Student Sooyun Caroline Tavolacci, MD, MSCR, Shares How Mount Sinai Inspired Her to Study Thoracic Oncology and Enhanced Her Career in Medicine

Apr 9, 2024 | Featured, School

Sooyun Caroline Tavolacci, MD, MSCR

Sooyun Caroline Tavolacci, MD, MSCR, is a first-year student in the PhD in Clinical Research Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. As a graduate of the Master of Science in Clinical Research program, she reflects on her experiences and achievements, and discusses why she chose Mount Sinai for her PhD education.

What brought you to Icahn Mount Sinai as a master’s student?

Five months after arriving in the U.S. following my graduation from medical school in South Korea, I began searching for a master’s program. While I had gained experience in basic science research throughout my medical education, I lacked exposure to translational and clinical research. I sought a program that would bridge the gap between scientific research and clinical practice. Mount Sinai’s Graduate School seemed ideal for gaining insight into both realms and stood out for its distinguished physicians and scientists.

What were some of your achievements as a master’s student?

Nearly every course I undertook was an eye-opening experience. I was able to directly apply the research methodology and statistics I learned in class to real-world projects. Engaging in discussions with colleagues from diverse backgrounds provided invaluable insights into different aspects of the U.S. health system.

I joined the lab of Fred Hirsh, MD, PhD, at the Center for Thoracic Oncology at the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Institute and gained translational science experience while working on a National Institutes of Health-funded COVID-19 study in patients with lung cancer. I interacted with patients daily, observed clinic encounters, and gained more than just research experience under the guidance of Jorge Gomez, MD, and Nicholas Rohs, MD. In the lab, while working alongside two postdoctoral fellows, translational scientist Philip Mack, PhD, virologists, immunologists, pathologists, and statisticians, and simultaneously utilizing cutting-edge techniques to analyze serological responses, I gained invaluable experience in basic science research and statistical analysis. In my second year, I also explored the efficacy of treatment in lung cancer patients with Dr. Hirsch and Rajwanth Veluswamy, MD, MSCR, who is also a graduate of my master’s program. I participated in two studies: one evaluating the difference in the efficacy of immune treatment between sexes in lung cancer patients, and another investigating radiation pneumonitis among locally advanced lung cancer patients who received chemoradiation. I presented three abstracts as a first author at national and local conferences and published two articles under my mentors’ guidance.

Beyond my education and thesis project, I had the privilege of meeting several cardiothoracic surgeons and collaborating on research with them. I engaged in student activities and worked together with graduate and medical students on various projects. The Mount Sinai community is diverse and extensive, and I am grateful to have met such outstanding mentors and colleagues who will undoubtedly remain assets even after I graduate from the program.

What attracted you to this area of study?

Throughout my pre-medicine education, I had an exceptional professor, Ho-Yeon Song, MD, PhD, at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Soon Chun Hyang University, who sparked my interest in immunology. During my medical education, this interest further developed, particularly in transplantation medicine. At the time of my graduation from medical school, I was considering general surgery or cardiothoracic surgery for my specialty. I was drawn to thoracic oncology due to my longstanding interest in immunology and cardiothoracic surgery.

Why continue your education with a PhD in Clinical Research?

The two years of training in the master’s program were intense and filled with invaluable experiences. While I felt close to achieving my goal of becoming an independent physician-scientist, I recognized the need for more practice and experience. By the end of my master’s program, my mentors provided me with opportunities to continuously work on their projects. I also refined my interest in health outcomes research and wanted to pursue advanced statistical courses that would be highly beneficial for analyzing large health care data in comparative effectiveness studies. I felt like once I started my graduate medical training, I might not have dedicated time for research unless I had continuous mentorship and my own projects.

I appreciated the flexibility of my master’s program, which allowed students to gain real-world experience and tailor their education. Therefore, I was determined to continue my education in the same program, even if it meant self-funding. With the experience I gained at the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Institute, I was offered a promising position. However, just over six months into my new role, I faced the decision of whether to continue both work and pursue a second doctoral education.

