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A Summer of Change
Summer at Weill Cornell Medicine is a season of transition, reflection, and renewal.
We recently celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026, as both our MD and PA students stepped forward into the next phase of their careers. We are proud of what they have accomplished and even more excited about what they will go on to do.
The past few months have also been marked by significant institutional milestones. Our eight-year LCME site visit in April brought together students, faculty, residents, and staff across the medical college in a shared effort that was both rigorous and deeply collaborative. Accreditation, at its best, is not about checking boxes. It is a stress test of the entire educational enterprise and an opportunity to refine, strengthen, and push forward. I am grateful to everyone who contributed their time, expertise, and energy to this process.
We also had the privilege of hosting the inaugural OneCornell Health Educators Conference, bringing together educators from across Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine and our broader academic community. It was a clear demonstration of what is possible when we think horizontally across disciplines, professions, and campuses to advance a shared educational mission.
Looking ahead, we will soon welcome a new generation of learners, including the MD Class of 2030, a milestone that is both exciting and, admittedly, a bit surreal! Orientation is always a powerful reminder that medical education is a continuous cycle: as one class launches into practice, another begins the journey. Our responsibility is to ensure that each cohort is prepared not only with knowledge and skills, but with the judgment, humility, and professional identity that define exceptional physicians and physician assistants.
Summer gives us a moment to reset, but not to slow down. It is a time to build on recent momentum, to translate insight into action, and to continue shaping a medical education program that is both rigorous and forward-looking.
Thank you, as always, for the work you do every day to make this possible.
- Dr. Joseph Safdieh, Senior Associate Dean for Education
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Congratulations to Dr. TJ Jirasevijina who was appointed Director for Educational Excellence, Scholarship, and Partnerships within WCM EDge, effective July 1, 2026. In this role, Dr. Jirasevijinda will provide strategic leadership across our educational mission: advancing teaching excellence, strengthening educational scholarship, and building a vibrant, connected community of educators. He will develop and scale faculty development initiatives for medical educators, mentor junior faculty in education scholarship, lead the EDge Grants program, and expand cross-campus collaborations, including key partnerships with the College of Veterinary Medicine. This role is central to our vision of creating a dynamic, collaborative ecosystem that elevates teaching and learning across Weill Cornell Medicine and beyond.
| | Welcome Aboard New Faculty Leaders | | |
Dr. Mollie Freedman-Weiss, Assistant Professor of Surgery and Surgical Sub-Internship Director
“When a student chooses a specialty, there is so much excitement about knowing that you are finally on a path toward a specific goal. But the road in surgery can be long and daunting-- especially that first step: internship. I am excited to help with the transition from student to intern by providing a Sub-I experience that allows for increased competence, graduated autonomy, technical improvement, real clinical responsibility, and recognition of patterns in both patient care and in team dynamics. I hope that with this immersive experience, we not only teach our Sub-Is about surgical care, but also balance, well-being, and that we impart confidence in their own success, thereby easing some of the stress of internship.”
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Dr. Baran Ersoy, Assistant Professor of Metabolism in Medicine and Co-GI Unit Leader, HID 1A
"I am a basic and translational scientist in GI with research projects that extend from hepatic fibrosis in primary cell cultures to clinical studies in GLP-1 resistance and biomarker discovery in metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. Combined with my teaching experience in both basic and clinical settings, I would like to bridge the gap between basic and clinical teaching and provide the students with a broader and ever evolving view of GI medicine.”
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Dr. Paul Barone, Assistant Professor of Pathology & Lab Medicine and Co-Course Director, HID 1A&B
"I am excited to collaborate with our fantastic Unit Leaders to continue to evolve and adapt this complex, integrated course to meet the demands of the rapidly changing healthcare environment.”
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Dr. Line Malha, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Co-Renal Unit Leader, HID 1A
"I’m excited to help medical students find nephrology intelligible, accessible, appealing, and to nurture their curiosity so that even those who choose other specialties feel confident with the kidney fundamentals they will rely on throughout their medical training and careers."
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Dr. Felice Schnoll-Sussman, Professor of Clinical Medicine & Associate Course Director for the Area of Concentration Program
“Medical education has been a central priority throughout my entire career at Weill Cornell, and the AOC program represents a cornerstone of the student experience here. Having served as a pathway advisor for the past three years, I've developed a deep appreciation for the impact this program has on our students. Watching them grow into confident, curious physician-scholars has been incredibly rewarding. I'm honored to step into this role and excited to take on this opportunity to help further support and shape that experience.”
