Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University has seen its East and West Campuses come together through the Pathways to Healthcare program. This initiative, which began several years ago, has become a significant link between the two sides of the campus.

Marianna Savoca, associate vice president for career readiness and experiential education at the Career Center, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “This program is so important because it represents the best collaboration between clinical medicine and undergraduate education.”

The program was initiated by Robert Nocito, MD, administrative chief resident of the Renaissance School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine, and David Cohen, MD, associate dean of Student Affairs and associate professor of emergency medicine. It aims to provide first-generation and underrepresented students with an introduction to the medical field. The year-long program offers direct access to healthcare professionals, basic clinical training, shadowing experiences, mentorships, and guidance on strengthening applications for future programs.

Initially open to about 35 students from around 100 applicants in its first year, Urszula Zalewski from the Career Center noted that interest has surged: “Now it’s up to more than 450 for 35 slots and the students in the program are the ones who are doing the most promotion.”

Cohen reflected on how rewarding it is to support these students: “It’s so rewarding to see young kids... they’re amazing.” He highlighted that many participants lack familial connections in medicine but benefit greatly from this opportunity.

Efforts are underway to expand exposure beyond those accepted into Pathways. Panels like Women in Healthcare have been opened up recently. The expansion includes mentorship opportunities with medical students at Stony Brook’s Renaissance School of Medicine.

Giulianna Vullo from the Career Center remarked on student commitment: “This program has been such a highlight... wonderful to see more connections being made at the hospital.”

Savoca and Cohen both stressed how real-life exposure influences career choices among participants. Cohen noted that some students discover new interests during their time in Pathways: “Sometimes they come in really sure about what they want... we change some minds.”

Savoca concluded by stating their goal: “We all want them to make decisions about their career direction with knowledge and experience... help our undergraduate student body understand... opportunities in healthcare.”