In the midst of an epic flu season, flu vaccine expert Doris J. Bucher, Ph.D., associate professor of microbiology and immunology and pediatrics, will address the 22nd Annual Medical Student Research Forum on Thursday, February 8. The event will feature oral and poster presentations by medical students, capped off by the keynote address, "1918-2018: 100 Years of Flu." 

Dr. Bucher is known internationally for her work developing the seasonal flu vaccine. She oversees the laboratory that develops high-yield reassortant strains for the production of the world's annual supply of influenza vaccine -- some 400 million doses worldwide. Each year's vaccine is different, containing the three or four strains that health officials believe are most likely to emerge during the subsequent flu season. Dr. Bucher received her B.S. from Pennsylvania State University and Ph.D. from University of California at Berkeley. 

Andrew Mutnick, M.D. '01, assistant professor of pediatrics, who was serving as associate dean for student affairs, has been named interim senior associate dean for student affairs for the School of Medicine (SOM). He also serves as advisory dean of the Stowe House. Dr. Mutnick joined the NYMC faculty and administration in 2016. 

Dr. Mutnick is pleased to bring his educational and leadership experience to his latest role, which includes developing and administering student affairs programs. Although the medical school landscape has changed dramatically since he was a medical student at NYMC, he feels a strong connection to the students at his alma mater.

He turns his focus now to managing the Office of Student Affairs, building relationships, improving programs and continually responding to student needs. "My charge is to do whatever it takes to help our students to be successful in medical school and become compassionate and skilled physicians -- from the first day of orientation through graduation," said Dr. Mutnick. "I believe in a team approach for continuous improvement." He is working closely with the Offices of Financial Aid, Registrar and Bursar to ensure the medical student experience in those areas is seamless and he continues to reinforce ties with the Office of Undergraduate Medical Education, a most valued partner. 

Dr. Mutnick is also pondering the next steps for the House Advisory Dean Program, which he playfully refers to as Advisory Deans 2.0. "We plan to expand the scope of the house system and to enhance career advising, mentoring, and to strengthen the group identity and cohesion of each individual house," he said. 

"Dr. Mutnick brings a passion for medical education, a strong desire to improve the student experience during a rigorous educational program and a commitment to excellence in this important leadership position," said Gladys M. Ayala, M.D., M.P.H., SOM interim vice dean. "We are all fortunate to have him on the School of Medicine leadership team."

Prior to joining NYMC, Dr. Mutnick served as director of pediatric medical student education at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, leading the pediatric clerkship and sub-internship programs and guiding undergraduate medical education efforts across the continuum.