 | | There is something special about the start of the fall semester at Weill Cornell Medicine. Our campus is once again abuzz with energy as we welcome new and returning learners. This year, it was particularly exciting to see 106 MD students and 50 PA students don their white coats in our newly acquired space at 1334 York Avenue, the former iconic Sotheby’s building. What better way to inaugurate this exciting new space, which will ultimately become a hub for clinical care, innovation, and education, than by welcoming the next generation of healthcare professionals? As classes get underway, our newest students are also beginning to discover the extraordinary research, service, leadership, and educational opportunities available across WCM. My advice to them is simple: show up. Explore, participate, meet people outside your immediate circle, and take advantage of everything WCM has to offer. Your education will be shaped as much by the opportunities you pursue as by what happens in the classroom.
For our students already immersed in clinical rotations, fall is also a wonderful moment to reflect on just how far you have come. The knowledge, skills, confidence, and professional identity you have developed over the past several years are remarkable. And to our senior medical students who have just submitted their residency applications: congratulations on reaching this important milestone, and good luck in the exciting months ahead. Please make use of our incredible career advising resources. Meanwhile, we continue to expand the ways our students can learn. Later this month, an inaugural cohort of medical students will spend two weeks at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine, learning across professions and exploring the connections between human and animal health. We are also continuing to thoughtfully integrate artificial intelligence into medical education by embracing its potential as a powerful tool for learning while ensuring that it enhances, rather than replaces, the development of foundational knowledge, clinical reasoning, communication, and other essential human skills.
Fall has always been my favorite season in New York City. The weather is beautiful, everyone is back, and there is an unmistakable energy throughout the city. As we begin another academic year together, I hope all of our learners, faculty, and staff will find ways to tap into that energy: try something new, make new connections, and continue to learn from one another. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together this year.
- Dr. Joseph Safdieh, Senior Associate Dean for Education
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Congratulations to Dr. Porta who was elected to serve as a Commissioner for the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) for a three-year term beginning January 2027. As an ARC-PA Commissioner, she will help advance and safeguard the quality of PA education nationwide through accreditation review and decision-making processes. Commissioners evaluate PA programs, participate in accreditation site visits and commission meetings, and contribute to policy development and continuous quality improvement in PA education. We congratulate Dr. Porta on this significant professional achievement and look forward to the impact of her service on the PA profession.
| | Welcome Aboard New Faculty Leaders | | |
Dr. Arielle Bergman, Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Associate Clerkship Director of Pediatrics
“I'm most excited to help shape an educational experience that not only inspires future pediatricians, but also equips every medical student with the skills, confidence, and passion to be thoughtful advocates for children and families throughout their careers.”
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Dr. Megan D’Andrea, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Associate Unit Leader for Patient Care and Physicianship in HID
"I'm excited to help pre-clerkship students hone their clinical reasoning skills, to teach important hands-on skills including physical exam and POCUS, and to collaborate with the students to bring their interests and aspirations into the forefront of the curriculum."
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Dr. Daniel “Bert” Kellner, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medical Teaching in Pharmacology and Assistant Dean, Foundational Curriculum
“Weill Cornell provided me with such a strong foundation as a student. I’m thrilled and honored that I get to help the next generation of Cornell physicians as they embark on their own unique journeys in medicine."
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Dr. Nikhil Menon, Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Associate Unit Leader for Patient Care and Physicianship in EPOM
“As an Associate Unit Leader, I am excited to join a community of dedicated faculty in shaping a curriculum that nurtures the next generation of physicians in the art of compassionate, patient-centered care.”
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Kristen Lawrence, PhD
Education Innovation Specialist
Dr. Lawrence, whose previous experience includes undergraduate teaching and extensive work in medical school curriculum design, comes to us from her previous position at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine. Here, her expertise will be applied to a wide range of activities ranging from instructional support to curriculum design.
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WCM kicked off Orientation Week for the MD Class of 2030 and PA Class of 2028! We hosted a mixer for new MD and PA students to network and learn more about their fellow classmates; and the WCM Alumni Association hosted a reception welcoming new students to the WCM community.
White Coat Ceremonies
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Congratulations to the MD Class of 2030 and PA Class of 2028 who celebrated their new white coats. Read more about the ceremonies here and here.
