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A Message from Leadership

 

Dear faculty, staff and students,


As you know, last July, Rona Woldenberg, MD, associate dean for Admissions and professor of radiology, began serving as interim associate dean for Student Affairs while we conducted a formal search for a permanent candidate to fill the role. Under her dedicated leadership, Dr. Woldenberg provided strategic oversight and proactively refined processes across numerous Student Affairs initiatives. She was instrumental in strengthening student engagement, improving operations for key programs, and ensuring receipt of critical feedback for national and accreditation surveys. Dr. Woldenberg also offered compassionate support to students navigating complex situations, cultivated new opportunities for our learners through strategic partnerships, and provided invaluable guidance to the Student Affairs and Student Finance teams. We are immensely grateful for her dedication and leadership during this transitional period.


As of June 30, Dr. Woldenberg will step down from this interim role and continue her responsibilities as the associate dean for Admissions, career advisor, clinical neuroradiologist, and professor of radiology.

We are pleased to share that, after an extensive search, effective July 1, Pina C. Sanelli, MD, MPH, will assume the role of associate dean for Student Affairs.


Dr. Sanelli brings an impressive two decades of leadership experience in academic medicine to her new role. Her extensive background includes serving as the inaugural vice chair of Research in Radiology at Northwell Health and associate chair of Practice Quality Improvement at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College. Dr. Sanelli has also held significant leadership positions as president and chair within multiple national medical societies, including the American Society of Neuroradiology, demonstrating her ability to lead complex organizations, foster collaborations, and drive strategic program development. Her commitment to leadership excellence is further underscored by her completion of prestigious leadership training programs, including the Cornell Leadership Development Program, Northwell’s Physician Leadership Development program, and her current participation in Drexel University’s highly regarded Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program.


Deeply committed to fostering the growth of the next generation of medical professionals, Dr. Sanelli has an extensive track record of working with students, residents, and fellows. She previously directed a highly successful Neuroradiology Fellowship training program for nine years at Weill Cornell, where she was instrumental in curriculum development and mentorship, and in significantly enhancing its national standing. Her dedication to learner development is further exemplified by formally mentoring more than 75 individuals and advising hundreds more on career advancement, professional growth, and personal well-being. At the Zucker School of Medicine, Dr. Sanelli founded and directs the innovative Scholarly Concentration in Healthcare Effectiveness and Economics, an interdisciplinary program designed to foster academic progression and professional skills. Her proven ability to design, implement, and lead student-centered programs will be invaluable in her role as associate dean for Student Affairs.


Additionally, Sue Caulfield, MSEd, has been appointed assistant dean for Student Support and Advising. Working in close partnership with Dr. Sanelli and the Student Affairs team, Sue will provide strategic leadership across career advising, academic success, professional identity formation, and student affairs, offering integrated support for students throughout their educational journey, from matriculation to residency and beyond. 


Together, this structure—physician-led student affairs oversight through Dr. Sanelli and dedicated administrative leadership through Sue—will ensure our students are well supported academically, personally, and professionally as we move forward.


Please join us in extending our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Woldenberg for her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to the Zucker School of Medicine. We also enthusiastically welcome Dr. Sanelli and Sue Caulfield into their new, pivotal roles. Under Dr. Sanelli's visionary leadership, and with the dedicated efforts of the entire Student Affairs team, alongside the collective commitment of our community, we are confident that the student experience at our school will reach new heights of excellence and support.


Sincerely,

David L. Battinelli, MD

Deborah and Lawrence Smith Dean

Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

Carole M. Bates, MPH, MBA

Associate Dean for Administration and Strategy

Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

Samara B. Ginzburg, MD

Vice Dean

Dean for Education

Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

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