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September 2024 Newsletter

+ National Coffee Day

September 29 is National Coffee Day! Our students, faculty, and staff came together to share a moment of connection, and engage in uplifting conversations with peers.

Click here to watch College of Medicine espresso-ing their love for coffee!

These small, but meaningful moments of relaxation and social interaction play a crucial role in maintaining balance, reducing stress, and fostering a vibrant, supportive environment that strengthens our sense of community.

Healthy Aging

+ Aging in the Sunshine State

With 1 in 5 Floridians now aged 65 or older, the approach to aging is evolving towards promoting health, vitality, and independence. Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine, led by experts like Dr. Richard D. Shih, is pioneering new strategies to help seniors live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. From staying active to fostering social connections and fall prevention, Florida Atlantic is at the forefront of empowering older adults to thrive.

Read more

"It's about keeping the spark alive—staying active, engaged, and mentally sharp."

Thank you!

Thank you Palm Beach County Medical Society and Palm Beach County Services Board for your continued support of the medical students at the Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine. Thank you for generously donating new stethoscopes to each member of the Class of 2028. They will serve as a reminder of the experiences they had in medical school and the dedication of the members of our community.

With gratitude,

The Schmidt College of Medicine and the Class of 2028 

Medical Students Highlights

+ AΩA 2024 Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship

Akshay Tangutur, class of 2027 M.D. candidate at the Schmidt College of Medicine, has made history as the first Florida Atlantic University student to receive the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA) Carolyn L. Kuckein Fellowship Award. This national honor highlights both Akshay's dedication to advancing medical research and the college’s strong commitment to fostering academic growth through mentorship and innovation.

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The State University System has awarded Alexandra Garcia, M4, the prestigious 2024 Delores A. Auzenne Fellowship. This fellowship honors students who are breaking barriers in fields where they have been historically underrepresented. Alexandra's exceptional research, commitment to community service, and strong leadership—praised by Drs. Mario Jacomino and Lisa C. Martinez—embody the very spirit of this distinguished award.

Julia Prakash, M4, earned the esteemed 2024 Graduate Fellowship for Academic Excellence. This award recognizes Julia’s outstanding academic achievements, impactful research, and unwavering commitment to community service and leadership. A special thanks to Drs. Mario Jacomino and Parvathi Perumareddi, for their support in her journey.

Jonah Vest, M4, is honored with the prestigious 2024 Dr. Daniel B. Newell & Aurel B. Newell Doctoral Fellowship. Supported by the late Mrs. Aurel B. Newell, this fellowship recognizes outstanding doctoral students at Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Mario Jacomino praised Jonah’s exceptional leadership, remarkable academic achievements, and strong commitment to community service.

Department of Research

Photo credit: Riya Sheokand

Master Copper Regulator Discovery May Offer Alzheimer's Clues


A groundbreaking study by Florida Atlantic researchers using a tiny roundworm, links the worm gene swip-10 to copper regulation, which could pave the way for new treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.


Read more

August/September Research Publications

View 2024 Research Publications

Graduate Medical Education

+ Women in Medicine

The Palm Beach County Medical Society held a Women in Medicine dinner at Benvenuto's in Boynton Beach, bringing together a vibrant group of our residents and faculty from multiple specialties. The evening was filled with networking and shared experiences among some of the brightest women in medicine.

Pictured from the Palm Beach County Medical Society Women in Medicine dinner: General Surgery residents Michelle Freeman, MD (PGY3) and Stephanie Yakoubovitch, MD (PGY3); Emergency Medicine participants Frances Rodriguez, MD (Clinical Affiliate Associate Professor), Alyssa King, DO (PGY3), Jacquelyn Orr, DO (PGY2), and Niloufar Ghazi, DO (PGY2); Internal Medicine residents and faculty Fernanda Andrade, MD (PGY1), Dalina Laffita Perez, MD (PGY1), Allison Ferris, MD (Program Director), Katrina Ramsamooj, MD (PGY1), Naika Joubert, MD (PGY1), Luz (Maggie) Ramirez, MD (PGY1), Cornelia Charles, MD (Assistant Professor, Core Faculty), and Cristina Man, MD (PGY1).

+ NASS 2024

Congratulations to Daniel Bonthius, Ph.D., M.D., a resident in the Emergency Medicine Residency Program, who was honored with the National Young Investigator Award by the North American Spine Society!

He received this prestigious award at their national conference in Chicago on September 26th, recognizing his outstanding contributions to spine research and innovation.

Upcoming Events

+ Save the Date

Around Florida Atlantic

+ Join us for the 2024 Benefits Fair!

The 2024 Benefits Fair will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 9 am to 3 pm in the Live Oak Pavilion on Boca Raton campus.

Learn more about what’s new this enrollment period.

To make changes to your benefits online, visit People First.

+ Showcase Your Work in the 2024 Art of Science Contest!

Calling all Florida Atlantic University students, faculty, and staff! The 2024 Art of Science Contest is accepting submissions of photographs and videos of your research, scholarship and creative activity.

October 4: Final submission deadline

December: Winners announced

March 11: Exhibition Opening Night (featuring speakers and prizes!)

April 2: Exhibition closes on the Boca Raton campus

Ready to share your creativity? Learn more and submit your entry here.

Giving Day

+ Thank You for Making Giving Day a Success!

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who came out and participated in Giving Day! Your support has made a lasting impact on the Schmidt College of Medicine and the future of our students.

Your support is more than just a donation; it's an investment in the future of medical education and biomedical research. By contributing to our unrestricted funds, you give us the flexibility to explore innovative ideas, drive new discoveries, and tackle emerging challenges. Join us in making a difference—donate today!

➡️ Share your story to be featured in our upcoming newsletters!

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