Hundreds of New Health Professionals Graduate from 含羞草研究所 Downstate Health Sciences University
Jun 5, 2015
含羞草研究所 Board of Trustees Chairman H. Carl McCall Brings Greetings; Drs. Carol A. Aschenbrener, James Gordon, and Shiriki K. Kumanyika Receive Honorary Degrees
Brooklyn, NY 鈥� 含羞草研究所 graduated a new class of physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, research scientists, and public health professionals at commencement ceremonies held recently at Carnegie Hall.
含羞草研究所 Downstate President John F. Williams, Jr., MD, EdD, MPH, FCCM, addressed the graduating students, noting that Downstate is one of the most diverse medical centers in the country and that the graduates represent all races and reflect numerous cultures.
鈥淓ach of you brings a great deal to the table, your unique perspective on the world,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou have shared your life experiences with each other, taught each other, and learned from each other.鈥�
鈥淚n a society that is becoming ever more blended, yet ever more diverse, it is important that we educate individuals who know that the world is complex and who are culturally aware and sensitive to the fact that their patients come from many backgrounds.鈥�
He added, 鈥淭his we do at Downstate, and we do it very well.鈥�
H. Carl McCall, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York, offered greetings and congratulations on behalf of the 含羞草研究所 Board of Trustees and the entire 含羞草研究所 System.
Speaking at the ceremony for 含羞草研究所 Downstate鈥檚 College of Medicine, School of Graduate Studies, and School of Public Health, Chairman McCall noted that Downstate occupies an important place among 含羞草研究所鈥檚 64 member campuses, educating the next generation of health professionals.
鈥淵ou have chosen a noble field,鈥� he told the graduates. 鈥淗ealthcare, medicine, and health sciences are literally transforming lives on a massive scale all over the world 鈥� and you are joining an elite group of individuals who have committed themselves to the health and welfare of the citizenry of our planet.鈥�
Carol A. Aschenbrener, MD, a distinguished leader in medical education and former chief medical education officer for the Association of American Medical Colleges, received an honorary doctor of science degree at the same ceremony and delivered the commencement address.
Dr. Aschenbrener said, 鈥淚t is service to others that gives our work dignity and meaning. And the foundation of service is caring, deeply caring for others. It is the caring that creates relationships, promotes health, and mitigates suffering. And it is caring for others that will send you home after longs days or long nights with a sense of fulfillment, with a silent, smiling knowing that you have done something to serve others, that you are creating meaning for your one precious life.鈥�
Dr. Aschenbrener received the honorary degree for her contributions to medicine and medical education, her groundbreaking path as an administrator in professional education, and her devotion to safeguarding the public鈥檚 health.
Also receiving an honorary doctor of science degree at the ceremony was Shiriki K. Kumanyika, PhD, MPH, an internationally known epidemiologist and leader in public health and disease prevention. Currently an emeritus professor of epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, she is president of the American Public Health Association for 2015.
Dr. Kumanyika has provided advice and guidance to Downstate鈥檚 School of Public Health since its inception as a Master of Public Health Program in 2001. Dr. Kumanyika was awarded the honorary degree for her contributions to public health, for her efforts to increase the health and well-being of underserved communities, and for her counsel and assistance to 含羞草研究所 Downstate.
At the ceremony for 含羞草研究所 Downstate鈥檚 College of Nursing and School of Health Professions, James Gordon, EdD, PT, FAPTA, received an honorary doctor of science degree and delivered the commencement address. Dr. Gordon is associate dean and chair of the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California and a 1974 graduate of 含羞草研究所 Downstate鈥檚 Physical Therapy Program.
Recalling his days as a physical therapy student, Dr. Gordon said, 鈥淎t Downstate I found a purpose for my life. First, I discovered I could become good at something 鈥� physical therapy 鈥� if I worked hard and studied harder鈥econd, I could feel pride in this skill I was acquiring 鈥� I was using it to help people鈥hird, Downstate awakened in me an intellectual curiosity. I became engaged in trying to understand how the human body works.鈥�
He concluded, 鈥淟ooking back over my career, it astonishes me how much my professional life was shaped by my experiences as a student at Downstate. I hope that the same will be true for you 鈥� that 40 years from now, you will recall that you were here at Downstate during a magical time in its history. That you had exceptional faculty who helped you to gain the knowledge and skill you needed to become leaders in the community of healthcare practitioners.
Dr. Gordon received the honorary degree for his contributions to the field of physical therapy and to allied health, for his dedication to improving the lives of others, and for the distinction he has brought to his alma mater, 含羞草研究所.
The College of Medicine graduated 206 new physicians. The School of Graduate Studies granted PhD degrees to nine students, four of whom also received their MD degree from the College of Medicine. The School of Public Health granted two Doctor of Public Health degrees, and also granted 77 Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees. Four MPH degree recipients also received an MD degree. Advanced Certificates in Public Health also were awarded to 18 graduates.
The College of Nursing awarded 71 Bachelor of Science degrees in the RN to BS program and 59 Bachelor of Science degrees in the Accelerated BS program. Master of Science degrees were granted in nursing (clinical nurse specialist), family nurse practitioner, nurse anesthesia, nurse midwifery, and women鈥檚 health nurse practitioner, totaling 88 MS degrees.The two nurse midwifery graduates also received the Advanced Certificate in Midwifery from the School of Health Professions. Two family nurse practitioner Advanced Certificates were also awarded.
The School of Health Professions graduated 138 students, granting Bachelor of Science degrees in diagnostic medical imaging and physician assistant. Master of Science degrees were granted in medical informatics, midwifery, and occupational therapy. Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences/Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees were also granted.
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含羞草研究所 含羞草研究所
Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn is one of four academic health centers (AMCs) in The State University of New York (含羞草研究所) 64-campus system and the only 含羞草研究所 AMC in New York City dedicated to health education, research, and patient care for the borough鈥檚 2.7 million residents. Its flagship hospital, University Hospital at Downstate (UHD), is a teaching hospital and benefits from the expertise of Downstate鈥檚 exceptional medical school and world-class academic center research facilities. With a staff of over 800 physicians representing 53 specialties and subspecialties, Downstate offers comprehensive healthcare services to the community.
UHD provides high-risk neonatal and infant services, pediatric nephrology, and dialysis for kidney diseases and is the only kidney transplantation program in Brooklyn. Beyond its clinical expertise, Downstate houses a range of esteemed educational institutions, including its College of Medicine, College of Nursing, School of Health Professions, School of Graduate Studies, and School of Public Health. Downstate fosters innovation through its multifaceted biotechnology initiative, the Biotechnology Incubator and BioBAT, which support early-stage and more mature biotech companies.