Student Ambassadors: Long Island

Laiba Ahmed

lahmed06@nyit.edu

she/her

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Levittown, NY
Highest Education:B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Stony Brook University (Biology & Psychology)
Clubs and Activities: Academic Affairs Committee Member, First-year Representative for American Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association, American Osteopathic College of Anesthesiologists, Student Interest Group in Neurology, American College of Osteopathic Neurologists and Psychiatrists, Student Osteopathic Surgical Association

Why did you choose NYITCOM? NYITCOM stood out to me through its proximity to my home and outstanding medical education. With its approachable faculty, cutting-edge technology in the ICC simulation center, and constant dedication to research and service, it is clear NYITCOM prepares its student doctors to become well-rounded, competent physicians.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM's commitment to diversity allows me to connect with students from a variety of backgrounds. Many of my peers have taken non-traditional paths to get to medical school so being able to learn from their experiences is truly a privilege.

What are your future plans and goals? Although I haven't committed to one, I do know that I want to pursue a specialty that emphasizes teamwork, working with your hands, and a wide knowledge base. I am sure talking to faculty, conducting research, and attending clinical rotations will help me narrow down to one specialty in the near future.

Atieh Ashkezari

Adehgh02@nyit.edu

she/her

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: New York, NY
Highest Education:M.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Columbia University (Neuroscience and behavior, B.A.), Columbia University (Mechanical Engineering, M.S.), Sharif University of Technology (Aerospace Engineering, B.S.)
Clubs and Activities: American Medical Student Association

Why did you choose NYITCOM? The mantra of NYITCOM, "Do, Make, Heal, Innovate" aligned perfectly with my background in engineering and enthusiasm in healing and helping others, as a future doctor.

What is special about NYITCOM? The school environment is extremely supportive, from the staff to faculty members, everyone is there for the students to ensure that the medical school experience is as smooth and pleasant as possible. Additionally, the incredible resources that the library offers allow the students to have access to almost all books and materials needed.

What are your future plans and goals? After NYITCOM, I hope to choose a specialty that enables me to have a lot of a patient interaction. My goal, regardless of my future specialty, is to place my patients' interest before anything else in my practice.

Lucas Babio

lbabio@nyit.edu

He, Him, His

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Hampton, NJ
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Manhattan College (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: Member of American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians, Student Ambassador

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM due to its proximity to friends and family in the New York/ New Jersey area. I was also heavily influenced by talking to previous student ambassadors at a medical school fair in NYC and listening to their stories and experiences at NYITCOM.

What is special about NYITCOM? What makes NYITCOM so special to me is the inclusive and collaborative environment. Everyone at NYITCOM, both student and faculty, wants to see everyone else succeed. There isn't a feeling of a competitive or a "cut-throat" environment but instead a feeling that everyone is going to help lift you up.

What are your future plans and goals? I am currently leaning towards a career in emergency medicine but I'm still undecided and trying to find where my interests are. I would definitely like to stay in New York if possible.

Molly Bekbolatova

mbekbola@nyit.edu

She/Her/Hers

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Highest Education: B.A.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): CUNY Hunter College (Human Biology)
Clubs and Activities: Student American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics ‚ First Year Representative, Rock Steady Boxing, White Coats for Black Lives, Student Osteopathic Medical Association, Global Health Organization

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM because of its strong and reputable academic curriculum that emphasizes holistic osteopathic principles and patient-centered care. The campus offers a multitude of opportunities for professional development, research, and unique learning modalities, such as simulation technology and robotics, which set the campus apart from other medical schools in the nation. Lastly, the proximity of the campus to the various educational opportunities nearby makes it an ideal location for me to achieve my goals and become a successful osteopathic physician.

What is special about NYITCOM? The close-knit and welcoming community, as well as, a supportive student culture, are what I find truly special about NYITCOM. During my first semester, I was able to engage with many student organizations, participate in enriching extracurricular events, and make long standing connections with other students that I could relate to. Additionally, the faculty and administration further made a positive impact on my experience by going above and beyond to provide support both inside and outside of class, and supplementary resources and guidance for me to succeed.