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Dr. Lea Lowenfeld, Assistant Professor of Surgery and Course Director, Surgery Clerkship
“I am most excited to introduce students to the field of surgery, equipping every student with a strong understanding of practical surgical skills, clinical judgment, and confidence that they will carry into any field—and for some, inspiring the decision to become surgeons.”
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Dr. Nena Osorio, Professor of Clinical Pediatrics & Research Pathway Advisor in the AOC Program
“I am especially excited about working with students who are enthusiastic and eager to grow, as I find great fulfillment in fostering curiosity and helping learners develop new skills. I bring a diverse set of skills to this role, including experience in basic, clinical, and quality improvement research, along with strong mentorship and time management abilities”
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Dr. Diala Steitieh, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program, and Co-CV Unit Leader, HID 1A
“I’m most excited about shaping an engaging, clinically meaningful cardiovascular curriculum that helps students connect foundational science to real patient care from the very start."
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On March 20, the Class of 2026 learned where they will be doing their internship and residency training. A remarkable 98% of our students placed into residency programs at medical centers across the country, including 26 graduates placing into NewYork-Presbyterian campuses and other WCM-affiliated hospitals. 87% of our students matched at institutions ranked in the top 50 by U.S. News & World Report. Read more here.
WCM Future of Care Conference
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In April, WCM students hosted the WCM Future of Care Conference 2026. This year’s theme, "One Size Fits None" captured a new vision for healthcare: medicine designed around the individual, not the average.
IMSE's Spring 2026 International Fellows Reception
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The Office of International Medical Student Education hosted the Spring 2026 International Fellows Reception where 4th year students discussed their clinical international elective experiences.
Lobby Day in Albany
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A group of GHHS members held a successful Lobby Day in Albany!
Ithaca Weekend
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A few MD students visited Ithaca to cheer on Cornell basketball in the Ivy tournament for a bid to March Madness.
Heart Procurement Runs
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Harrison Chen M1, Yuzhu Huang M1 and Ruth Jones M1 participated in recent heart procurement runs.
AAMC's Rise
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Congratulations to Grady Hofman M1 and Alicia Ugenti M1 who were accepted to AAMC’s RISE: Developing Future Leaders in Academic Medicine & Science for Rising Second Year Medical Students. These students demonstrated a willingness and ability to positively impact the culture and/or learning environment at WCM.
Cry of the Heart Poetry Contest
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The Cry of the Heart Poetry Contest team and the Weill Cornell Medical College chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society celebrated the work of their peers at the Cry of the Heart celebratory poetry reading. The winning entries were as follows:
| | Emergency Preparedness Course | | This course is for graduating medical students with the goal and objective of exposure and preparedness for emergencies in ’the real world.' Through interactive discussions and simulations, faculty and EMS work with students to highlight interventions focused on: cardiac events, airplane emergencies, motor vehicle emergencies, and mass casualty events and stepwise approaches to intervene on a meaningful manner. | | |
SMEP is a long-standing community outreach initiative at Weill Cornell that brings Brooklyn middle school students to campus for hands-on learning about health and disease, in partnership with the Office of Access, Belonging and Student Success. SMEP recently held a SMEP Dissection Day (hands-on anatomy/dissection activities led by Weill Cornell medical students).
M1 Class Show
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M1 students hosted a class show filled with comedy skits, musical performances and a jump rope performance.
MD & PA Convocation & Commencement
| | MD and PA students from the Class of 2026 were honored during convocation ceremonies on May 13 for their dedication to scholarship, excellence in research, devotion to teaching or service and exceptional professional qualities. Additionally, an expected 136 new doctors and physician assistants celebrated the completion of their education on May during Weill Cornell Medical College’s annual Commencement ceremony. Read more here and here. | | |
“I came to WCM not really knowing who I’d become here, and looking back, I barely recognize the person I was when I started. The patients I’ve cared for have taught me more than I ever expected, and their stories have stayed with me long after leaving the hospital. Taking a research year gave me a chance to step back, grow in a different way, and come back with a clearer sense of purpose. Now, re-entering my fourth year, I feel more ready than ever. The clinical experiences and mentorship I’ve had here have solidified my passion for OBGYN, and I genuinely cannot wait to carry everything WCM has taught me into residency.”
— Victoria De Barros M4
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"The last few years at Weill Cornell have been a lifechanging experience. I've had the privilege of getting to work with so many kind, humanistic souls who began as classmates and are now lifelong friends. On top of that, I've met so many approachable and down-to-earth mentors who have truly wanted to see me grow and guided me at every step. Now as I become a physician, I have the opportunity to pay that forward and help the next generation grow into the doctors they're supposed to be."
