Student Ambassadors: Long Island

Ali Ahmad

aahmad19@nyit.edu

He/Him

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Centereach, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Stony Brook University (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: American College of Osteopathic Neurologists and Psychiatrists American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM due to its proximity to family and social support I had on Long Island. I was also heavily influenced through interactions with NYITCOM students doing their elective rotations at an outpatient clinic I previously worked at.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM is special to me because the school emphasizes collaboration over competition. The faculty are very supportive and I enjoy being around students from diverse backgrounds who have unique insights and perspectives to share.

What are your future plans and goals? Currenlty I am interested in pursuing either primary care or psychiatry. I am excited and looking forward to exploring these fields and more in my clinical rotations.

Ononnah Ahmed

oahmed04@nyit.edu

She/Her/Hers

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: North Babylon, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Stony Brook University (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: Student Ambassador, Muslim Student Association, American Medical Women's Association, 1st Year Representative of South Asian Medical Student Association, Rock Steady Boxing

Why did you choose NYITCOM? Having been born in Queens and raised in Long Island, it has been a privilege to receive an exemplary medical education in the same communities I've grown up in and hope to practice in one day. NYITCOM's location aligns with my goals of practicing in NY to serve underserved populations and simultaneously allows me to be close to my support system. Although it is a challenging curriculum, it helps that NYITCOM has a supportive and welcoming community that strives for the success and well-being of its students.

What is special about NYITCOM? I think it's amazing that we consisitently have events planned throughout the semester by different organizations. You can find a community no matter what your interests are clinically or extracurricularly. Being able to pick and choose events that are uniquely interesting to me allows me to individualize my experience.

What are your future plans and goals? A medical education will be my first step in developing the tools and platform to promote accessibility and representation in medicine and science. I aim to become a healthcare professional involved in patient advocacy, social justice initiatives and providing accessible healthcare to all patient populations. I am undecided as of now but am considering Pulmonology, OBGYN, or Pathology to further my goals as an aspiring physician.

Abdullah Ansari

aansar09@nyit.edu

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Alpharetta, GA
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): New York Institute of Technology (BS/DO)
Clubs and Activities: Muslim Student Association

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM because of how highly it was recommended to me by my uncle, who himself is an alumni of the school. Additionally, it was one of my most convenient option as it gave me the opportunity to live somewhere close to my family and friends.

What is special about NYITCOM? While NYITCOM is undoubtedly an excellent school, what really makes it special to me is the close-knit and friendly community. Nearly everyone I've encountered - whether it be students, staff, or alumni - has been extraordinarily helpful and gave me the impression that they really did care about making my experience the best that it could possibly be.

What are your future plans and goals? As of now, I would honestly say that I haven't decided what I'd like to do in the future, as I lack the experience needed to make such a decision. I'd like to specialize in something that I enjoy, something that allows me to genuinely engage with my patients, and something that gives me a good work-life balance.

Kenan Azizi

kazizi@nyit.edu

He/Him

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Mastic, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Stony Brook University (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: American Osteopathic College of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Interest Group American Osteopathic Association Student Ambassador Student Osteopathic Medical Association

Why did you choose NYITCOM? When deciding on where to attend medical school, I was heavily considering schools that were close to home, had a strong reputation, and fostered a supportive community environment. NYITCOM checked all the boxes and then some! The campus has so much to offer in terms of professional growth, research, and enjoying your time during medical through fun events, interactive workshops, and informative Q&A sessions hosted by our multitude of Student Organizations.

What is special about NYITCOM? What makes NYITCOM so special is the kindness we foster in our diverse community. Every time you're walking on campus you are always met with a smile and a warm-hearted greeting. Both fellow students and faculty members go to great lengths to offer their support to one another as we all navigate through a challenging curriculum together.

What are your future plans and goals? Upon graduating medical school my goal is to specialize in Ophthalmology and conduct research on Retinitis Pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease my mother suffers from. However, I am also open to other specialties like Neurology, Gastroenterology, and Pathology. I hope to practice on the East Coast, preferentially in New York.