What are your future plans and goals? Upon completing my medical education, I envision myself serving the community, forming meaningful connections with patients, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals. Currently, I am interested in exploring several medical specialties, such as Orthopedics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Dermatology, but I am keeping an open mind as to other fields of medicine while I am approaching clinical rotations. I am confident that in the upcoming years NYITCOM will guide me towards the right path for me.

Christina Bogdani

cbogdani@nyit.edu

She/Her/Hers

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: South Huntington, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Stony Brook University (Psychology)
Clubs and Activities: Class of 2026 President, Academic Affairs Committee member, American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians, Association of Women Surgeons, Student Ambassador

Why did you choose NYITCOM? When deciding on medical schools, it was important for me to be close to home which made NYITCOM one of my top choices. I love the location of the campus and all the opportunities it has to offer. NYITCOM also has such a supportive campus community that allows its students to succeed.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM has a friendly and collaborative environment that allows its students to thrive. Although it is a challenging curriculum, I feel well supported by my faculty and classmates. Our campus also hosts several fun events throughout the year that shows they care about student wellness.

What are your future plans and goals? Although I am still exploring my options, I currently have interests in pediatrics and ophthalmology, and I would like to practice in New York. I am excited to continue to explore my options during rotations in the future!

Isaac Botchey

ibotchey@nyit.edu

He/Him/His

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Winneba, Ghana
Highest Education:M.P.H.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major):University of Ghana School of Medicine (BS Medical Sciences), Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health (MPH Public Health), University of Delaware Biden School of Public Policy (MS Disaster Science & Management ),
Emigre Medical School: University of Ghana School of Medicine (MBChB Medicine)
Clubs and Activities: American Osteopathic College of Radiology, American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians, Christian Medical and Dental Association

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM because it gave me the rare opportunity to study medicine again. Additionally, the robust academic curriculum incorporates critical factors that affect the nature of illness and patient outcomes.

What is special about NYITCOM? I love the amazing faculty, diverse student population, camaraderie, and, most notably, the opportunity to train at one of the best simulation labs in the country.

What are your future plans and goals? I am currently undecided between radiology and emergency medicine. Irrespective of the specialty I choose, I want to be able to train and lead the next generation of physicians and help Heal the World and make it a better place!

Lucy Cai

lcai05@nyit.edu

She/Her/Hers

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Manhattan, NY
Highest Education: B.A.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Stony Brook University (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: Student Ambassador, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM because of its long, standing excellent reputation and its close proximity to my hometown. It was important to me to choose a school that was near my support system. In addition, I was attracted to the friendly and supportive atmosphere I felt during interviews and information sessions.

What is special about NYITCOM? The faculty and professors here at NYITCOM make it extra special to be a student here. Everyone at NYITCOM is genuinely caring, supportive, and go to great lengths to make sure we all succeed. It is rewarding to be a part of a close knit community, despite our large student population.

What are your future plans and goals? Currently, I am interested in Emergency Medicine and OBGYN. I am looking forward to exploring these specialities along with others throughout my time here at NYITCOM. I am grateful for the vast opportunities available at NYITCOM for me to explore my interests and passions.

Brianna Cummings

bcumming@nyit.edu

She/Her/Hers

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Hyde Park, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Union College (Biochemistry, French and Francophone Studies)
Clubs and Activities: American Medical Women's Association, Medical Students for Choice, American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians, American College of Osteopathic Obstetrics and Gynecology, Student Ambassadors, American Medical Association, Global Health Organization

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM because of the proximity to my home in Upstate NY, as well as its relationship with many clinical and research sites. I also wanted a school that brought its curriculum beyond the classroom, and the Global Health Certificate Program is enabling me to travel and practice medicine abroad.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM is great with their support systems. Between faculty mentorships and student peers, there is never a lack of support! I also commend NYITCOM for providing students with plenty of opportunities to work on their clinical skills within their first and second years.