AMA Business Meeting
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Ashley Lo M2, Justin McCaskill M4, and Emily Xing M2 represented WCM at the American Medical Association Business Meeting in Chicago.
WCM Gold Humanism Honor Society Candy Apple Awards
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The Candy Apple Awards celebrate students who have gone above and beyond for their peers, patients, and members of the healthcare team. These are designated for students who exemplify compassion, kindness, empathy, and humanism in their daily interactions in the clinical space and beyond. MD and PA students can use this google form to nominate up to two peers for the Candy Apple Awards through Sept. 30.
AAMC Rise Conference
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Alicia Ugenti M2 and Grady Hofmann M2 attended the “AAMC’s RISE: Developing Future Leaders in Academic Medicine & Science for 2nd Year Medical Students program,” which is designed to help students build leadership skills and knowledge that are vital to both their journeys as medical students and their futures as leaders.
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting
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In 2024, WCM began serving as a host site for the ASCO Oncology Summer Internship (OSI), now called the Clinical Oncology & Research Experience (CORE) program. The program offers four weeks of immersive clinical experience with our hematology and oncology faculty, complemented by weekly networking events organized by our division.
This year, all five WCM participating M2 students were recognized at the ASCO Conquer Cancer Foundation Ceremony in June 2026: Nishant Chadha, Grady Hoffman, Amey Maley, Jacob Roy and Avinash Singh.
WCMC Association of Women Surgeons Year-in-Review
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This year, under the mentorship of faculty advisor Dr. Rache Simmons and resident advisor Dr. Shreya Bhasin, Emma Hartman M2 and Fatinah Albeez M2 founded WCMC Association of Women Surgeons (AWS) alongside Ruthie Jones M2, Director of Faculty Relations & Professional Development, and Sophia Zhuang M2, Director of Mentorship & Community Development. Their goal was to create a community that supports students interested in surgery through mentorship, career exploration, professional development, and conversations that broaden students’ perspectives.
Since becoming an official student organization in December 2025, the team hosted three events that engaged students across multiple class years and involved faculty from various specialties.
WCMC AWS Faculty Panel
The inaugural event brought together six faculty members representing a range of surgical specialties for a panel discussion centered on four themes: motivations for pursuing medicine and surgery, training experiences, advice for trainees, and the future of the field. More than 20 students attended, and many shared that hearing candid reflections from faculty members expanded their view on surgical careers and encouraged them to explore specialties they had not previously considered.
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WCMC AWS M4 Match Panel
They next welcomed recent WCMC graduates Joanna Lin, Helen Xu, Gabrielle Dykhouse, and Noelle Desir for a candid discussion on navigating clerkships, preparing residency applications, and approaching the Match process. Approximately 25 first-year students attended, and a recording was subsequently shared with upperclassmen who were unable to participate due to clinical responsibilities.
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Family Planning in Medicine & Surgery Event
Their final event of the spring semester was co-hosted with the Women in Medicine team, Rylee McGonigle M2, Jackie Cho M2, and Afrin Ansary M2. The evening began with presentations from representatives from the NYP and WCM Human Resources teams regarding fertility, parental leave, and family planning benefits. They then welcomed five faculty physicians across surgical and medical specialties who shared their experiences navigating training, career advancement, and family life. More than 40 students attended across multiple class years, and the recording was distributed to students who could not attend.
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“Since arriving at Weill Cornell, I've lost count of the things I considered mentioning here. And I think that's a testament to the density of information, experiences, and opportunities we've already been inundated with. At times, it has already felt overwhelming and intimidating, but it's also exhilarating. It's exhilarating to apply my knowledge in settings that bring me one step closer to taking care of patients. It's exhilarating to be surrounded by curious, enthusiastic peers who come from different backgrounds but who share a passion for medicine. It's exhilarating to be learning from those who were once in our shoes and are now leading in ways that we aspire to. As I find my stride in medical school, I've found solace in the note I received with my stethoscope from an alumna: "To my future colleague, you are entering the greatest profession on earth … If you ever feel overwhelmed, remember we were all once a first-year student who couldn't find their stethoscope in their own bag."
