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SCHMIDT COLLEGE OF MEDICINE + FAU HEALTH

students + research + graduate medical education + clinical practice

October 2023

FAU Honors 2023 Talon Leadership Award Recipients

From left, Justine Avila, chair of the FAU Alumni Association Board; FAU President Stacy Volnick ’87, ’06, ’22; philanthropist Ann Wood; Jennifer Caceres, M.D., FACP, senior associate dean for student affairs and associate professor in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine; Kaylia Cooper, FAU student; Debbie Levine, CFRE, ’93; Katie Burke, Ph.D., ’08, ’10, ’15, ’17, assistant vice president of alumni and community engagement.

Florida Atlantic University hosted its annual Talon Leadership Awards ceremony as part of Homecoming 2023, honoring outstanding faculty, student, alumni and community leadership. Co-sponsored by Florida Atlantic Alumni and Community Engagement and Student Government, the Talon Awards have been presented during Homecoming week since 1997. Read More

We are extremely proud of Dr. Jennifer Caceres, who received The Faculty Talon Award for her dedication to guiding and supporting medical students at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine.

I am so honored to receive this very distinguished award. To be recognized for what I love to do is incredible! My students are at the heart of everything I do at FAU and seeing them succeed is the greatest reward. Student success takes a village which makes this award not mine alone. This award is really a recognition of the hard work, dedication and commitment of the whole team who supports the success of our medical students and I am so fortunate to be part of it! - Dr. Jennifer Caceres

Congratulations to Ann and John Wood for receiving the President's Talon Award. The Wood's transformative gifts and commitment to amyloidosis research have propelled the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine to new heights.

View Photos from the Awards

+ Faculty and Staff Highlights

Celebrating Excellence at the Medical Education Retreat

At our annual Medical Education Retreat, we came together to spotlight curriculum innovations and honor those at the forefront of our college's mission. Core teaching awards are presented to recognize excellence in teaching, service, and contributions to the missions of the college. Award recipients come from nominations and a selection committee made up of students, recognizing contributions in various courses, clerkships, or clinical teaching areas. Read More

AAMC National Positions

FAU Schmidt College of Medicine extends its sincere congratulations to two exceptional members of our team for their significant appointments to national committees under the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Read More

Dr. Jennifer Caceras, AAMC National Committee on Student Affairs (COSA)

Mr. Doug Stupec - AAMC National Committee on Student Financial Assistance (COSFA)

Dr. Michael Dobbs, Chair of the Clinical Neurosciences Department at FAU Schmidt College of Medicine, recently addressed the Friends of MSF, a student-run organization affiliated with Doctors Without Borders, at the FAU Student Union. Additionally, he was a guest speaker at the UCF Neurology Department. His lecture on clinical neurotoxicology left a lasting impression on all in attendance.

+ Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dean Curtis Whitehair, M.D.

Embracing Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Dean Curtis L. Whitehair, M.D. His book, "Managing Breast Cancer: A Guide to Living Well Through Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation," reflects his dedication to supporting breast cancer patients on their journey to recovery. Join us in spreading awareness and empowering survivors!

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, the Project Grow team collaborated with the Caridad Student Free Clinic Initiative to host a nutrition talk at Caridad Clinic’s Annual Workshop for Breast Cancer Survivors. Using a combination of store-bought produce and spinach and leafy greens collected from Project Grow's first ever garden harvest (!), FAU medical students engaged a class of 15 breast cancer survivors in a discussion of the importance of following a healthy diet in maintaining wellness in the fight against cancer, giving out CSA-style bags brimming with fresh produce and over 50 meal prep containers full of healthy recipes including homemade hummus, broth, and chia seed pudding.


Thank you to American College of Lifestyle Medicine for the micro-grant funding that made the event possible!

+ Medical Student Highlights

The student-led Emergency Medicine Interest Group at FAU organized an amazing intubation workshop for our M1 and M2 classes, providing invaluable hands-on experience. Thanks to Dr. Joshua Solano and PGY-2 resident Dr. Keenan Dunkley for leading the session, and kudos to the FAU Emergency Medicine Residency Program for making it all possible!

Sarvika BommakantiArielle Sanghvi and David Jooryabi all fourth-year medical students, attended the AAP National Conference in Washington D.C. They presented their research to pediatric healthcare professionals from across the world.

FAU medical students, Kathryn Lotharius and Taylor Fistel won the poster competition at the FMDA Best Care Practices in the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Continuum Conference in Orlando this October.

Congratulations to medical student, Talia Fradkin, for her article titled “Goldenhar Syndrome” which has been accepted for publication in the American College of Radiology’s Case in Point Journal.