What are your future plans and goals? I am undecided as to what area of medicine I want to practice, and I am looking forward to clinical to help me make my decision. I am leaning towards specialties that incorporate women's health as well as potentially working in a rural setting.

Sydney Darling

SDarling@nyit.edu

She/Her/Hers

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Unionville, CT
Highest Education: M.B.A.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): University of Connecticut (Physiology and Neurobiology)
Clubs and Activities:American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM because of its dedication to creating well-rounded and empathetic physicians. I was drawn to the NYITCOM's commitment to serving the local community through free clinics and the service opportunities available through clubs and organizations. It is a goal of mine to provide better access to health care to the underserved, and I knew NYIT would help me achieve this goal.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM is special to me because of the people. I am lucky to be a part of a community filled with faculty and students dedicated towards fostering a supportive culture.

What are your future plans and goals? My goal is to specialize in pediatrics and provide families with access to quality health care for their children. I hope to stay on the East Coast, working in my local community.

Giovanni Fardella

gfardell@nyit.edu

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Brewster, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Pace University (Biochemistry)
Clubs and Activities: Student Interest Group in Neurology(SIGN), American College of Osteopathic Neurologists and Psychiatrists(ACONP), and American College of Family Physicians(ACOFP)

Why did you choose NYITCOM? NYITCOM stood out to me because of the wealth of opportunity afforded to students. In particular, I was especially drawn to the groundbreaking research projects in neuroscience and the Academic Scholars program. However, it was ultimately the close-knit, lively, and supportive community that sold me on attending NYITCOM for my medical education.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM truly embodies the saying "the world is your oyster". The support from experienced faculty, uplifting student body, and unparalleled flexibility allows us to forge our own paths as we strive to become exemplary physicians. There are very few places that feel like "home" to me, but NYITCOM is one of them.

What are your future plans and goals? After graduating NYITCOM, I plan to pursue a residency in Pediatric Neurology, Psychiatry, or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. In addition to practicing as a physician, I hope to pursue neurological research on the autoimmune disease PANDAS. In this way, I can have the best of both worlds and serve my patients from bench to bedside.

Rohan Francis

rantho03@nyit.edu

He/Him/His

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Hillsborough, NJ
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major):New York Institute of Technology (Life Sciences)
Clubs and Activities: First Year Representative of Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association (SOIMA), Student Ambassador, Member of Student Osteopathic Surgical Association, American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM right after high school through the B.S./D.O. program. I picked NYITCOM because it is the best osteopathic school in the tri-state area and has a great alumni network.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM is a great community with wonderful faculty that is always ready to help. I particularly appreciate the various clinical assessments like training with mannequins or standardized patients. These experiences provide me with valuable experience that builds my confidence and communication skills.

What are your future plans and goals? I am currently interested in general surgery and emergency medicine, but I am still open to other specialties. Although, I am undecided on the specialty, I hope to stay in the north east after graduating.

Alexander Giudice

agiudice@nyit.edu

He/Him/His

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Nesconset, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Syracuse University (Biology and Neuroscience)
Clubs and Activities: Student Government Association - Student Affairs Committee Representative, Student Ambassador, Global Health Certificate Program, Global Health Organization, Rock Steady Boxing, American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians, American College of Osteopathic Neurologists and Psychiatrists, Student Interest Group in Neurology

Why did you choose NYITCOM? When applying to medical schools, I was in search of a place that was welcoming, supportive, and close to my support system at home. From my first interactions on a campus tour with Student Ambassadors and new students, I felt at home. After starting my second semester, I can officially say that NYITCOM is all that and more!

What is special about NYITCOM? Throughout my first year, I have been surrounded by supportive classmates, scholars, staff, and faculty. There are plenty of organizations to become involved in, resources to aid in studies, and classmates/faculty/staff to help motivate you to do your best.

What are your future plans and goals? At this moment, I am not decided which specialty I want to pursue, but I look forward to my experiences at NYITCOM to help guide me on my path! After my time at NYITCOM, I hope to match into a residency in New York.