— Evan M. Violette, M1
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“After finishing orientation week at Weill Cornell, it’s still a little surreal to think I’m officially a medical student. Coming from an economics background and making what felt like a complete career 180 to pursue medicine, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this week. However, I've felt incredibly supported and welcomed by faculty who are genuinely invested in our growth and future. One of my favorite parts of the week was getting to know the Weill Cornell community. Hearing from faculty, alumni, and current students about their own experiences was really inspiring and gave me a much better sense of all the different opportunities that are ahead of us. After an unexpected path to medicine, it was especially meaningful to finally be here, meet the people I’ll be learning alongside, and feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. I’m incredibly excited for what’s ahead and grateful to be starting this next chapter with such an amazing community!”
— Sophia Faulkner M1
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"Joining the WCM community as a member of the PA program Class of 2028 is both an honor and privilege. As a student in the first PA class to be integrated into Weill Cornell Medical College, I recognize the importance of interprofessional collaboration. During my time at Weill Cornell Medicine, I look forward to participating in LEAP and engaging in ultrasound-guided training alongside MD students- opportunities that I am confident will be invaluable as I work towards becoming a collaborative and effective clinician."
— Lillian Arbetter PA-S1
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"I am so excited to enter the welcoming and supportive community at WCM! With the integration of the PA program into the medical college this year, I am looking forward to having many opportunities to collaborate with and learn from my PA classmates and my peers in the medical school. Working alongside the medical students will be integral to developing strong interprofessional relationships early in our careers, which I feel will undoubtedly have positive impacts on the care we will provide together."
— Suong Nguyen PA-S1
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“I dreamed of being here my whole life, and I still catch myself looking around each day feeling overwhelmingly grateful to be in the room. I am continually surprised by what I am learning and inspired by the curiosity, dedication, and passion of my peers and mentors. Medical school is challenging, but the people around me are so deeply committed to healing and innovation that I want to take on that challenge even more. I am excited to grow into the physician this community is showing me I can become.”
— Brendan Roth M2
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"Seeing the new M1 class on campus has made me realize just how quickly the time has passed. I am incredibly grateful for the experiences I have had at WCM and for the unwavering support I have received from my colleagues, professors, and the administration. WCM truly offers a build-it-yourself experience, with countless opportunities to gain clinical exposure, pursue research, engage with the community, develop professionally, build lifelong relationships, and simply enjoy living in NYC. I am excited for what my final year has in store, and to share it with everyone who calls WCM home."
— Stone Streeter M4
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Med Ed Yankee Game
Med Ed faculty and staff members enjoyed a team outing together at Yankee Stadium.
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Thank you, Dr. Falcone
Med Ed hosted a retirement party for Dr. Domenick Falcone who has had an incredible career of 45 years at WCM.
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2026 Excellence in Medical Education Awards
Faculty and staff were honored with Excellence in Medical Education Awards at a ceremony on June 25. The awards celebrate the honorees' extraordinary contributions to the education mission and for making the Weill Cornell Medical College experience exceptional for its students. Read More.
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Artwork at 1300 York Ave
WCM Health Humanities faculty hung up three pieces of artwork on the second-floor of 1300 York Avenue. Please stop by, scan the QR code, and share your reflections on the art.
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CME Special Lecture on Cyclospora and Legionella
In August, the Office of Medical Education hosted a CME Special Lecture, “The Summer of Cyclospora and Legionella: A Clinical Update,” which was led by Drs. Matthew Simon and Ole Vielemeyer from the Division of Infectious Disease. Watch the recording here.
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Med Ed Grand Rounds
Since the launch of our Med Ed Summer Newsletter, we’ve heard from two additional speakers, including:
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Dr. Christopher Gardner, Stanford University School of Medicine: “Navigating Nutrition Politics and Misinformation”
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Dr. Graham McMahon, Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME): “Revitalizing Medical Education: Restoring Fun and Joy in Learning”
| | View the recordings of our Grand Rounds here and register for our September Grand Rounds here. | | |
Phase 1 Highlights
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We are continuing to incorporate artificial intelligence into the foundational curriculum in thoughtful and innovated ways. This includes the expanded use of innovative applications like HiTA and MedSimAI as teaching and learning tools. It also includes the development of new sessions within Phase I that directly address best practices in the use of AI by med students, safe use of AI in clinical settings, and the ethical implications of this powerful new technology.