Thanks to Mark Hurwitz, MD, Department Chair/Director of Radiation Medicine at New York Medical College and Westchester Medical Center, who supported my decision to pursue a PhD while maintaining my work duties and readily agreed to be my mentor, I am balancing both work and education. Recently, I applied for a grant to initiate my outcome research project under his guidance before entering the dissertation phase. Having mentors at Mount Sinai and in the field of medicine through the PhD program has been a great source of support as I navigate my career.

What are your plans after you complete your PhD?

After completing my second year in the PhD program and transitioning into the dissertation phase, I intend to apply for graduate medical education in surgery or cardiothoracic surgery. While pursuing training in my desired field, I aim to concurrently work on my dissertation project. My ultimate goal is to become a surgeon-scientist.

Learn more about the PhD in Clinical Research Program

Alumni Kiran Nagdeo, BDS, MPH, Shares How Mount Sinai Enabled Her to Integrate Her Oral Health Experience Into a Public Health Career

Mar 29, 2024 | Community, Featured, School

Kiran Nagdeo, BDS, MPH

Kiran Nagdeo earned her BDS degree at D.Y. Patil University School of Dentistry in India and has eight years of clinical experience. She recently graduated from the Master of Public Health program, specializing in Global Health (Epidemiology and Biostatistics) from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Why did you decide to study at Icahn Mount Sinai?

The main reason I chose Mount Sinai is because it’s one of largest academic medical systems in the New York metro area. That gives you hope that it will open multiple opportunities, which it did. Another big reason was that the location really mattered to me. Mount Sinai is located very close to Central Park, and close to the subway, which made commuting easier.

What attracted you to study Public Health? What about it inspires you?

I was a completely clinically oriented dentist, practicing in India, and I was happy—until COVID-19 hit. It was during the pandemic that I realized the importance of broader level or upscale interventions. I had been working on an individual level—patient-doctor one to one relationship—but if I was equipped back then, I could have helped and contributed on a bigger scale to support many more people. Around this time, I decided to pursue public health.

My love and passion for dentistry and oral health is strong, and I have embraced avenues for my continued interest in this area. I have learned that there isn’t a heavy focus on oral health in the public health sector. There are very few select professionals, who usually tend to have a dental background, who have contributed to dental public health.

My goal going forward is the integration of oral health in public health and to advance maternal and child health. Women are key change agents, and children are the future we are bringing this change about for.

What were some of your achievements as a master’s student?

During my time in the Graduate Program in Public Health, I am proud to have accomplished so much. This includes: Two full text publications with multiple under review and work in progress publications; attending four conferences with about ten presentations; participating in the global health summer research program, which included visiting Rikers Island for shadowing the dental team and the medical complex care services team; participating in a Community-based Participatory Research Program in Queens; honored with winning four awards; and being inducted into the Delta Omega honorary society.

What activities outside the classroom have contributed to your success?

I’ve been the most active with the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), and I owe all my success to Hyewon Lee, DMD, MPH, DrPH, the Chair of the Oral Health Workgroup (OHWG). She has elevated me and invested in my growth on a professional as well a personal level. I would not have been as successful or learned as much without her mentorship. I am currently the Vice Chair of the workgroup, directly under Dr. Lee’s leadership. I had my first ever publication with her, and first ever presentation at the largest public health conference, the American Public Health Association.

I’ve also participated in many research activities. I worked as a research assistant in Mount Sinai’s Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, which helped in my professional growth and development. I learned the basics of research thanks to my professor Maayan Yitshak-Sade, PhD, and Vishal Midya, PhD. They laid the foundation for my understanding in research.