Hannah Haaijer

hhaaijer@nyit.edu

She/Her/Hers

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Park City, UT
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Northeastern University (Behavioral Neuroscience)
Clubs and Activities: Student Ambassador, Rock Steady Boxing, American Medical Women's Association, Medical Students For Choice

Why did you choose NYITCOM? When looking for a medical school, opportunities for student involvement were really important to me. From the long list of student organizations, free clinic volunteer opportunities, Rock Steady Boxing, and the many research opportunities on campus, I knew NYITCOM was the right place for me.

What is special about NYITCOM? One thing I find so special about NYITCOM is the supportive and collaborative environment. The faculty are always available by email or to meet with students, academic related or not, and genuinely care about your success. I have also met so many other students who are willing to share resources and study tips in an effort to help all of us succeed.

What are your future plans and goals? I am currently undecided on what area of medicine I want to specialize in and am excited to explore my options as I continue my education at NYITCOM.

Keroles Hanna

Khanna02@nyit.edu

He/Him/His

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: New York, NY
Highest Education: B.A.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Hunter College (Biological Science)
Clubs and Activities: Student Ambassador, American Medical Association (AMA), Student Osteopathic Surgical Association (SOSA), Student Interest Group in Neurology, Rock Steady Boxing (RSB)

Why did you choose NYITCOM? NYITCOM was my top choice due to its plentiful opportunities, convenient location, and comprehensive curriculum. The school's commitment to its students and the local community is evident, and its interactive, student-focused curriculum is unrivaled.

What is special about NYITCOM? The NYITCOM community is incredibly encouraging and committed to aiding each other in achieving success. Also, NYITCOM immerses the students in clinical settings and workshops from the start of their first year, which I find to be a great way to learn.

What are your future plans and goals? I aspire to become a skilled surgeon and use my expertise to serve communities in need, both locally and globally. My goal is to dedicate part of my time to helping underserved populations in New York and the rest of the world. Additionally, I plan to be involved in research.

Bradley Hartwyk

bhartwyk@nyit.edu

He/Him/His

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Seal Beach, CA
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): University of Minnesota (Kinesiology)
Clubs and Activities: FitPhysicians, Student Osteopathic Surgical Association, Medical Students for Choice, & Student Organization for Hematology and Oncology

Why did you choose NYITCOM? When choosing medical school, I prioritized a balance of patient care focus and strong research opportunities. NYITCOM excels in both these areas. I am grateful to be at a school that fosters genuine human connection and advances medicine through its research efforts.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM is exceptionally welcoming and friendly. You can find community no matter what your interests are clinically or extracurricularly. I love that FitPhysicians combines my passion for exercise with clinically oriented chats with faculty and fellow students.

What are your future plans and goals? I am interested in pursuing general surgery and possibly surgical oncology further. I have a passion for working with my hands and value long term personal relationships with patients.

Abdallah Hassan

ahassa32@nyit.edu

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Manhattan, NY
Highest Education: M.B.B.S.
Emigre Medical School: Assiut University Medical School
Clubs and Activities: Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA), American Medical Student Association (AMSA), Disaster Relief Partnership Group (DRPG)

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM because of its reputation for creating top-notch physicians who care for their communities and its solid alumni network and reputation for creating top-notch physicians who care for their communities.

What is special about NYITCOM? A welcoming and supportive community in NYITCOM medical school. I am confident that my NYITCOM training qualifies me to be an excellent physician leader. moreover, it cares about the health and well-being of all.

What are your future plans and goals? I hope to help address key issues in clinical medicine and public health that affect the everyday well-being of the communities.

Roenell Heerbrandt

rcosta03@nyit.edu

He/Him/His

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Medford, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Stony Brook University (Biology)
Clubs and Activities:Student Ambassador, American Osteopathic College of Radiology, Global Health Organization, Student Osteopathic Medical Association, Student Osteopathic Surgical Association

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I was a lucky student who had a choice of schools to go to, in the end I decided on NYITCOM due to its welcoming nature and the beautiful campus. I knew I had wanted to attend a school that was more than just a few brick buildings in a lot and the sprawl of NYITCOM really drew me in upon seeing it in person.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM's biggest strength is its friendly and helpful faculty and staff. I have not met a single person who didn't want to help me or was willing to talk at length about my education on a whim. They really know their stuff and are more than willing to share it.