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Beginning in the Spring ’26-27 term, we will be implementing a standardized format for all unit syllabi in the Phase I curriculum. This will give our students a clear and easy-to-use roadmap for their foundational education in medicine. It will also greatly improve faculty members’ ability to see how their work connects to other parts of the curriculum and will aid the leadership team in their efforts to continuously improve medical education here at Weill Cornell.
Phase 2 Highlights
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Hands-on Scrub Training in the Surgery Clerkship: For the July block, Dr. Lea Lowenfeld spearheaded a new hands-on scrub training sessions as part of clerkship orientation. In collaboration with NYP perioperative nurses, students were shown the proper techniques for gowning and gloving, and each student had the opportunity to get hands-on instruction in this dedicated session. Thank you, Dr. Lowenfeld!
- Clinical Compliance season is here: BLS and mask fitting has already been scheduled, and please look out for notifications about Annual Hospital Training and other required training modules in the next few weeks. As a reminder, all students who are participating in any clinical course are required to be up to date with their compliance items. Please reach out to the Office of Curriculum for any additional information.
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Better white boards: Thank you to the Clerkship Council for your advocacy on behalf of your colleagues, and to Shamika Jackson and Leora Yasgur for so quickly upgrading the white boards and markers to something much more usable for students!
- Goodbye to Christopher Eng, Pediatric Clerkship Coordinator, who is taking on a role in NYP. A new coordinator will be announced shortly. Thank you and good luck, Christopher!
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Phase 3 Highlights
- Away rotations and Sub-Is: This is typically a very busy time for students in the hospital, with many learners of all levels enrolled in clerkships, electives and sub-Is. Thank you for everyone’s patience and collaboration!
- In case you missed it: Rideshare support between 1300 York and affiliate sites is now extended to subinterns enrolled in MEDC-, NEUR-, EMER-, PEDS- and SURG-8201 required subinternships, with eligibility criteria that are in line with what is already being offered to the clerkships.
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Celebrating the OCED Team: Tropical Attire Lunch
On July 29, 2026, the Office of Curriculum and Educational Development hosted a Tropical Attire Lunch at Granny Anne’s on Roosevelt Island to recognize and celebrate the hard work, dedication, and ongoing contributions of the curriculum team.
The gathering provided staff with an opportunity to connect with colleagues and enjoy an afternoon of appreciation and camaraderie. Team members received certificates of appreciation, which reflected their attributes including their commitment to excellence, exceptional organization skills, collaborative spirit, adaptability, navigating change, flexibility and forward-thinking approaches among others.
Events such as this serve as an important reminder that the success of OCED is built on the talent, professionalism, and teamwork of its multitalented staff. The lunch was a small token of gratitude for the tremendous efforts of the team especially through the recent period of transition and the positive impact they continue to make across the curriculum.
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Congratulations to Dr. Julia Sobol who was appointed an associate editor of MedEdPORTAL. Associate editors serve as the journal's editorial board, assist with the recruitment of submissions and peer reviewers, employ their knowledge and expertise in the review of submissions, and provide editorial recommendations to the editor-in-chief and deputy editors.
Dr. Joseph Safdieh received the “NYSSPA Physician Advocate of the Year Award!” These awards are presented to exemplary PAs and physician advocates who are dedicated to fulfilling the mission of NYSSPA by advancing the PA profession and are deserving of recognition.
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Class of 2027
We hope your sub-internships and away rotations are going well. Reminders:
MSPEs will be ready for you to review from September 10-13, 2026. We will upload the final letters to ERAS just before the Sept 23 deadline. All MSPEs in the country (regardless of specialty) will be released on the same date.
Residency applications need to be completed by Sept 17 (ResidencyCAS for EM and Ob/Gyn) and Sept 23 (ERAS). SF Match (Ophtho) has a ‘target date’ of Sept 1.
Use your signals wisely. Consider using one-third of your signals to aspirational/reach programs, one-third to target programs (those within reach), and one-third to anchor (or "safety") programs where you'd be considered a strong candidate. This strategy is based on understanding your own competitiveness and the desirability/competitiveness of the residency programs; your specialty advisors and mentors should be able to help you with this.