— Brendan Tarantino M4
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“Now approaching the end of my first year in medical school, I realize how much my perceptions of medical school have shifted. During my white coat ceremony, I remember feeling apprehensive about the immediate academic rigors I’d face: How many hours would I need to study? Would I focus better in my room or the library? Should I subscribe to Goodnotes or Notability? While these worries weren't entirely in vain, nine months later, I realize that being a student in medicine means so much more than mastering the sciences. For me, the past few months have been defined by profound personal growth. My transition from living in Dallas to NYC was daunting, but surprisingly smooth with the uplifting community of my classmates. I’ve met so many people in my class that I admire, each for different reasons: some for their rich passions, others for their poise and empathy, and many for their incredible talents outside of medicine. Furthermore, I’ve been guided by mentors that have challenged me to not just establish the competencies of a good physician, but to practice the art of medicine with care and intention. I am deeply grateful to be here - studying the field that I love, with people that I love, in the city that I love.”
— Jacob Roy M1
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EDge Mixer
Med Ed hosted a mixer with the EDge community, which featured opening remarks from Dean Harrington, an overview of the first 6 months of EDge, and an opportunity to network with other members.
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OneCornell Health Educators Conference
This new cross-campus conference brought together educators from all health professions, organized by Weill Cornell Medicine’s EDge, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, and the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Educators Academy. The conference addressed clinical reasoning while examining strategies for creating and communicating adaptive feedback, as well as best practices for training learners to receive and apply feedback effectively. Read more here.
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EDge Impact
This event was a celebration to highlight exciting projects focused on shaping the future of medical education, both within WCM and across the broader academic landscape, and are designed and led by EDge members, EDge fellows and Rising EDge trainees. Find event details here.
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AOA Visiting Professor
WCM Chapter of Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) hosted a special WCM Medical Education Grand Rounds titled, "Why Mass Incarceration Matters for Medical Care” which was led by Dr. Ross F. MacDonald, Chief Medical Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals | Woodhull; and Associate Clinical Professor, Medicine, NYU Langone Health.
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Med Ed Grand Rounds
Since the launch of our Med Ed Spring Newsletter, we’ve heard from three additional speakers, including:
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Dr. Jaideep S. Talwalkar, Yale School of Medicine: “AI for Assessment in Medical Education”
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Dr. Maya Hammoud, University of Michigan: “Coaching as a Transformative Framework for Learner Development and Institutional Culture”
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Dr. Cornelius James, University of Michigan: “Physicians in the AI Era-Redefining Tasks, Tools, Teams and Teaching”
| | View the recordings of our Grand Rounds here and register for our June Grand Rounds here. | | |
Phase 1 Highlights
- AI-based neurology physical diagnosis assessments and new “How To Treat Modules” were rolled out in Brain and Behavior, linking pharmacology directly to management decisions
- Expanded use of MedSimAI enounters in PCP to help with skill development and feedback in the pre-clinical space
- The Longitudinal Clinical Skills Program (LCSP) launched this January. LCSP is a year‑long, longitudinal clinical skills program within the Patient Care & Physicianship unit in HID1 and HID2. Students work with dedicated faculty mentors to develop foundational skills in clinical reasoning, physical examination, history taking, and professionalism. Since its launch, LCSP has been a highly positive experience for students, who are valuing the continuity, mentorship, and hands‑on learning that supports their growth and confidence as developing clinicians.
- Exciting curriculum planned for genetics in the fall, integrating MD, PA, and genetic counseling students and faculty in co-facilitated case-based learning sessions.
Phase 3 Highlights
Curricular highlights include a new Advanced Clinical Ethics session this semester in which we integrated CALEB into the session. The panel included the software engineer and a couple of the physician members of the development team. Students were assigned the task of developing an ethically salient question for the bot, related to an assigned case that we had previously unpacked in class.
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MD-PhD Student Dr. Claire Kenney won the New York Celtic Medical Society 2026 Michael O’DellTrainee Excellence Award.
Congratulations to Dr. Kaushal Shah who was accepted to the AMA Academic Coaching Implementation Workshop. The AMA selected only 40 participants from among all applications from around the country. The workshop will be held in person in Chicago at the AMA headquarters on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 11-12, 2026.
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Alpha Omega Alpha
Learn more about relevant programs and awards here. Please note you do not need to be a member to apply to any of the medical student awards.