Priyadarshani Bajracharya

pbajra01@nyit.edu

She/Her

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Sandwich, MA
Highest Education: M.P.H.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Northeastern University (Health Science); Northeastern University (MPH)
Clubs and Activities: American Medical Association; Global Health Organization Food Pantry; Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association; Student Ambassadors

Why did you choose NYITCOM? When it came to choosing a school, I chose NYITCOM to be the start of my medical journey due to the numerous opportunities available for students from the professional organizations on campus to the research labs. Additionally, being from the East Coast, I wanted to stay in this area, which happens to be close to a major city of the United States.

What is special about NYITCOM? Within the first few weeks of attending NYITCOM, I could tell that the people I was surrounded by were hardworking, driven, and passionate individuals. But most importantly, they were caring and supportive, helping each other when needed and being incredibly encouraging to their peers.

What are your future plans and goals? While I am not confirmed of my future plans, I am currently hoping to utilize my medical degree in conjuction with my Master's in Public Health. For the moment, I am looking into a future in internal medicine.

Kelsey Baxter

kbaxte02@nyit.edu

She/Her

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Massena, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (Public Health)
Clubs and Activities: AMERICAN COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNECOLOGISTS AMERICAN MEDICAL WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION MEDICAL STUDENTS FOR CHOICE

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM because of the enthusiasm and love everyone expressed for NYITCOM when I was applying. Faculty and students immediately made it feel like home. This and the impressive statistics and technology the school offered drew me in immediately.

What is special about NYITCOM? The close-knit community and immediate support from the school makes NYITCOM the best place to be. The opportunities and connections are endless and you truly feel like you're being prepared to become a physician.

What are your future plans and goals? I am working towards becoming an OB/GYN and work in underserved communities throughout NY. I hope to integrate my Public Health background and medical degree to better my future community.

Brian Begelman

bbegelma@nyit.edu

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Binghamton University (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: American Medical Student Association, Comparative Animal Motion Laboratory, Maimonides Society

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM for a number of reasons. Firstly, NYITCOM carries with it a strong reputation in the medical world, with multiple prominent physicians who are leaders in their fields. Secondly, NYITCOM offers a great medical education, with a state of the art simulation center and anatomy cadaver lab. NYITCOM also has a phenomenal specialty match rate. All of these reasons are why I chose NYITCOM to be my medical school; I am confident that the education I am getting here will prepare me to become an outstanding physician.

What is special about NYITCOM? The thing that is special to me about NYITCOM is the great people on campus. The faculty at this school are amazing and care about the success of each student. The student body are also all great; there is truly a shared sense of collaboration on campus, with classmates helping each other succeed.

What are your future plans and goals? I am currently undecided as to what specialty I would like to pursue. However, what I do know is that I want to eventually become a teacher and mentor for future medical students.

Logan Bivona

lbivona@nyit.edu

She/Her

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: East Northport, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): University of Delaware (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: N/A

Why did you choose NYITCOM? NYITCOM has a special place in my heart because it is right in the center of the community I grew up in. I also admired the long-standing reputation NYITCOM has for producing competent, well-respected physicians.

What is special about NYITCOM? I believe it is important that medical students are educated in a nurturing environment. All of my classmates and teachers help in my pursuit of medicine. Throughout my year at NYITCOM, I was able to create long-lasting friendships and relationships with any individual I met that will last the entirety of my career.

What are your future plans and goals? With so many options on the horizon, I have not definitively decided what field I would like to enter in medicine. Many of my interests include high energy and close relationships with patients so I am drawn towards fields like emergency medicine and PMNR. However, there is still a lot more for me to be exposed to during the rest of my education so I plan to keep an open mind and trust the process.