Class of 2028
As your clerkship year comes to an end in December, you will need to declare your medical specialty of interest. While some of you are already fairly certain, many of you may not be, and that's ok! We'll discuss more in the ‘Orientation to Phase 3’ class meeting in November.
Returning MD-PhDs
The transition back to clinical care can be challenging. Please reach out if you're struggling or just want some guidance.
Class of 2029
We hope you've had an enjoyable and productive summer. Keep exploring potential specialties: attending interest group meetings is a great way to do that (and often sneak in a free meal). Be sure to connect with your Early Career Advisors, even if it's for a simple check-in.
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National ARC-PA Conference
Drs. Safdieh and Porta presented at the ARC-PA Conference 2026 on “Strengthening Accreditation Readiness through Medical School Integration: A PA Program Model,” highlighting innovative strategies for accreditation success and continuous program improvement.
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National Recognition
Dr. Christine Zammit serves as a PAEA Item Writer, contributing to the development of assessment tools that support PA education nationwide.
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We also proudly recognize Dr. Zammit, Associate Program Director, on her recent promotion from Instructor to Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies Teaching in Medicine. This achievement reflects her ongoing dedication to excellence in physician assistant education and academic leadership.
Outstanding Student Achievement
The PA Class of 2026 achieved a 100% first-time PANCE pass rate, reflecting the program’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.
Lobbying in D.C.
Drs. Safdieh and Porta lobbied on behalf of medical and PA education in Washington D.C.
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NYSED Update
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has approved the curricular revisions for our Health Sciences for Physician Assistants M.S. program. We would also like to recognize and thank our Director of Curriculum, Dr. Gina Pontrelli, for her exceptional dedication, expertise, and hard work in achieving this important milestone.
WCM PA Program Clinical Compass Award
Congratulations to Julia Narovlyanskaya, MPH, PA-C, our recipient of the WCM PA Program Clinical Compass Award! This award recognizes one of our exceptional PA student educators who demonstrates commitment to teaching, mentorship, and advocacy. Julia is the Chief Physician Assistant for the Department of Surgery at NYP-Brooklyn Methodist. She is actively engaged in PA professional growth and development coordinating clinical experiences, facilitating PA Grand Rounds, and leading PA simulation workshops.
| | Student Summer Research Projects | | Alexandra Baker M2: This summer, Alexandra has been building a REDCap database to support a cardiogenic shock registry for the WCM Department of Cardiology. The registry will serve as a resource for generating hypotheses for future clinical trials. Their interdisciplinary research team is particularly interested in the use of new mechanical circulatory support devices in patients with cardiogenic shock. By better defining which patients are most likely to benefit from these therapies, they hope to refine patient selection and improve clinical outcomes. | | | |
Jacob Roy M2: While MRI studies can provide key diagnostic insight, their high volume in the emergency department (ED) often contributes to prolonged patient wait times and increasing costs. This summer, Jacob and team analyzed patient data from the NYP-WCM and NYP-LMH EDs to identify MRI utilization trends and form new operational strategies for ED MRI throughput.
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Emily Xing, Emma Hartman, Hamna Shafiq, Jed Kaiser, Peyton Thompson, Sanjana Venkittu, and Stephanie Budhan (all M2s): Previous studies demonstrated that the enrichment of Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), a gram-negative anaerobe, is associated with increased metastasis and worse prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Previous experiments showed that, in in-vitro models, long-term Fn secretome treatment altered the genetic and molecular profiles of CRC cells. In the current study, we investigated how the Fn secretome affects CRC cell motility and interactions with NK cells. We found that Fn-treated CRC cells moved faster and exhibited greater directionality, whereas untreated CRC cells tended to move back and forth within the same spot. However, this increase in cell motility did not translate into a longer time-to-lysis by NK cells attached to CRC cells in co-culture.
| | Brendan Roth M2: With Dr. David Otterburn and research fellow Daana Bajnauth, Brendan helped implement a simulation-based “Surgical Olympics” in which plastic surgery residents completed technical skills stations. This ongoing project examines residents’ training needs and explores scalable ways to make deliberate practice and high-quality, timely feedback more accessible outside the operating room. | |
Lily Woolf M2: Lily spent this summer in the cardiac electrophysiology lab analyzing properties of the left atrium of patients undergoing ablations to treat atrial fibrillation. Their goal is to use these left atrial properties to identify patterns in arrhythmia recurrence and potential future ablation targets. Lily spent a few years prior to medical school working in industry supporting electrophysiologists during these procedures, and the opportunity to work towards bridging the technical aspects of mapping with its application in clinical research has been such a rewarding experience for Lily.