What are your future plans and goals? While my primary interest is surgery, I have several more secondary interests that haven't necessarily been decided upon. Regardless of what I eventually wind up deciding to do, I would like to teach at an academic level, sharing the knowledge I've learned and helping to cultivate the next generation of physicians.

Sandra Ibrahim

sibrah08@nyit.edu

She/Her/Hers

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Shoreham, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Farmingdale State College (Psychology)
Clubs and Activities: American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians ARTery Club

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM because of the excellent connections and reputation this school has upheld for years. This school has allowed me various opportunities to volunteer in the community, connect with physicians of multiple specialities, partake in meaningful research, and work with the extensive hospital network in the Long Island and NYC area.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM is special because of the supportive community of students that work together to achieve mutual success. I felt a sense of collaboration and camaraderie almost immediately. Through the connections I made at this school I have met life-long friends, caring faculty members, and outstanding mentors.

What are your future plans and goals? My goal is to match into a residency program in NYC that would allow me to treat a diverse patient population that focuses on community enrichment and advocacy. As an attending/resident, I would also love to travel abroad to bring healthcare to underprivileged areas outside of the United States. I plan on going into my clinical rotations with an open mind and exploring every speciality as a potential option, but as of right now I am leaning towards Emergency Medicine or Psychiatry. I love the opportunities these specialities give me for providing social support, community outreach and affordable healthcare services.

Hira Iftikhar

hiftikha@nyit.edu

She/Her/Hers

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Hicksville, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Stony Brook University (Biology)
Clubs and Activities:Student Ambassador Event Communication Co-Coordinator, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, American Osteopathic Association, Global Health Certificate Program

Why did you choose NYITCOM? What led me to choosing NYITCOM was the diversity and opportunities. As someone who was born and raised on Long Island, I have always said that NY was a "melting pot". Being surrounded by such diverse communities has broadened my knowledge and cultural awareness, and I wanted a school that would have a similar environment. NYITCOM also offered certain programs and extracurriculars that aligned with my interests, such as the "Global Health Certificate Program". These programs/extracurriculars have allowed me to explore my fields of interest while also granting me exposure to other specialties.

What is special about NYITCOM? What makes NYITCOM special to me is the people. From day one of meeting with admissions, to working in class with my instructors, I've always felt welcomed and supported. Medical school certainly has its challenges, but I have met some incredible people along the way who have helped make my journey so far worthwhile. The sense of community here at NYITCOM has reiterated the idea that we are all truly in this together and I'm grateful to be a part of such a welcoming and supportive study body!

What are your future plans and goals? Currently, I am leaning towards Family Medicine with an emphasis in Global Health. I have been fortunate enough to work overseas with underserved communities and have always been steadfast in my belief that everyone deserves equal access to quality healthcare. I hope to use my medical degree to help me further that goal, while also having the opportunity to learn about the various communities I visit.

Melissa Ikizoglu

mikizogl@nyit.edu

She/Her/Hers

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Port Jefferson Station, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Stony Brook University (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: Dermatology Interest Group Association (DIGA), Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA), Student Osteopathic Surgical Association (SOSA), American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP)

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM because of it's proximity to home and the various opportunities for success. The staff and faculty were inviting and helpful from the very start, and they offered plenty of resources and extracurriculars to help you thrive as a medical student. Along with the strong residency match rates, it was clear that NYITCOM was the best fit for me.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM is special to me because of the camaraderie you feel from day one. The collaboration between students and the support from faculty give you a great foundation for success.

What are your future plans and goals? I'm currently interested in dermatology, and I hope to practice in New York so I can give back to the community that raised me. As a first year, I am keeping an open mind for future opportunities.

