What made you choose New York Medical College?
I liked the location. I grew up in the New York metropolitan area. But also, to be frank, the admissions committee at New York Medical College was one of the few that took the time to get to know me. They were confident I would do well there. They gave me a chance.
What is your fondest memory of New York Medical College?
Obviously, my fondest memory is meeting my future wife at the NYMC orientation! But, thinking back over my four years at New York Medical College, I would say I enjoyed the entire experience. I liked the professors, my fellow students, and that I was close to home and NYC. Also, I was very fond of the architecture of Sunshine Cottage, and the entire setting of the school. During the first two years, we would often walk around campus in the evening, and listen to an owl. Later on, I had the opportunity to do most of my clerkships in Manhattan. Living in the city was a treat.
What is your current professional role/position and some highlights of your career track?
I knew fairly early on in medical school that I wanted to be a surgeon. I worked hard while at NYMC, and it paid off. I was accepted into an excellent residency program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. After seven years of general surgery training, I did a one year fellowship in breast surgery, also at Northwestern. From there I returned to New York and worked at Columbia Presbyterian in the Department of Breast Surgery for four years. I was then recruited into my current position as chief of breast surgical services, and co-director of the breast program at The University of Virginia where I have been for the last 14 years. Just this year, I was honored to receive the M.C. Wilhelm Associate Professor in Diseases of the Breast chair.
Based on your experiences, what advice would you give to future students and/or future alumni of New York Medical College?
You're young! Work hard, there is always an element of luck, but you have time and will have the opportunity to succeed.
When you're not working, where are you most likely to be found/what are you most likely to be doing?
I enjoy spending time with my wife and two daughters as well as hiking, skiing, scuba diving, playing with the family dog and maintaining a fish tank.