Jasmine Chadha

jchadh02@nyit.edu

She/Her/Hers

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Stony Brook University (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians, Culinary Medicine and Nutrition Organization - First Year Representative, Rock Steady Boxing, Student Ambassador

Why did you choose NYITCOM? My decision to attend NYITCOM was motivated by its reputation of producing well-rounded, skilled physicians, many of whom I have been treated by and worked with. I knew that I would earn a high-quality medical education and receive plenty of academic support here. Also, NYITCOM provides clinical rotations across Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island, meaning I would have the opportunity to learn in the communities where I was raised.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM is special because of the immense opportunities provided by the school. There are many organizations that allow you to get involved on campus and in the community in order to supplement our medical education with personal and professional growth. Along with this, there are so many faculty who show genuine care for our learning and provide students with a multitude of resources and help.

What are your future plans and goals? As a lifelong New Yorker, I hope to stay in NYC or Long Island to practice medicine. I would also like to serve other communities through different organizations like Doctors Without Borders. I am interested in a variety of specialities, including pediatrics, neurology, OB-GYN, and cardiology!

Skylar Chau

schau@nyit.edu

She/Her

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: New York, NY
Highest Education: B.A.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): New York University (Psychology)
Clubs and Activities: American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians, American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians, American Medical Women's Association, Disaster Relief Partnership Group, Global Health Certificate Program

Why did you choose NYITCOM? NYITCOM offered the opportunity to pursue an outstanding education with a robust curriculum while staying close to my family and support system. When choosing a medical school, it was imperative for me to select an institution that allowed me to exercise school-life balance regularly and given NYITCOM's course structure and supportive environment, I'm able to cultivate a routine that emphasizes both.

What is special about NYITCOM? Take a walk around campus and you're guaranteed to find a friendly face that's ready to help. The collaboration and care at NYITCOM is unparalleled. Amongst the student body, we are each other's advocates to ensure we all succeed. The faculty at NYITCOM are incredibly approachable and want to actively support and guide students in achieving their goals.

What are your future plans and goals? Currently, I'm interested in pursuing either Emergency Medicine or Pediatrics with an emphasis in global and public health. As a future physician, I hope to work both here at home and abroad, strengthening healthcare access for various populations and championing health policy changes that'll enhance well-being.

Isabella Church

ichurch@nyit.edu

She/Her

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Smithfield, RI
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): University of Rhode Island (Biological Sciences, French)
Clubs and Activities: Rock Steady Boxing, American Medical Student Association

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM because of the school’s excellence in patient care, multitude of research opportunities, and location. When choosing a medical school, I prioritized an education that emphasizes patient centered, evidence informed care in relative proximity to my support network. NYITCOM checks all these boxes and in a welcoming and encouraging environment aimed at helping students succeed.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM is so special because there is something here for everyone. With a wide variety of student organizations, strong research infrastructure, global health opportunities, and concurrent degree programs (just to name a few), NYITCOM offers many ways to find your niche and individualize your medical education.

What are your future plans and goals? I am currently undecided as to what specialty I would like to pursue and am looking forward to exploring my interests as I continue my medical education. Ultimately, I hope to practice in the Northeast in an academic setting, participating in research and teaching to contribute to the advancement of the medical field.

Kristen Coletti

kcoletti@nyit.edu

She/Her

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Dix Hills, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Binghamton University (Integrative Neuroscience)
Clubs and Activities: American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians American Medical Women's Association Association of Women Surgeons Student Osteopathic Medical Association Academic Affairs Committeewoman Free Health Clinic Volunteer Fit Physicians SOMA Mentorship Program

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM because of its long-standing establishment as an osteopathic institution, its extensive alumni network, impressive match list, and location. A year ago I took a tour of NYITCOM through the Student Ambassador's program and knew that it was the school for me. The students I spoke to were passionate about their education and all the resources NYITCOM had to offer them, and it made me excited to pursue my DO degree at NYITCOM as well.

What is special about NYITCOM? Whats so special to me about NYITCOM is that every student is happy to attend medical school here. Medical school is notorious for its rigorous curriculum, late night hours studying, and exam stress, but NYITCOM students are overwhelming happy and supported by our institution. Classmates find it easy to collaborate with one another and work with each other, not against each other.

What are your future plans and goals? With my DO degree I look forward to pursuing a specialty that combines medicine and procedure such as emergency medicine or OBGYN. I plan to apply broadly and see where the match takes me in the country!