Saba Iqbal

siqbal10@nyit.edu

She/Her/Hers

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Highest Education: B.A.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Brooklyn College (Children and Youth Studies)
Clubs and Activities: American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, Diversity and Equate Committe, American Medical Woman's Association

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM for many reasons but most importantly decided to join the community because of the well-reputable faculty, close-knit community and endless stream of opportunities. As someone who was born and raised in Brooklyn NY, I knew I wanted to have my medical training in a diverse city like New York, and the Old Westbury campus at NYITCOM provided just the right space for that.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM not only serves as a safe place to openly communicate with your peers but also with faculty and upperclassmen which I truly value and appreciate. Coming in as an OMS-I, I remember being extremely nervous about starting this new chapter, but the process was definitely a lot less stressful with the vast academic, social and mental health resources made available to us.

What are your future plans and goals? I have always had a strong passion for working with children in the medical setting, and so hope to pursue a career in the field of pediatrics. However, I am also willing to keep an open mindset and learn from all the amazing experiences to come and explore my options. Ultimately the goal is to provide the utmost comfortable and holistic form of health care possible.

Yumna Ismail

yismai02@nyit.edu

She/Her/Hers

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): SUNY Geneseo (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: Student Osteopathic Internal Medical Association, Muslim Student Association, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM for a few reasons, the biggest being the diverse and welcoming community here on campus. I also appreciated the strong reputation NYITCOM holds along the East coast and its vast alumni network. Coming from western NY, being in close proximity to NYC and exposed to a new environment is an added benefit.

What is special about NYITCOM? The students have created such a warm and welcoming environment, and I have met so many amazing people since being here. The faculty have always been supportive and kind as well, and there are so many opportunities and experiences available to cater to everyone's interests.

What are your future plans and goals? Currently, I am interested in internal medicine, but I am open to all other specialties so I'm excited to start rotations and explore other options. I hope to practice along the East Coast, and I would ideally like to split my time between working and volunteering in low-income and medically underserved communities.

Yuliya Karalevich

ykaralev@nyit.edu

She/Her/Hers

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Highest Education: M.D., B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): University of Washington (Microbiology), Belarusian State Medical University
Clubs and Activities:American College of Osteopathic Obstetrics and Gynecology, Student Osteopathic Surgical Association, Student Ambassador

Why did you choose NYITCOM? The exceptional blend of a solid academic approach, plenty of extracurricular and research opportunities, and proximity to the metropolitan area solidified my choice of NYITCOM as my school. Additionally, having a distinct cohort of internationally trained physicians as part of the class made me feel included and belong while starting my osteopathic medical student journey.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM's strength is the community. From day one, I felt support and encouragement from faculty, staff, and upper classmates, who always try to assist with my academic needs. The school provides many opportunities to interact with alumni and healthcare professionals in formal and informal settings who offer advice, practical workshops, and valuable resources, shaping our minds toward the best-fit specialty for us.

What are your future plans and goals? I am interested in the intense-paced medical field with a high procedural care load and comprehensive approach. Therefore, OB-GYN, surgery, and anesthesiology are at the top of my possible specialty list. Despite that, I keep my mind open to other medical areas too.

Yannis Karamitas

Campus: Long Island
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major):Binghamton University (Biochemistry)
Clubs and Activities: Student Osteopathic Internal Medical Association (SOIMA), American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP), Student Osteopathic Surgical Association (SOSA)

Why did you choose NYITCOM? Having been born and raised in Brooklyn, I chose NYITCOM because it allowed me to stay close to friends and family. I also had the chance to speak with a number of NYITCOM alumni, including my own PCP, all of whom had great things to say about their time studying here.

What is special about NYITCOM? I will always be grateful to NYITCOM for allowing me the opportunity to continue my education. What makes the school special to me includes a well thought out curriculum with quality lecture material, an anatomy lab with natural light, and professors that bring a lot of enthusiasm for the fields they teach.

What are your future plans and goals? I am currently interested in internal medicine, emergency medicine, and general surgery. Although, the more I learn with each block, the more I find all specialties interesting. I look forward to rotations during third and fourth years to hone in on a specialty. Lastly, I hope to practice medicine in NYC after my time at NYITCOM.