Premium Content: Maimonides’ Summer Research Experience program illuminates and assists underrepresented medical students at Barclays gala
Jack Choueka and Afshin Razi with students. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
By Wayne Daren Schneiderman
August 9, 2024
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DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — Maimonides Medical Center honored 14 first-year medical students at its annual Summer Research Experience event, which took place at the Barclays Center’s exclusive 40/40 Club the evening of July 31.
The program, created in 2020, is aimed predominantly at minority students and those underrepresented in medicine.
From left, front row: Jackie Wilson and Afshin Razi alongside Maimonides Summer Research Experience students. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Founded by Afshin Razi, vice chair Orthopedics Department and Residency Program director, Jack Choueka, chairman of orthopedics, and Dr. Rushabh Vakharia, all under the Maimonides Medical Center umbrella, the cornerstones of the six-week program are performing research, learning the fundamentals of medicine or surgery and observing faculty in real-time.
The curriculum includes one day in the operating room, two days in the office and two days pursuing research over the six-week course.
Afshin Razi, vice chair Orthopedics Department and Residency Program director. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Students attend departmental conferences, bi-weekly lectures, and weekly research meetings. They also have an opportunity to engage in dialogue with physicians and build mentoring relationships.
This year, participants included students from the College of Medicine at SUNY Downstate Health Science University and Morehouse School of Medicine.
From left: Research fellows Ameer Tabbaa and Matthew Johnson and orthopedic resident Ariel Rodriguez. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
It’s more than research — it’s an experience
The Maimonides Summer Research Experience (MSRE) founder Afshin Razi told the Brooklyn Eagle that one of the highlights of the program is the “mentorship” aspect, which he described as incredibly important.
“There are a lot of pathways in medicine one can go, and it’s very important for medical students to have a mentor,” Razi said. “I’ve had students from four years ago that I still keep in touch with. We still have that relationship. That’s why we call it the Maimonides Summer Research Experience. It’s not just research, it’s an entire experience.”
Patrick Borgen, chairman of department of surgery, addressing the crowd. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Razi pointed out that in its first year, MSRE had only 12 students and offered only orthopedics as a specialty. In the last few years, the program has significantly expanded.
“In 2023, we added eight specialties, expanded the program to 39 students and offered 10 scholarships,” Razi explained. “This year, we offered 12 specialty departments, accommodated 46 students and gave away 14 scholarships.”
Jason Lazar, executive vice dean, SUNY Downstate Medical School. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
BSE Global supported the program philanthropically, offering the scholarships to deserving candidates.
“Of course, we are always trying to get more funding from different organizations all the time,” Razi said.
Program co-founder Jack Choueka, chairman of orthopedics at Maimonides, had nothing but high praise for the medical students that were honored at the gala.
Elka Jacobson-Dickman, associate dean for clinical medicine at SUNY Downstate Medical School. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
“These are the kids that are going to be the superstars of the future,” Choueka said. “They are the ones you want taking care of you when you get older.”
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