I’ve been involved in several student organizations within Icahn Mount Sinai. This kind of exposure led me to gain more perspective as a graduate student in a medical school. I’ve held two positions in the student council in my time at Icahn Mount Sinai, most recently being the second year class representative for MPH. Along with that I’ve led five other organizations, while participating in many more. Even as a student, my strongest skill has been collaborations; I’ve collaborated with postdocs, medical students, MD/PhD students, different groups that I’m leading, and other student body structures, while leading the planning of multiple events. I’ve noticed how collaborations help us all bring our resources and friends together to have a much bigger event that is mutually beneficial.

I’ve also written for The Scoop, which is the MPH newsletter, on racism in public health. And written in the Helen journal about my unforgettable experience at the AADMD One Voice conference.I completed a student leadership in global oral health course with the Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders (AOHAB). That led to working closely with the president of AOHAB, Deborah Weisfuse, DMD, MSc, and I now hold a leadership position of Program Director in the organization.

I’m currently a part of the American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH) Dental Public Health Leadership Academy (DHPLA) as a student leader. I also hold leadership positions at APHA, as External Relations Co-Chair in the APHA Student Assembly, Student Fellow in the Maternal and Child Health Sections, and a member of the Scientific Planning Committee in the Oral Health Section. I’ve also had the opportunity to be a teaching assistant for Maya Korin, PhD, MS, and Laura MacIsaac, MD, MPH, for MPH students, and for Georgina Osorio, MD, MPH, and Gallane Abraham, MD, for Clinical Research Students.

What are your plans now that you have completed your degree?

I will be continuing my work as a research assistant in the Microbial Exposomics lab under the leadership of Dr. Midya and Shoshannah Eggers, PhD, in the Department of Environmental Medicine and Climate Science at Icahn Mount Sinai, in collaboration with the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Iowa. I will be continuing my commitments at WFPHA, APHA, and AOHAB. I have been accepted and will be pursuing my PhD of Public Health in Epidemiology at New York University School of Global Public Health.

Learn more about the Master of Public Health Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Match Day 2024: Entering Specialties With Great Need

Updated on Mar 29, 2024 | Community, Featured, School

Fourth-year MD Icahn School of Medicine students receiving their placements on Match Day, Friday, March 15, from left to right: Amina Avril, Claire Ufongene, Candida Damian, Yhan Colón Ibán, and Charlotte Pierce.

Match Day represents a milestone for fourth-year medical students across the country—it’s when they receive their placements for the residency programs they’ve applied to. On Friday, March 15, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai’s Class of 2024 congregated at the Guggenheim Pavilion for Match Day, and 133 students matched to 26 different specialties across the nation.

Michael Leitman, MD, Professor of Surgery, and Medical Education, at Icahn Mount Sinai, and Dean for Graduate Medical Education, observes Match Day closely because it reflects the physician pipeline. In several critical areas, he says, most notably the primary care specialties (internal medicine, general pediatrics, family medicine, and geriatrics) and psychiatry, the supply of new doctors entering these specialties is barely sufficient to meet demand.

“These are areas where we are seeing low match rates among students, and we suspect that students are gravitating towards careers in more lucrative specialties in part because they’re concerned about debt,” says Dr. Leitman.

According to the National Resident Matching Program, the organization conducting the Main Residency Match, for the Class of 2024 MD seniors, 87.8 percent of family medicine residency positions were filled, compared to most other programs, which were filled 100 percent—or close to. Pediatrics and psychiatry programs had unfilled positions in this year’s match too.

A 2021 report from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) forecasts a primary care physician shortage of 18,000 to 48,000 in 2034. The big problem this shortage creates is that primary care is where important screenings are done, such as hypertension.

Positions filled in specialties with high need: 2024 vs 2023

Specialty 2024 2023
Family Medicine 87.8% 88.7%
Pediatrics 91.8% 97.1%
Psychiatry 99.5% 99.0%

“In the areas that we serve at The Mount Sinai Hospital, which includes East Harlem, we have to think about the loss of family medicine doctors who will not be available to care for this population, which will only further reinforce the health care disparities we are working so hard to correct,” says Dr. Leitman.