Brian Dashore

bdashore@nyit.edu

He/Him

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Marlboro, NJ
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): NYIT Old Westbury (Life Sciences, B.S./D.O.)
Clubs and Activities: Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association (SOIMA), Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA), American Medical Student Association (AMSA), Student Ambassadors

Why did you choose NYITCOM? My childhood challenges with chronic illness have been the driving force in inspiring me to pursue a career in medicine. The two physicians that made the most difference in my life were both classically trained Osteopathic physicians who recommended NYITCOM for a few key reasons. I feel that NYITCOM truly embodies the values I felt from my experiences as a patient through the principles of osteopathic medicine.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM is primarily a school that embodies camaraderie between both the students and professors. It does away with the competitive nature of medical school and gives room for students to work with each other and grow as future medical professionals. In addition, there are many classic as well as innovative opportunities that students can pursue in the field of research or patient shadowing that I believe help shape a well-rounded physician.

What are your future plans and goals? After medical school, I plan to specialize in the field of immunology with a focus on rare and chronic illnesses. The use of osteopathic principles, evidence-based alternative therapies, and modern technology will allow me to pursue my goal of helping patients find answers and avoid the pitfalls that I had to endure as a child due to a shortage of specialists.

Xing Fan

xfan09@nyit.edu

He/Him

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Issaquah, WA
Highest Education: M.B.B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Yangzhou University College of Medicine
Clubs and Activities: Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, Fit Physicians, Rock Steady Boxing

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I was at a crossroad when my friend Lidia introduced me to NYITCOM, and their EPP program. A well established school, near America's biggest metropolis, plus a dash of fatalism, that's all it takes for me.

What is special about NYITCOM? The EPP program is such an unique opportunity, it highlighted our commitment to diversity, and innovation. The faculty, administration, and my fellow classmates have all been supportive and outstanding. Additionally, there are a plethora of opportunities for us to explore, both in and outside of school.

What are your future plans and goals? I plan to serve in the Navy, take care of our service members and their families, go where I am needed. Still debating between a few specialties as we go through school.

Mary Fon

mfon@nyit.edu

She/Her

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Westchester, NY
Highest Education: B.A.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Binghamton University (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians Fit Physicians Rock Steady Boxing

Why did you choose NYITCOM? While applying for medical schools, I was searching for a program that is relatively close to home with a successful match rate. NYITCOM matched and surpassed my expectations in both categories and was definitely the right fit for me to begin my career in medicine.

What is special about NYITCOM? The collaborative community of students and staff is what really makes NYITCOM so unique. In starting medical school I was very nervous about entering a cut-throat competitive program, however NYIT is quite the opposite. Being surrounded by like-minded, kind and diverse individuals has fostered an incredible learning environment that has allowed me to grow as a student.

What are your future plans and goals? I have always been interested in pursuing Emergency Medicine. I hope to practice in New York, close to home.

Ben Galinson

bgalinso@nyit.edu

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: West Babylon, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Cornell University (Biological Sciences)
Clubs and Activities: American College of Osteopathic Surgeons

Why did you choose NYITCOM? After four years of undergrad in upstate New York I wanted to attend medical school as close to my home as I could. I attribute a lot of my success in life to my community that looked out for and cared for each other. It is my goal when I finish my medical education to give back to and serve the community in which I grew up.

What is special about NYITCOM? With a larger class size, I think NYITCOM placing us in small pods emphasizes that teamwork and communication are important in the medical field. It allows us to form closer relationships with some of our classmates that enhance the learning experience that we may not have formed otherwise.

What are your future plans and goals? I want to pursue my board certification in trauma surgery. Throughout my medical training and experience I have had the opportunity to help during many traumatic accidents and they are one of the most vulnerable and most critical patients. I hope that I can continue to foster good outcomes at the highest level of medical care.

Akash Gandotra

agandotr@nyit.edu

He/Him

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Hicksville, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Long Island University - Post (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: Student Ambassadors, American College of Osteopathic Neurologists and Psychiatrists, American Osteopathic College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM due to its proximity to my support system and hometown. My mentor was also an alumnus of NYITCOM and could not stop raving about his education, which helped me make my final decision. After visiting and talking with current students, I realized that NYITCOM's community and goals aligned with mine.

