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May 2023

Celebrating a Year of Achievements at FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine

As this academic year comes to a close, we are thrilled to share with you the remarkable accomplishments of the FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. From our dedicated leadership, faculty, staff, and community partners to our passionate learners, everyone has played a crucial role in our success.


Our united efforts led to our first-ever ranking in the US News and World Reports! Improving our peer reputation was crucial, and our dedicated staff played a significant role in promoting the exceptional work done here at FAU.


Together, we've achieved outstanding accomplishments and milestones, including securing additional funding, receiving significant donations, expanding the medical school class size, gaining significant media attention, implementing new programs and initiatives, and advancing research endeavors.


We have much to be grateful for and proud of as we continue to make strides in enhancing healthcare delivery, providing valuable educational experiences, fostering research, and improving access to quality care in South Florida.

 🔗 Read the Letter from Dean Julie Pilitsis, M.D.

🎪 🎉 Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating with the College of Medicine family!

FAU Residency Graduates

We are thrilled to announce the 2023 graduation of our talented residents and fellows! These remarkable individuals have dedicated years of hard work, study, and commitment to their medical training, and now they are ready to embark on the next phase of their careers. We want to thank them for their dedication, passion, and commitment, and for being such an integral part of our community.


To our graduates, we wish you the best of luck on your next adventure. You have made us proud, and we cannot wait to see all the amazing things you will accomplish. Congratulations! 🩺

➡️ General Surgery Residency

Dr. Eva Fuentes

Dr. John Gigioli

Dr. Christina Layton

Dr. Amanda Marsh

Dr. Sara Yi


➡️ Vascular Surgery Fellowship

Dr. Jake Forman


➡️ Internal Medicine Residency

Dr. Ibrahim Ali

Dr. Alvin Beyerlein

Dr. Naren Bhupatiraju

Dr. Alisha Bird

Dr. Kushinga Bvute

Dr. Jonathan Coelho

Dr. Yosef Diab

Dr. Jean-Philippe Elie

Dr. Polina Gaisinskaya

Dr. Christopher Gebara

Dr. Mohamed Hamed

Dr. Oscar Hernandez

Dr. Kyle Kelschenbach

Dr. Stephanie Khoury

Dr. Alexandra Lacqua

Dr. Danielle Little

Dr. Michael Mamone

Dr. Meagan Mayo

Dr. Gagan Neupane

Dr. Priya Patel

Dr. Katherine Reano

Dr. Arya Sharifzadeh

Dr. Alphonso Wilson

Dr. Omer Yusuf

➡️ Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship

Dr. Kathleen McDonald


➡️ Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship

Dr. Anand Desai

Dr. Ramez Morcos


➡️ Geriatric Medicine Fellowship

Dr. Vanessa Evardone

Dr. Jessica Gendernalik


➡️ Emergency Medicine Residency

Dr. Tony Bruno

Dr. Timothy Buckley

Dr. Collin Hickey

Dr. Daniella Lamour

Dr. Mihael Plantak

Dr. Christopher Williams


➡️ Neurology Residency

Dr. Zufe Rizvi


➡️ Psychiatry Residency

Dr. Phillip Azouz

Dr. Allegra Condiotte

Dr. Emily Komarczyk

Dr. Mark Mazer

Congratulations Graduate College Class of 2023! 

🦉🎓 Heartfelt congratulations to the Graduate College Class of 2023! We couldn't be prouder of your remarkable accomplishments and the incredible journey you have undertaken. As you step into the next chapter of your lives, we encourage you to continue daring to do great things and making a lasting impact in all that you pursue.

Ariana Torres –“My experience at FAU in the MS Biomedical Science program was truly one I will never forget. I have learned so much throughout this program and had so many wonderful mentors that I will always be grateful for. The program allowed me to have the opportunity to get involved in research as well as hear from guest lecturers who further inspired me to continue my involvement in research in the years to come. This program has truly been very valuable to me in helping me further my education and I will forever be thankful that I had the opportunity to be a part of it.”