“Although historically, students from Icahn Mount Sinai have matched to primary care fields at lower rates than other specialties, this year’s Match represented the highest number of students matching into primary care specialties,” says Tara K Cunningham, EdD, MS, Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Associate Professor of Medical Education, who leads the team responsible for career and residency advising at Icahn Mount Sinai. Last year, Dr. Cunningham says, two students entered pediatrics. “This year, a record-breaking 11 students are going into pediatrics.”

Icahn Mount Sinai’s Class of 2024 has more students placing into primary care and neurology than any other graduating class in school history. The most popular specialties for the class are internal medicine (28), pediatrics (11), anesthesiology (10), obstetrics (8), gynecology (8), neurology (7), ophthalmology (7), and psychiatry (7).

Two MD seniors entering residency programs in specialties with high need share their thoughts on their matches and what they hope to achieve in their respective fields.

Stephanie Ureña, Family Medicine program at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center

What are your thoughts on your match, and tell me about the programs you applied for?

I am very happy with my result because this was my top choice. I wanted to stay in New York City and work with an underserved, majority-Hispanic population. I mostly applied to programs in New York City and Philadelphia because these are both places where I had a community. I was born and raised in the Bronx and this is where most of my immediate family is. I went to school at the University of Pennsylvania so I also had some friends there and some family that had also moved there.

What do you know about the challenges of the specialty you’re entering, and how do you think you might be able to overcome them?

I am going into family medicine and given the current medical system, there is never enough time for visits. Additionally, patients’ health is connected to social determinants of health and there are often not enough resources to keep patients healthy.

I plan on learning to prioritize pressing health issues for quick visits given the time crunch. I also plan on immersing myself into the community that I practice in so that I can learn about community resources that address some of their social determinants of health.

What inspired you to go into medicine in the first place?

I had a really awesome pediatrician growing up who was my constant cheerleader. I remember looking forward to his visits because he just wanted to catch up on life and would always teach me ways to stay healthy. Then as I grew up, I realized how much I liked science and was fascinated by the human body so I decided to continue to pursue a path in medicine.

What impact do you hope to achieve in your specialty?

For family medicine, I hope to continue to provide patient-centered health care and expand on my knowledge of community resources. I would ideally like to have a system in which I refer my patients to community resources that address their social determinants of health. I would also like to create more pipeline programs that bring students from the local community into medical schools that are in their community. I envision myself joining a community board and advocating for the community needs.

Candida Damian, Pediatrics/Psychiatry/Child Psychiatry Triple Board program at Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital

What are your thoughts on your match, and tell me about the programs you applied for?

I am very excited. There are only 11 Triple Board programs in the country, so I am super grateful to have matched. Since there are limited triple board positions, I applied for categorical psychiatry positions as well. I wanted to match into a Triple Board program because I am deeply passionate about the intersection of pediatrics and psychiatry, and am drawn to the diversity of experiences and the unique skill set that Triple Board training offers.

What do you know about the challenges of the specialty you’re entering, and how do you think you might be able to overcome them?

Entering a Triple Board program presents the challenge of navigating multiple specialties and wearing different hats, requiring adaptability and flexibility. I plan to overcome this by really leaning into my training and always asking for help.

There is a huge need, especially, for child psychiatrists. Mental health in children is a public health crisis. Entering a field with a high, under-met need is both daunting and inspiring. It underscores the urgency and importance of my chosen path. I see it as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals and communities who are underserved and often marginalized. By entering these fields, I aim to contribute to closing the gap in access to quality health care and improving outcomes for those in need.

What inspired you to go into medicine in the first place?

It has been my childhood dream to become a doctor. However, due to many external factors, I had believed a profession in medicine was just too far out of my reach. The idea of attending college was daunting enough, not to speak of attending medical school. I was committed to providing compassionate care for patients, so I channeled my energy into going to nursing school.

I will never forget the day as a third-year nursing student that I met a 16-year-old patient who confided in me about the events that led up to her being admitted into the psychiatric hospital. She had dreams of going to college and becoming a marine biologist. However, the external hardships she faced made her doubtful that she could accomplish her goals. She told me, “You know more about me than the doctors here do. I feel like I can tell you anything.”