Rojesh Shakya, a standout student in our medical scholars program, has been selected as a finalist in the American College of Physicians FL Chapter 2023 Poster Competition with his poster on "Effect of Chitin Microparticles and Benzimidazoles on Breast Cancer Metastasis."

+ Medical Post-Bacc Program

Fall 2023 Class of the Medical Post-Bacc Program


We welcomed a cohort of 21 talented and dedicated students, eager to embark on their journey towards a future in medicine. Our program at FAU is tailored to equip future medical students with the necessary skills and experiences to stand out in the competitive world of medical school applications. Here's what we offer:


Individualized Advising and Application Guidance: Our dedicated team of advisors works closely with each student, offering personalized guidance through the complex process of applying to medical schools.


Graduate Level Courses: Rigorous coursework at the graduate level ensures that our students are well-prepared for the demanding academic environment of medical school.


MCAT Exam Preparation: A specialized curriculum that focuses on thorough MCAT exam preparation, a crucial step on the path to medical school admission.


Professional Skills Development: Beyond academic prowess, we foster the development of essential professional skills that are integral to a successful medical career.


Research Opportunities: Students have the chance to engage in meaningful research, providing them with invaluable hands-on experience and exposure to cutting-edge medical advancements.


Community Service: We believe in the power of giving back. Our program encourages active involvement in community service, fostering a sense of responsibility and compassion.

+ MedOwls Spotlight

Our October 2023 MedOwl Spotlight, Dr. Leonard Berkowitz, primary care physician at FAU Medicine.


From a young science enthusiast to a compassionate family doctor, discover his remarkable journey.


🎥 Experience a day in his life, from treating patients to mentoring future doctors.

Complete ➡️ MedOwls Spotlight Survey and let's continue to celebrate every story of our COM community.

+ GME Highlights

ACEP 2023

Dr. Joshua Solano and Dr. Lisa Clayton, presented their research on the "Effect of Prior Antithrombotic Medication Use on Patients Receiving Emergent Comprehensive Stroke Treatment" at the 2023 American College of Emergency Physicians Research Forum in Philadelphia. Our Emergency Medicine Program residents and faculty had a fantastic time attending ACEP 2023, immersing in the latest advancements in emergency medicine.

On October 14, 2023, we marked National Hospice & Palliative Care Day by celebrating our remarkable Hospice Team from our FAU Fellowship Program team! From left to right: Yolette (CNA), Althea (RN), Dr. Garbar, Stephanie (RN), and Jackie (SW). They exemplify compassion, comfort, and care, leaving a positive mark each and every day.

+ Department of Research

Diana Lobaina, an M2 student, was awarded a prestigious $1,200 NIH scholarship. She presented her podium oral presentation titled "Utilizing Patient-Centered Dissemination and Implementation Frameworks and Strategies in Palliative Care Settings for Enhanced Quality of Life and Health Outcomes: A Scoping Review" at the Annual Association for American Minority Physicians Conference. The event took place from September 29th to October 1st in Baltimore, Maryland. Diana's research, a part of the Summer Research Fast Track program, was conducted under the expert guidance of Dr. Lea Sacca.

➡️ View October 2023 Research Publications

+ HealthFirst

We are delighted to share some wonderful news from the recent HealthFirst events.

Heartfelt thanks goes out to our friends at Canine Assisted Therapy, Dr. Michelle Lizotte-Waniewski, and Sandy Siegman, their dedication and hard work were instrumental in making the HealthFirst Puppy Therapy Day an unforgettable success and brought joy and comfort to our medical students, staff, and faculty!


In addition we held our HealthFirst Pumpkin Carving extravaganza! Your enthusiasm is what makes our HealthFirst initiatives so impactful and meaningful.

View HealthFirst Event Photos

+ FAU Health

What a game! On October 7th, FAU Football won their first game in the new conference in a thrilling showdown against Tulsa.


From delicious food to lively conversations, tailgate was an unforgettable pre-game celebration! We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who came out to support our Owls and be a part of this unforgettable experience. Your presence in the stands and at the tailgate made a world of difference and created an atmosphere that truly reflected the spirit of FAU Health.

View More Photos

SNBI would like to invite all members of the FAU community to join us for the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) 5K walk on November 4 at John Prince Park in Lake Worth.


Register to join the Neurosquad team!

SNBI met with community teachers for an exciting professional development day of STEM education and exploration at the Cox Science Center on October 13th.

+ Upcoming Events

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Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine + Florida Atlantic University

fau.edu/medicine

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