Brenda Barnetche –“The Biomedical Masters program was one of the best decisions I made. The courses that are offered truly deepen your knowledge in science and further your experience in research. They are a great foundation to have before stepping into medical school. The professors have taught me so much and I will be taking everything I learned here throughout the rest of my journey. I am so grateful for this program and the support everyone has provided.”

Matthew Araujo – “My time in the M.S. in Biomedical Science program is one I will look back on fondly. The educational and research opportunities afforded to us by faculty members, being surrounded by a collaborative cohort of like-minded individuals, and the amazing administrative staff here at the College of Medicine have made for an incredible experience that has undoubtedly equipped me and countless others with the tools to succeed in medical school or any of the other paths that we have or will choose to pursue.”

FACULTY and STUDENT RECOGNITION

Heroes in Medicine Awards

We had a wonderful time at the Palm Beach County Medical Society Services 2023 Heroes in Medicine luncheon, where we had the privilege to honor extraordinary individuals and organizations who have made exceptional contributions in the field of healthcare. It fills us with immense pride to recognize the remarkable achievements of our very own FAU's Dr. Adam Wyatt, who received the prestigious Bruce Rendina Hero award, as well as medical students Elisha Myers and Dalina Lafitta, who were honored as the College/Medical Student Heroes. Congratulations to all the 2023 honorees! Your dedication and service to the healthcare community are truly inspiring. ❤️🦉

 🎥  Watch the 2023 Heroes in Medicine Highlights

Promotion and Tenure 2023-2024

Congratulations to the following faculty on your well-deserved promotion to the rank of Full Professor in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University! Thank you for your outstanding dedication, expertise, and contributions to your field.

Dr. Patrick Grant

Dr. Mario Jacomino

Dr. Michelle Lizotte-Waniewski

Dr. Wen Shen

IN THE NEWS

Adam Hasner Reception

On May 16, we celebrated a remarkable evening honoring Adam Hasner at FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine!


Adam Hasner, a visionary leader and former member of the Florida House of Representatives, played a pivotal role in creating our esteemed college. We unveiled a special plaque as a symbol of our deep gratitude for his unwavering dedication to shaping our healthcare landscape.


His dedication has left an indelible mark on our community, inspiring future generations of medical leaders.

📸 View Photos from the Reception

FAU Approved for Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine Fellowship


FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine has received initial accreditation for its fifth university-sponsored fellowship, which will be based at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health. 🔗 Read More

Running Throughout Middle Age Keeps 'Old' Adult-born Neurons 'Wired'


A new study provides novel insight into the benefits of exercise, which should motivate adults to keep moving throughout their lifetime, especially during middle age. 🔗 Read More

Most Nurses Attribute Well-Being Struggles To Staffing Shortages


A third annual survey by Cross Country Healthcare and FAU shows that one-third of nurses plan to leave the profession in the next two years. More than half claim there is insufficient staff to meet demand. 🔗 Read More

2023 FMA State Budget Update


During the 2023 Legislative Session, the Florida Medical Association (FMA) has made substantial progress in improving healthcare in Florida through the state budget process. Their achievements include increasing physician pay for those serving vulnerable patients, creating new residency slots, and addressing medical student loan debt. These victories represent significant advancements for physicians and patients in the state. The final budget will be voted on and require approval from the Governor. 🔗 Read More

MEDICAL STUDENT INTEREST GROUP

Pediatric Interest Group Diaper Drive

On May 2, 2023, the members of the COM Pediatric Interest group delivered diapers and diaper wipes that they collected to the Florida Department of Health-PBC. Without that contribution, the Volunteer Services Program would be unable to meet needs of the clients that seek services at the Delray Beach Health Center. The staff at the Center were overjoyed by the generosity and thanked the students for the donations received that day.