We could relate to each other, we had similar upbringings, and I learned that just my presence alone was able to give patients that feeling of safety they often lacked. I recognized that all of the reasons that led me to believe I could not become a physician were actually the reasons why I needed to become a physician.

That patient’s story and trust in me during my nursing rotation helped me believe, for the first time, that becoming a physician was attainable. My determination to make a difference outweighed the fear. That day, I Googled “How to get into medical school” and the rest was history.

What impact do you hope to achieve in your specialty?

In my specialty, I hope to provide compassionate and comprehensive care to vulnerable populations, especially children and families who have endured significant abuse and neglect. My aim is to intervene promptly and treat both their physical and mental health needs at each developmental milestone, while fostering trust, empowerment, and providing a safe environment for healing and growth. I am dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of trauma and I am on a mission to help break down the many barriers faced so that future generations have the opportunity to pursue their dreams despite external challenges.

A New Fellowship Program at Mount Sinai Will Help Shape the Next Generation of Health Care Leaders

Updated on Oct 25, 2023 | Community, Featured, School

The Graduate Medical Education (GME) program at the Icahn School of Medicine and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences have announced the launch of the Health Care Administration, Leadership, and Management Fellowship for early career stage physicians.

This ACGME-accredited fellowship program is designed to offer physicians a comprehensive experience combining the academic rigor of the school’s Masters of Health Administration (MHA) program with hands-on training in Graduate Medical Education. This collaboration will provide fellows with a well-rounded education encompassing leadership development, health care administration, quality improvement, and patient safety, among other critical areas.

“I want to grow as a leader in the next three to five years. I see myself as a physician executive who can help make decisions on how to make health care better and create new health care delivery models that are equitable.” — Shantheri Shenoy, MBBS

“The fellowship is unique because it brings together excellent classroom-based learning and unique rotations across the Mount Sinai Health System, which makes for a physician who is poised to lead,” said Brijen Shah, MD, Fellowship Director, Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education, and Professor, Medicine (Gastroenterology) at Icahn Mount Sinai. “This program provides a unique chance to get a peek behind the curtain of how health care is delivered and to advance and be part of diverse teams to solve health care problems.”

Shantheri Shenoy, MBBS

The MHA program provides the academic and curricular side of the fellowship requirements, while GME provides experience on the clinical side through rotations in various departments within the Health System.

The fellow will gain practical insights into the operational aspects of managing a health care organization while collaborating with a diverse team of health care professionals. Additionally, the fellow will have access to a network of faculty members, accomplished alumni, and industry experts, who will provide mentorship and guidance. Upon completing the program, the fellow will receive a Masters in Health Administration degree.

The inaugural fellow is Shantheri Shenoy, MBBS, who started the fellowship in September and will be in the program for two years. Dr. Shenoy is the Associate Division Chief of Hospital Medicine at Mount Sinai West and Assistant Professor, Medicine (Hospital Medicine, Nephrology) at Icahn Mount Sinai. She completed her internal medicine internship and residency at Maimonides Medical Center followed by a fellowship in nephrology at New York Medical College – Westchester Medical Center. Dr. Shenoy completed the Greater New York Hospital Association Clinical Quality Fellowship Program in 2019. She has planned and implemented several projects on high-value care and patient safety, and she has presented them at national and international conferences.

“I want to grow as a leader in the next three to five years. I see myself as a physician executive who can help make decisions on how to make health care better and create new health care delivery models that are equitable” she said. “Addressing the social determinants of health and patient safety are focus areas for me.”

Dr. Shenoy said the fellowship offers valuable experience. “I’ve been meeting leaders in my hospital and throughout the Health System,” she said. “My experience was at the hospital level, so this is giving me a good sense of the health care industry overall. The courses are easy to accommodate with my schedule. The fellowship gives me a hands-on experience for what I’m learning in my courses. You get to see what you have learned in theory.”