New York Academy of Medicine
Each year, New York Academy of Medicine distributes more than $400,000 in grants and fellowships to medical students, experienced physicians, and researchers who are advancing the future of healthcare. Find opportunities here.
Residency Explorer™ Tool
Use this resource to identify and compare residency programs.
WCM Residency Specialty Data Dashboard
Check out Academic Affairs' new Residency Speciality Data Dashboard for the average Step 2 score, match locations, and the electives taken by students over the past 5 years.
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Faculty Voices: Educational Peer Review
William Ameres served as an abstract reviewer for the OneCornell Health Educators Conference. “The experience highlighted the importance of strong study design and clear communication in educational scholarship, while also offering insight into the innovative ways educators are addressing common challenges in teaching and assessment. I found the process both rewarding and meaningful and appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the broader educational community.”
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William also represented the Weill Cornell Medicine PA Program as a panelist at the inaugural OneCornell Health Educators Conference.
Educational Research & Presentations
Dr. Lisa Doron's study, “Applying the Autistic SPACE Framework and AI Standardized Patient Simulation to Build Inclusive Care Skills in Physician Assistant (PA) Students” examined the impact of combining the Autistic SPACE framework with interactive MedSimAI cases to teach autism-focused patient care to PA students. Following a lecture, MedSimAI simulation cases, and a guided debrief, students reported increased confidence in communication, clinical assessment, and use of a structured approach. These findings highlight the potential of integrating practical frameworks with AI-driven simulation to strengthen patient-centered communication skills in health professions education.
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Dr. Doron also presented at the OneCornell Health Educators Conference and at the EDge Impact Event.
Faculty Award Nominations
The Elsevier Award recognizes outstanding healthcare educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching, mentorship, and student support. Nominations are typically submitted by students, highlighting faculty who have made a meaningful impact on their learning experience.
We are proud to share that three of our Physician Assistant faculty members—Dr. Kelly R. Porta, Associate Dean of PA Studies, Program Director; Dr. Gina Pontrelli, Director of Curriculum; and Dr. Maria Compte. Research Curriculum Lead—were nominated in recognition of their outstanding dedication and excellence in education, highlighting the meaningful impact they have on their students.
Educational Leadership & National Service
Dr. Christine Zammit co-facilitated the PAEA Associate Program Directors Virtual Retreat on June 1, 2026, contributing to national faculty development and leadership collaboration.
Editorial and Professional Appointments
Dr. Gina Pontrelli was appointed as the New Abstract and Brief Reports Editor for the Journal of Physician Assistant Education.
PA Convocation and Commencement
PA Class of 2026 celebrated their hard-earned success at the convocation ceremony—a proud milestone marking the start of their journey in healthcare. This year marks a special milestone for the WCM Physician Assistants Program, as our graduating class recited the PA Oath for the first time at commencement. We are proud to see physician assistants recognized in such a meaningful way within our medical college community.
This is also the first year we had a PA student speaker at commencement—Veerali Patel, Class of 2026 PA Society President—making the celebration even more significant.
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
| | Gwynne Ozkan M2 recently got a major co-first author publication in “Blood Advances”, one of the top hematology journals in our field, entitled "Non-ICANS Neurologic Toxicity after BCMA CAR T: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 4630 Multiple Myeloma Patients." Her paper directly addressed a very hot and important clinical question in immunotherapy for multiple myeloma and will be very well cited. | | Eirene Fithian M1 presented her first-author paper “Clinical Insights into Allergen-Specific Symptom Profiles Among Patients Undergoing Oral Immunotherapy for Food Allergy” at the Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting this year. | |
Benjamin Persons M1 presented on the importance of environmental health education in medical curriculum.
Pediatric Research Day
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Bryce Demopoulos M3 kicked off oral presentations discussing elevated blood levels in children with sickle cell disease.
Michael Greenberg M3 presented his research entitled, “Determining optimal brain state for closed loop stimulation: alpha oscillations and cortical excitability in a TMS-EEG paradigm.”
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Kelli Ruttle
Administrative Coordinator, Curriculum Office
“I've been doing Barebow archery for the last several years. I do league every Wednesday and have even done a few competitions including last year's Vegas Shoot. Not only is the sport both very fun and very zen, but I'm also grateful every day for the community that it's brought into my life.”
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Students can easily access mental health resources at:
studentmentalhealth@med.cornell.edu
| | Important Dates/Deadlines | | | Tuesday, June 3 | Student Town Hall with Medical School Leadership | | Thursday, June 25 | Excellence in Medical Education Awards | | Tuesday, August 18 | MD & PA White Coat Ceremonies | | |
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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