Einstein's History Celebrated at 2009 Commencement

Einstein's commencement is always a special day. The culmination of four or more years of diligent studies, endless hours in the lab and/or on clinical wards mastering techniques and professionalism, and the prospect of a bright future are celebrated with pomp and circumstance befitting the occasion.

Dean Spiegel with Dr. Elizabeth Nabel and
Dr. Steven SafyerGraduation 2009, on Tuesday, June 2, was no different — except in one way: it marked the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1959 — Einstein's first graduating class. Twenty-seven members from that distinguished group of alumni were present in Avery Fisher Hall as Dr. Allen M. Spiegel, The Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean, and Richard M. Joel, president of Yeshiva University, conferred degrees to 181 M.D. graduates and 59 Ph.D. graduates (of which 14 received both and M.D. an a Ph.D.), along with 10 master's degrees to graduates of Einstein's Clinical Research Training Program.

Following an invocation offered by Dr. Elie Abadie, rabbi of the Edmond J. Safra Synagogue of New York City, alumnus Dr. Louis Aledort — speaking as the representative for his pioneering class — noted, "In 1955, 52 men and 3 women, somewhat dazed but committed, entered the first class of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Looking at my classmates, I can say we came a long way, but Einstein has come a long way, too... And although the facilities and the faculty have changed, the commitment to producing outstanding clinicians, scientists, and academicians remain the same. We, my fellow classmates and I, congratulate you and wish for you the enthusiasm, energy, and inquisitiveness to face the challenges and the pleasures that await you."

Rounding out the ceremony, commencement speaker Dr. Elizabeth Nabel, director of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute remarked how 28 years earlier she had been seated in the very same hall — four rows back and five seats over — for her own medical school graduation. She then highlighted accomplishments among members of the Class of 2009, including the research efforts of an M.D. student during a global health fellowship in China and the community outreach of a Ph.D. student at a Bronx middle school.

Renowned for her translational work in the field of cardiology, she emphasized the need to put patients first. She said, "You've chosen a profession that is so much more than a job or a career. It's a noble calling of the highest order" Putting people first will be the keystone to your success as a doctor and a researcher. It will be your commitment to find the right treatment, in the right setting, at the right time" By keeping your patients first, you will always make the right decisions and you will lead the life of integrity embodied by the Hippocratic oath."

Einstein GradsShe added, "This is undoubtedly one of the most exciting times to be launching a medical career" It seems like each week we have new data that gets us much closer to the day when we can actually screen individuals accurately for disease risk and learn very early on who is predisposed to which illness and why, so that we can intervene early with preventive measures" The rate of progress is extraordinary and you have an opportunity not only to participate but to contribute and lead in very meaningful ways."

During the hooding portion of the ceremony the Class of 1959 was further recognized when representatives from the class — Drs. Louis Aledort, Peter Barland, Chester Berschling, Leon Chameides, Marvin Kirschner, and Mark Reiss — were invited to hood the final group of graduates.

The excitement of the day was infectious, resulting in whoops, cheers, and applause from the proud family members who filled the hall to capacity. One exuberant loved one called out "Paging Dr. Taylor. Paging Dr. Taylor" as the graduate's name was called to receive her diploma.

In addition to conferring degrees, Dr. Spiegel presented a number of teaching and alumni awards. For the latter, he was joined by Dr. Stephen Goldstone (Class of 1979), president-elect of Einstein's Alumni Association.

The seven faculty members honored for their teaching excellence were:

• Lifetime Achievement Awards for Excellence in Teaching: Leslie Howard Bernstein, M.D. and Dr. George J. Fruhman, Ph.D.
• Harry Eagle Award for Outstanding Basic Science Teaching: Lloyd D. Fricker, Ph.D.
• Harry Gordon Award for Outstanding Clinical Teaching: Maria Teresa M. Santos, M.D.
• Samuel M. Rosen Award for Outstanding Teaching in Preclinical Curriculum: Amanda C. Raff, M.D.
• Samuel M. Rosen Award for Outstanding Teaching in the Clinical Curriculum: Amy E. Kesselman, M.D.
• LaDonne H. Schulman Award for Excellence in Teaching: Pamela Stanley, Ph.D.

The five individuals receiving awards from Einstein's Alumni Association were:

• Dominick P. Purpura Distinguished Alumnus: Robert Ritch, M.D., Class of 1972
• Distinguished Ph.D. Alumnus: Carl Franzblau, Ph.D., Class of 1962
• Honorary Alumnus: Todd R. Olson, Ph.D., professor of anatomy & structural biology and course director of clinical and developmental anatomy at Einstein
• Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award: Alan Fleischman, M.D., Class of 1970
• Alumni Lifetime Service Award: Peter Barland, M.D., Class of 1959

By the time Dr. Stephen Lazar — Einstein's grand marshal of commencement — announced the conclusion of the ceremony, the Class of 2009 shared a unique and special bond with the Class of 1959, forever linked in the College of Medicine's vibrant and promising history.

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