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New Research
Dr. Rohan Jotwani and team had their paper, “A Conversational Ethics Bot (CALEB) Versus GPT-4o for Medical Ethics Education: Transcript Analysis and Extended Reality Feasibility Study,” published in the Journal of Medical Extended Reality.
An abstract presented by Benjamin Persons M2 at the Medical Students Ethics Conference in Albany has now been developed into an essay, “Are We Ready to Treat a World on Fire? Climate Literacy in Medical Education,” published in the Hastings Bioethics Forum. The essay makes the case for integrating climate and environmental health literacy more fully into medical education and describes the environmental health elective that is being developed at WCM.
AOC Track: Health Informatics and Applied Artificial Intelligence
Dr. Jared Silberlust, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine and Assistant Medical Director of Information Services, developed a new AOC Track: “Health Informatics and Applied Artificial Intelligence.” By the end of this AOC, learners will understand the foundational principles of health informatics and how healthcare organizations use people, processes, data, and technology to improve clinical care. Learners will also gain practical exposure to operational informatics projects, develop skills using the electronic health record, and learn how to evaluate and communicate the outcomes of technology-enabled healthcare interventions.
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Makayla Beninati, PGY-1, Plastic Surgery, MD Class of 2026
“The transition from being a Weill Cornell Medicine medical student to a resident has been challenging at times, but ultimately very rewarding. It has been especially meaningful to continue relationships I developed with residents and faculty mentors during medical school into residency, while taking on new responsibilities and roles in patient care. I'm grateful for the strong foundation I built as a medical student and am excited to continue growing as a resident!”
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Jacob Jamison, PGY-1, Internal Medicine, MD Class of 2026
“The transition to residency has been extremely rewarding. WCMC prepared me very well both in terms of clinical knowledge and in functioning as part of a team. Residency is challenging, but it is made easier by getting to work alongside amazing colleagues and mentors who are very invested in the growth of everyone around them and the wellbeing of the patients we take care of together. I also feel incredibly grateful to continue working with the clinical and research mentors I trained with in med school, which has made starting residency at WCM/NYP feel like a natural continuation.”
| | For this iteration of the Med Ed Newsletter, we interviewed three fantastic staff members from the Office of Curriculum and Education Development: Leslie Bramm, David Fadul, and Abigail Persaud! | | |
Q: How long have you worked at WCM?
Leslie: I’m currently in my 24th year at WCM—which is long enough to have seen a lot of changes, a lot of faces, and a lot of stories.
David: I've been at WCM for about eight months, and it's been a great experience so far. Every week brings something new to learn, which keeps the work interesting.
Abigail: I’ve been at Weill Cornell Medicine for 15 months, and I’m excited to begin my second fall semester supporting both Essential Principles of Medicine and Health, Illness & Disease II. I’m especially looking forward to reconnecting with the M2s and welcoming the incoming M1s as they begin their journey at WCM. Every class brings new energy, perspectives, and personalities, and it’s exciting to be part of that experience.
Q: Can you describe your role at the Medical College?
Leslie: Officially, I’m the Classroom Technician, but that title only tells part of the story. I like to say I have my fingers in a lot of pies. I help with everything from student lockers, scrubs, and white coats to organizing and supporting many of the special events we host. And then there are the variables—the day-to-day bumps, bruises, surprises, and occasional fire drills that come with working alongside students, faculty, and staff. I often think of my role less as a technician and more as a stage manager. I’m behind the scenes, making sure the right people have what they need, things are where they’re supposed to be, and the show goes on—even when something unexpected happens.
David: My role is all about supporting faculty, staff, students, and patients to help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Right now, I support HID 2A, which focuses on Brain and Behavior—one of my favorite subjects. I also create video tutorials, Excel trackers, and other resources that help the team stay organized and make it easier to manage information within the foundational curriculum. I enjoy finding ways to simplify processes and make everyone's work a little easier.