What is special about NYITCOM? The people I have met at NYITCOM are beyond unique, passionate, and filled with curiosity. I thought it would feel strange to enter this new world, but the staff and classmates are very supportive and want to see everyone succeed. It makes the challenging journey to becoming a physician slightly easier when everyone pushes you to be the best you can be!

What are your future plans and goals? My primary interest is in neurology and PM&R, but I am open to many fields since I am still learning, and every new topic fascinates me even more. I hope to attain a residency in the Long Island/NYC area to serve the community that has served me my whole life.

Roxane Ghadami

rghadami@nyit.edu

She/Her

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Roslyn Heights, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): New York Institute of Technology (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Medical Women's Association, Student Osteopathic Internal Medical Association

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM due to the vast amount of resources available at this school, ranging from volunteering opportunities to research. More specifically, I was fascinated with the medical simulation program with advanced technology. Also, choosing a medical school that was close to home was very important for me.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM has a very welcoming community in terms of fellow students in my class and the faculty which made the transition into medical school less scary. Additionally, I loved the diversity in the community and the unique organizations offered on campus.

What are your future plans and goals? I am currently interested in pursuing a speciality in either OB/GYN or Internal Medicine and hopefully stay in New York. I am excited to continue to explore my options during rotations in the future!

Julia Greco

jgreco07@nyit.edu

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Queens, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Fairfield University (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: American Osteopathic College of Anesthesiologists, Pen Pal Outreach Program, Christian Medical Society, and Fit Physicians.

Why did you choose NYITCOM? NYITCOM was my first choice for medical school for many reasons including its exceptional medical education, ample research, and service opportunities. Students regularly publish research papers, attend prestigious conferences, and participate in outreach at the Community Free Clinic as well as in organizations such as Rock Steady Boxing and Habitat For Humanity. Furthermore, the campus at Old Westbury provides the perfect location to seek opportunities on Long Island, New York City, and the greater Tri-State area.

What is special about NYITCOM? The faculty and students at NYITCOM cultivate a tight-knit, supportive, and motivating community. Professors dedicate their time and resources to help students to achieve success and their goals in medicine. The Student Advisement and Mentoring program at NYITCOM provides students with various events to socialize and work together through organizations, galas/dances, and holiday activities. I am honored to be a student at NYITCOM.

What are your future plans and goals? Although I am undecided about my future specialty, I am motivated to explore my interests throughout my didactic and clinical training. I am interested in Anesthesiology and Internal Medicine, but I am excited to explore all opportunities that come my way.

Liana Hitts

lhitts@nyit.edu

She/her

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Queens, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): NYIT Life Sciences/Osteopathic Medicine (BS/DO)
Clubs and Activities: American College of Osteopathic Family Practitioners

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM as a high school student because of the amazing opportunities provided by the BS/DO program. I really value the commitment to training physicians to better serve the institution's local communities. There are so many amazing paths to follow at our school to get involved in everything from research, to firsthand patient care.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM has fostered a safe, comfortable and supportive academic environment that allows every student to find their place. Embarking on the medical school journey is an overwhelming endeavor, and the encouragement and nurturing NYITCOM provides makes my end goal feel more within reach.

What are your future plans and goals? I am currently interested in Family Medicine and Internal Medicine, but I will continue to explore other specialties over the course of the next few years. I hope to practice one day in NYC or on Long Island, giving back to my local communities.

Sanjidah Ira

sira@nyit.edu

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): New York University (Biomolecular Science)
Clubs and Activities: Student National Medical Association, American Medical Student Association, Muslim Student Association, Student Ambassador

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM due to its proximity to home and the numerous opportunities available for students to be involved in research, volunteering and plenty of other extracurricular activities at school. NYITCOM also has a strong reputation and has graduated many outstanding physicians, many of whom I have had the pleasure to shadow and work with, so I knew attending this school would prepare me well to become the best physician I can be for my patients.