The fellowship is the result of the Graduate School’s partnering with GME on this first-of-its kind, ACGME-accredited program, according to Brian Nickerson, PhD, JD, who is the MHA Program Director and Senior Associate Dean for Master’s Programs. “It is a truly unique collaboration reflecting Mount Sinai’s commitment to building leadership for tackling today’s complex health care issues,” he said.

“This fellowship will serve as a stepping stone for aspiring physician leaders who seek to make a significant impact in the health care industry,” he added. “By fostering a deeper understanding of health care management principles and fostering strong clinical acumen, fellows will be uniquely positioned to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in health care delivery.”

 

To learn more about the Health Care Administration, Leadership, and Management Fellowship for early career stage physicians, contact Fellowship Director Brijen Shah, MD, Fellowship Director, or Brian Nickerson, PhD, MHA Program Director.

Why a PhD in Biomedical Sciences? Student Ashley Richardson, MSBS, Shares How Mount Sinai Inspired Her to Study Immunology and Microbiology

Updated on Oct 13, 2023 | Research, School

Among the first-year matriculating PhD students who participated in the 2023 Lab Coat Ceremony at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai was Ashley Richardson, MSBS. In the following Q & A, Ms. Richardson, who is a graduate of the Master of Science in Biomedical Science program, discusses her experiences and aspirations, and why she chose to continue her education at Mount Sinai.

What brought you to Icahn Mount Sinai as a master’s student?

I thought Mount Sinai’s program was really unique because you had the opportunity to do a lot of research and also get clinical experience. At that time, I was deciding between two paths. I knew that I really loved research but I also considered going to medical school. I love that this program allowed me to explore both options. When I was here, I found it to be an amazing program. I had great mentors and the community was great, which inspired me to stay longer.

What were some of your achievements as a master’s student?

I was able to participate in EHOP (East Harlem Outreach Partnership), a student-run clinic at Mount Sinai and, as the Women’s Health Referrals Manager, I got very involved with the organization and the local community. I also worked in a research lab under Dr. Dusan Bogunovic and wrote my thesis paper on genetic susceptibility to Zika Virus infection.

What attracted you to this area of study?

I was attracted to immunology and microbiology because I had a really fabulous professor at the University of Villanova when I was completing my undergraduate degree. He taught us how to analyze research papers, how to truly understand the research that was happening, and how to critique them. At Mount Sinai, I’ve had great mentors who have further increased my interest in these areas.

Why a PhD in Biomedical Sciences?

I’m interested in knowing more about why some individuals respond differently to viral infections. Some people get seriously ill, while others only experience a minor infection. I’m curious about understanding the genetics that can lead to these differences. I hope to further my confidence and ability to lead research projects. I want to keep going forth to understand genetics. My previous skills are mostly in immunology, so I’m aiming to combine this with new knowledge about genetics.

Lab Coat Ceremony for PhD and MD/PhD Students Marks the Start of New Journeys in Research and Training

Updated on Oct 13, 2023 | Featured, Research, School

Amid cheers and applause, first-year PhD students and third-year MD/PhD students received crisp white lab coats to mark the start of their journeys into academic research and training during a recent ceremony held by the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. The lab coats symbolize the professionalism and authority that trainees will develop and nurture during their time at Mount Sinai.

“Our PhD programs in biomedical sciences, neuroscience, and clinical research provide rigorous collaborative training that prepares our students to spearhead the next generation of scientific and medical breakthroughs,” said Marta Filizola, PhD, Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and the Sharon & Frederick A. Klingenstein-Nathan G. Kase, MD Professor as she welcomed the students, faculty, and guests.

Marta Filizola, PhD

Today’s biomedical and clinical research efforts, she said, must help “solve complex problems and find solutions grounded in data and their rigorous statistical analysis. We are branching out into new realms of research that leverage artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies in medicine to improve patient health and quality of life. Our students are a crucial part of this growth.” Dr. Filizola is also Professor of Pharmacological Sciences, Neuroscience, and Artificial Intelligence and Human Health.

