugural event continues to inspire stronger partnerships, ethical and impactful research, and a future where shared knowledge leads to shared progress.

Prapti Giri, BDS, MPH, is the Program Coordinator for AMPATH Nepal.