What is special about NYITCOM? I think one thing that makes NYITCOM so special is the community. I have felt fully supported by faculty since my first day of medical school, and felt that resources have always been readily available to help facilitate our studies. All of my fellow classmates have also been very warm and welcoming, and with such a diverse class I truly believe we can all learn from each other.

What are your future plans and goals? I am not yet sure which area of medicine I would like to pursue a career in, so I am keeping a very open mind! I am therefore very excited for my third year rotations so that I can learn more about each field. I do see myself practicing in NY in the future, so that I may give back to the community that raised me.

Anam Javed

ajaved02@nyit.edu

She/Her

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Highest Education: B.A.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Brooklyn College (Sociology)
Clubs and Activities: The American Osteopathic College of Anesthesiologists (AOCA), The American College of Osteopathic Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOOG), The American Medical Student Association (AMSA), Muslim Student Association (MSA)

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I decided on NYITCOM for its collaborative and supportive atmosphere, which I believe is very important for my learning experience. Plus, being close to home means I can stay connected with my family and friends while pursuing my medical education.

What is special about NYITCOM? One thing that makes NYITCOM stand out is the genuine support and encouragement from both students and faculty; knowing everyone wants to see you succeed makes the rigors of medical school feel more manageable.

What are your future plans and goals? As of now, my interests are in anesthesiology and internal medicine but I am still undecided. However, whatever speciality I choose, I would like to stay in the tri state area if possible.

Ladan Kamalisarvestani

lkamalis@nyit.edu

She/Her

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona
Highest Education: M.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Arizona State University (Biomedical Engineering)
Clubs and Activities: Students for a National Health Program- First year representative

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I have an engineering background and love to incorporate medicine and engineering. NYITCOM provides various research opportunities where I can explore my passion in the advancement of medical knowledge.

What is special about NYITCOM? As a refugee, I love NYITCOM for its focus on the culture of inclusion and diversity. NYITCOM has a diverse student body which enables future physicians to appreciate cultural differences, gain a broad perspective on world problems, and how to come up with innovative solutions.

What are your future plans and goals? I am still debating between dermatology and emergency medicine. However, I want to stay in New York state. Also, I want to further pursue my passion in public health after graduation as an advocate for free, accessible, quality healthcare for underserved communities.

Jillian Lazzara

jlazza01@nyit.edu

She/Her

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Staten Island, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Seton Hall University (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: Student Ambassadors, Pen Pal Program, Rock Steady Boxing, Health Policy Certificate Program, Community Free Clinic, Association of Women Surgeons, American Medical Women’s Association

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM for its close proximity to my family, who is my biggest support system. I’m very lucky to attend an institution with a well-established reputation and an abundance of opportunities to get involved outside of the classroom.

What is special about NYITCOM? From the friendly and supportive faculty to the morale-boosting engagement events and constant opportunity for involvement, the strong sense of community at NYITCOM is unparalleled. The camaraderie and collaboration among the students allows us to improve our academics as well as form genuine relationships with peers, making NYITCOM feel a little more like a second home.

What are your future plans and goals? My goal is to practice in the tri-state area so that I can remain close to my family. I am unsure what specialty I would like to pursue. My primary interests are dermatology, family medicine, and OB/GYN, and I am excited to discover what other specialties have to offer while on my clinical rotations.

Eric Lee

hlee48@nyit.edu

He/Him/His

Campus: Old Westbury
Hometown: Queens, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Stony Brook University (Biochemistry)
Clubs and Activities: Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association, American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians, Student Ambassador

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM due to its proximity to home close to family and friends. I have had the opportunity to work alongside NYITCOM alumni who have all expressed great things during their time as a student here.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM fosters a welcoming and supportive community among the students, faculty, and scholars. Faculty and scholars have always been eager to help us succeed on our path to becoming future physicians.

What are your future plans and goals? I am currently interested in Emergency Medicine, but I am still keeping an open mind to explore the other specialties. After graduating NYITCOM, I hope to pursue a residency and practice in New York.