Due to the generosity of the FAU COM community, the students were able to donate over 1,200 diapers and nearly 3,000 diaper wipes. Thanks to all the students, faculty and staff and that made the diaper drive a success! 👶 ❤️ 

GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION

Coordinator Professional Development Retreat

Graduate Medical Education held its annual Coordinator Professional Development Retreat on May 8th. This year’s venue was the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health in Boca Raton.


The theme for 2023 was Unplugged and attendees were challenged to disconnect from devices and work for the morning while connecting with one another and themselves. Speakers included Sara Starkoff Green, MIIH Wellness Consultant and special guest speaker Dr. Branson Collins, Integrative Health Director. 


Between sessions for policy review, procedure and best practices collaboration, they built on wellness lessens with mindful moments, joy sharing, and journaling as well as a some healthy and tasty meals. 

📸 View Photos from the Retreat

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

2023 Summer Research Assistantships

Congratulations to the graduate biomedical science students who were awarded the 2023 summer research assistantships. The competitive award of $5,000 allows students to focus on research activities during the summer with a mentor from the College of Medicine. Below are this year's awardees.

Siri Condikey, M.S. Biomedical Sciences

Mentor: Dr. Howard Prentice

Project Title: Evaluation of novel treatment strategies for alzheimer’s disease using SH-SY5Y neuronal cell line

Mohamed-Tamar Toussaint, M.S. Biomedical Sciences

Mentor: Dr. Patrick Grant

Project Title: Characterization of BAZ1B, a target protein of chemotherapeutic resistance in cancer

Justin Evanguelidi, M.S. Biomedical Sciences

Mentor: Dr. Massimo Caputi

Project Title: Study of the regulation of expression and splicing of the transduction adaptor MYD88

Warmest congratulations to Marina Kaisar, a graduate student in the MS Biomedical Science program at FAU College of Medicine, for being accepted into the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School.


We wish her the very best as she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her medical journey.

DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH

Publications

 

Kravetz Z‡, Schmidt-Kastner R. New aspects for the brain in Hartnup disease based on mining of high-resolution cellular mRNA expression data for SLC6A19. IBRO Neurosci Rep. 2023 June; 14:393-397. Publishing online 2023 Mar 25. doi: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.03.010.  

 

Chaudhari D, Jain S, Yadav H, Masternak M, Holland P, Agronin M; MiaGB Consortium Team. Unique transkingdom microbiome signatures linked with cognitive decline in older adults of MIAGB consortium cohort. Innov Aging. 2022 Dec 20;6(Suppl 1):767–8. doi: 10.1093/geroni/igac059.2781. PMCID: PMC9766942.

 

Levine RS, Levine EM, Rubenstein A, Muppala V‡, Mejia MC, Gonzalez S, Zoorob RJ, Hennekens CH, Wood SK. (2023) Continuing Alarming Increases in Suicide in American youths: Clinical and Research Challenges. Ann Pediatr Child Health 2023; 11(2): 1301.

 

Poster Presentations

 

Sohmer J, Fridman S, Haff C, Jacomino M, Luck GR. Ventilator lottery: Who will win the next pandemic? Poster presented at: Forging Paths to Achieve Health Equity. Inaugural Baptist Health Academic Conference. 2023 Apr 19; virtual.

 

Lahiri S, Sacca L, Jacomino M, Forouhi M, Vartany C, Luck GR. Using the theory of planned behavior to predict HPV vaccination intentions and HPV vaccine completion rates among medical college students: A cross-sectional study. Poster presented at: Forging Paths to Achieve Health Equity. Inaugural Baptist Health Academic Conference. 2023 Apr 19; virtual.

 

Elshaer Z†, Mellman R†, Al Abdul Razzak L†, Marciniak A†, Castro M†, Bautista A, Jacomino, M, Luck GR. Fearing pain at the end of Life: An unrecognized deficit in advance directives. Poster presented at: Forging Paths to Achieve Health Equity. Inaugural Baptist Health Academic Conference. 2023 Apr 19; virtual.

 

Tharp, M†, Knopp B†, Luck GR. Dural arteriovenous fistulas: A challenging presentation. Poster presented at: Forging Paths to Achieve Health Equity. Inaugural Baptist Health Academic Conference. 2023 Apr 19; virtual.