Eric J. Nestler, MD, PhD, Dean for Academic Affairs at Icahn Mount Sinai, and Chief Scientific Officer for the Mount Sinai Health System told the students: “We want you to aim high…Don’t settle on a project because it’s easy and doable. Instead, take a chance by studying something that in its own small way will change the world.”

Why a PhD in Biomedical Sciences? Click here to read how student Mount Sinai lnspired student Ashley Richardson to study immunology and microbiology.

Dr. Nestler said, “I’ve given a lot of thought over the years to what constitutes the essential ingredients for such an undertaking. First, is novelty. Dr. Albert Einstein once said, ‘If you do what you always did, you will get what you always got.’” He also mentioned relevance of the work, technical innovation, creativity, collaboration, perseverance—and “having an available and generous principal investigator and other members of your lab who can also help with brainstorming, troubleshooting, and collaborative experiments [and who] should also support your goals of thinking big, having big expectations for yourself, and publishing your work as high-impact papers in respected, peer-reviewed journals.” Dr. Nestler is also Director of The Friedman Brain Institute and Nash Family Professor of Neuroscience at Icahn Mount Sinai.

Eric J. Nestler, MD, PhD

Genomic scientist Brynn Levy, M.Sc.(Med), PhD, FACMG, who received his PhD degree in clinical cytogenetics from Mount Sinai in 1999 and is world-renowned in the clinical utility of genomic technologies in reproductive medicine, gave an insightful speech about his own educational journey and experiences.

“The first piece of advice I have for you is: be an active participant in your profession, and get involved. As you begin to entrench yourself in your profession, try to be more than just a sideline observer,” he told the students. Also, “It’s important to enjoy what you do” and to “treat every day as a learning experience. Identify great mentors and embrace them, as great mentors teach you more than just medicine and science.”

Dr. Levy is Professor of Pathology and Cell Biology at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), Medical Director of the Clinical Cytogenetics Laboratory at New York Presbyterian Hospital, and Co-Director of the Laboratory of Personalized Genomic Medicine at CUIMC.

Dr. Levy said that he was fortunate to have “two amazing mentors”—the late Kurt Hirshhorn, MD, at Mount Sinai, and the late Dorothy Warburton, PhD, at Columbia, each a trailblazing researcher in the cytogenetics field.

Dr. Hirshhorn was a legendary pediatrician, medical geneticist, and cytogeneticist known for groundbreaking research during his 50-year career at Mount Sinai, which included establishing one of the first laboratories in the nation for clinical chromosome studies. Among his many honors, he was a member of the National Academy of Medicine. “Kurt led by example,” said Dr. Levy. “Over and above his phenomenal accomplishments and knowledge, he taught me how to have confidence in myself. He never micromanaged me, and instead, he gave me autonomy…He taught me the meaning of paying it forward, possessing the insight of the importance of investing in the next generation.”

Brynn Levy, M.Sc.(Med), PhD, FACMG

Dr. Levy concluded: “As you all embark on the exciting new pathway that you’ve chosen for yourselves, I hope you invest in yourselves. Get involved in your field and engage with your community and colleagues. Be curious and treat every day as a lesson in medicine, science, as well as life. Know your limitations, and see those around you as a resource to continuously improve who you are and what you do. In doing so, I trust that every day will be fulfilling, and you will no doubt make an indelible impact on many patients’ lives and on society as a whole.”

With great fanfare, each student was presented with a lab coat, an effort sponsored annually by the Mount Sinai Alumni Association. Standing together and wearing their lab coats, they recited the PhD Oath in unison. “With my Doctor of Philosophy, I willingly pledge to uphold the highest levels of integrity, professionalism, scholarship, and honor,” they said, as they read a set of guiding principles that would start them on their journeys to rewarding and enjoyable careers.

A slideshow of snapshots from the Lab Coat Ceremony

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