Abigail: I’m a Foundational Curriculum Assistant, primarily supporting Phase 1 courses. Much of my work happens behind the scenes—coordinating with faculty on academic activities, helping implement courses, and supporting student and facilitator assessments. I also support select Patient Care and Physicianship activities, including the Longitudinal Clinical Skills Program. I especially enjoy this work because it’s where students begin putting their classroom learning into practice. They develop clinical reasoning and communication skills, practice physical exams, work through cases with their peers, and receive personalized feedback from tutors. Being part of that transition—from learning medicine to thinking and communicating like physicians—is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
Q) What is your favorite part about working at WCM?
Leslie: The people. Without question. After 24 years, I’ve had the chance to work with an incredible variety of people, and that’s what keeps the job interesting. The relationships, the personalities, the laughs, and even the occasional chaos are what make WCM feel like a community.
David: Without a doubt, it's the opportunity to keep learning. I'm naturally curious, so I love being able to listen in on lectures and discover topics I probably wouldn't have explored otherwise. If I'm working on a repetitive task, I'll often play recordings of meetings in the background like a podcast—it's a great way to learn while I work. I also really enjoy the people here. My colleagues have such diverse backgrounds and experiences that almost every conversation teaches me something new.
Abigail: Without a doubt, it’s working with the students. I love hearing their feedback in real time—what’s working, what could be improved, and how they’re experiencing their education. During the fall, our office interacts with more than 200 students, so there are certainly a lot of names and faces to keep track of! But I make a point of connecting with as many students as possible. Creating an environment where students feel comfortable approaching us is important because it encourages them to share their honest thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Our students also come from incredibly diverse backgrounds and bring a wide range of interests and experiences to WCM. Getting to know them as individuals—not just as students—is one of the things I value most about being part of the WCM community.
Q) Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
Leslie: I’m a playwright— which you can check out at lesliebramm.com—and I also play hardcore New York City Street basketball. But recently, I discovered I’m a direct descendant of Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard the pirate. So, apparently, I come from a long line of people who know how to create drama, take risks, and cause a little trouble. Which, when you think about it, is pretty great for a playwright and a street baller.
David: I play the guitar! When I was younger, I'd switch back and forth between practicing guitar and playing video games. Looking back, I realized I was accidentally using the Pomodoro Technique long before I knew it had a name. And if you ask about my favorite band, the answer is easy—Queen. Their music never gets old, and Brian May is one of the guitarists who inspired me to keep playing.
Abigail: I have a real love for the performing arts. Before coming to WCM, I spent several years working behind the scenes at my local theater as a stage manager and in various production roles. My favorite place was always with the stage crew, helping turn a director’s vision into reality. I worked on five productions and learned a lot along the way—especially about delegation, staying calm under pressure, and communicating with people with very different personalities and perspectives. Theater taught me that a successful production depends on everyone working together and knowing that their contribution matters. I am always eager to promote local and accessible arts for everyone. I hope to get back into it as a hobby soon!
| | Welcome MD Class of 2030! | |
26 U.S. States
Born, lived, studied, or worked in 26 countries
41 Undergraduate Colleges
60% Bilingual/Multilingual
| Welcome PA Class of 2028! | |
26 U.S. States
Born, lived, studied, or worked in 7 countries
32 Undergraduate Colleges
46% Bilingual/Multilingual
| | Important Dates/Deadlines | | | Sept. 1 | SF Match (Ophtho) residency application 'target date’ | | Sept. 2, 4-5pm | State of Weill Cornell Medicine Address
and Town Hall with Dean Harrington | | Sept. 2, 5:30-7:30pm | Student Activities Fair | | Sept 16, 5-6pm | Student Town Hall with Medical School Leadership | | Sept. 17 | ResidencyCAS applications for EM and Ob/Gyn are due | | Sept. 23 | ERAS applications for EM and Ob/Gyn are due | | Nov. 3, 5-7pm | AOC Fair | | Nov. 20, 1:30-4:30pm | Medical Student Research Day | | |
Contact Lindsay Capozzi at lca4007@med.cornell.edu to highlight your awards, events, updates, etc. in the
next Med Ed Newsletter.
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