Twenty-two students in the inaugural class of the Katz School’s Physician Assistant Studies master’s program were honored at the first Graduate Awards Ceremony for their hard work, sacrifice and pursuit of clinical excellence, and for establishing an exceptional standard for future cohorts.

Marissa Barrera, assistant dean of health sciences, told the honorees to remember in the face of professional challenges to draw strength from the knowledge that they are part of a profession that values resilience and adaptability.

“Medicine is a field of constant discovery, and your ability to evolve with the changing landscape will be a key determinant of your success,” she said. “Your role as healthcare providers is pivotal, and the impact you will have on the lives of patients cannot be overstated.”

The students, who will officially graduate in January, are Sharona Abramova, Hissan Akbar, Kayla Amato, Humna Aminullah, Reima Begum, Gabriella Bodek, Talya Buxbaum, Diego Figueroa Palomino, Neshama Fournier, Aviva Friedman, Yocheved Friedman, Meira Hollander, Paige Kaplan, Rochelle Mozes, Aaron Nemes, Anthony Pagan, Payal Patel, Cristian Pedraza, Hannah Teigman, Alexandra Umansky, Rebeca Wine and Eliana Zachter-Rosenbaum.

In addition, six students were given special recognition:  

• Anthony Pagan – Scholarship, Advocacy and Professionalism Award 

• Reima Begum – Merit and Integrity Award 

• Rochelle Mozes – Clinical Excellence Award 

• Paige Kaplan – Peer Award 

• Cristian Pedraza – Clinical Excellence Award and Peer Award 

Marie Antoine-Cameau, a physician assistant who practices at Bellevue Hospital Center, received the Preceptor of the Year Award for her outstanding contributions to the education and professional development of PA students. 

Sharon Verity, director of the PA program, thanked the students for their hard work and dedication. “You’ve done amazing work and you should be very proud of yourselves, as we are very proud of you,” she said. “Each of you will undoubtedly leave today to go out and make the world a better and healthier place.”

Chana Ladaew, a clinical assistant professor who teaches the course Pediatrics and is a preceptor for clinical-year students, called the ceremony, which took place at the Museum, a “monumental moment.”

“As the pioneers of this intense program, you have embarked on a journey that will shape the lives of countless individuals, families and communities,” she said. “This is not a journey you took alone. All the people here today have been a huge part of it. Don’t forget to thank them.”

Ladaew said that being a physician assistant is not just about accumulating knowledge and skills but connecting with individuals, understanding their unique stories and providing them with the care they deserve.

“A good provider treats the disease, but the greatest provider treats the patient who has the disease,” she said. “Focus on always being present, listen to your patients, advocate and educate them. Be a source they can trust. Look at your patient and think, ‘What would I do if this were my own family?’”

Dwayne Williams, director of didactic education, echoed Ladaew by exhorting the students to treat medicine itself as an artform. “Each of your patients is a masterpiece,” he said. “On your journey, never forget the power of kindness, compassion and reassuring smiles. A few compassionate words can make a world of difference for someone facing illness.”

Dean Paul Russo told the students that they were among an elite group, having been chosen from over 1,000 applicants, and possessed an intangible quality that has made them superior clinicians. He expressed his admiration for their resilience through the COVID-19 pandemic and the bonds they forged during the program’s growing pains.

“You kept your focus on the important things and that’s why we’re proud of you,” he said.

In his remarks as class president, Pagan saluted the faculty, his classmates and his family. “I can’t help but be filled with gratitude for the loved ones in our lives who stood by our side through long nights, early mornings and challenging days,” he said. “It’s because of you and your unconditional love and support that we find ourselves here today.”

Pagan finished his remarks by acknowledging his classmates’ commitment, passion and perseverance throughout the rigorous program “We’ve become chameleons of medicine,” he said. “Flexible, adaptable and effective in all environments. It is with certainty that we will face challenges in our future lives, but standing here at graduation today is proof that we can overcome and accomplish anything we set our minds to.”