 

Lee, J†, Hassanein, L†, Jacomino M, Luck GR. Current trends in HIV-related services offered y substance abuse facililities. American Medical Association Medical Student Section

 

Telkes I, Sabourin S, Harland T, Agarwal S†, Pilitsis JG. Spatial Mapping in Basal Ganglia Using Phase-Amplitude Coupling. Poster presentation. 91st American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Annual Scientific Meeting. Los Angeles, CA. 2023 Apr 21-24.



Berwal D, Telkes I, Agarwal S†, Paniccioli S, McCarthy K, DiMarzio M, McLaughlin B, and Pilitsis JG. Analysis of Cortical Lateralization with Spinal Motor Mapping in a Patient with Chronic Pain: A SCS Case Study. Oral presentation. 91st American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Annual Scientific Meeting, Los Angeles, CA. 2023 Apr 21-24. 


FAU MEDICINE

IV Therapy


We are excited to share the latest addition to our patient services at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at FAU Medicine: IV Therapy!


What sets our IV Therapy apart is its uniqueness in customization by Dr. Branson Collins specifically for each individual patient. With this service, you can now experience the benefits of tailored drips designed to provide your body with the ideal hydration, nutrients, and vitamins it needs to achieve optimal well-being. Discover a new level of vitality and rejuvenation with our personalized IV Therapy!


Make an Appointment Today!

☀️ Dive into a summer of wellness at FAU Medicine with an exciting lineup of free events that will rejuvenate your mind, body, & soul!


Indulge in nourishing, organic cuisine, immerse yourself in the calming effects of yoga, & explore ancient practices that will ignite your inner balance.


Learn more about these events & reserve your spot today to embark on a transformative journey ➡️  faumedicine.org/events

UPCOMING EVENTS

White Coats-4-Care and White Coat Ceremony

Mark your calendars and join us for two special events celebrating aspiring medical professionals at FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine.


At the 13th Annual White Coats-4-Care Ceremony, on Wednesday, August 2, we invite you to become a part of a meaningful cause. By sponsoring a white coat, you can provide scholarship support that empowers our students to pursue their medical careers without the burden of debt. Your contribution makes a significant difference in helping these future healthcare professionals follow their hearts and make a lasting impact on the lives of others. Visit fauf.fau.edu/whitecoats for more information or to sponsor a white coat.


On Friday, August 4, we invite you to join us in the Carole and Barry Kaye Auditorium for a White Coat Ceremony honoring the Schmidt College of Medicine’s Class of 2027. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in the journey of these remarkable individuals as they embark on their medical education. Let's gather together to show our support and share in their excitement as they don their white coats symbolizing their commitment to compassionate patient care.

13th Annual White Coats-4-Care

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

6:00 PM

Sponsor a white coat today! fauf.fau.edu/whitecoats

White Coat Ceremony

Class of 2027

Friday, August 4, 2023

2:00 PM

Carole and Barry Kaye Auditorium


STILES-NICHOLSON BRAIN INSTITUTE

On Wednesday, May 10th, middle school students participating in the Advancing STEM-Community Engagement through Neuroscience Discovery (ASCEND) NeuroExplorers’ after-school program at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute (SNBI) graduated as “Junior Neuroscientists”. 

ASCEND was founded in 2018 to address the national shortage in STEM career-oriented students. ASCEND’s NeuroExplorers program is a semester-long neuroscience course covering topics ranging from comparative neuroanatomy to neural networks and brain disorders. Classes are led by postdoctoral and graduate neuroscientists from the SNBI, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, and Wertheim UF Scripps Institute through a combination of hands-on activities, scientific experiments, and thought-provoking discussions. Students come from across Palm Beach County and beyond to participate in the program, which is in its fifth year. 

 

If you would like to receive information about registration for the Fall 2023 semester, please email BI-Outreach@fau.edu

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Florida Atlantic University

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