Dr. Robert Goldschmidt, Executive Dean of Touro’s LAS, welcomed the students to the session, which is one of several events geared to help guide students with through the application process. He was followed by Rabbi Moshe Krupka, executive vice president of Touro University, who highlighted the mentoring and support Touro undergraduates enjoy when applying to its medical, dental, podiatry, and pharmacy schools; or in attending graduate school to bolster their credentials for an application to professional school.

“If you’re qualified and have attended one of Touro’s undergraduate colleges, then it is our view, at Touro, that we will try and smooth-the-pathway for your application to Touro’s graduate and professional programs,” Rabbi Krupka said. “This evening, we will provide you with the information you need to maximize your chance of success. All of the deans and directors who have come to this event tonight have plenty of top students to choose from. They came here tonight specifically to help you.”

Edward C. Halperin, MD MA, NYMC’s Chancellor and CEO, explained how to compare and contrast the health professions schools of the U.S. and Canada, how to use available databases that would aid students, and how to prepare for and conduct oneself during the application and interview process.

Dr. Halperin also discussed considerations for observant Jewish students entering the health professions, and gave practical advice about professionalism, scheduling, and interview etiquette. As for choosing the right school, he advised students to think about their personal preferences when researching potential programs. Will patients be treated in a public or private hospital or clinic? What is the geographic location? Is the health professions school part of a comprehensive university?

As he finished his remarks, Dr. Halperin reminded the attendees that the goal of the evening was to empower them by providing honest information and real opportunities.

“It’s your evening,” he said. “Talk to as many leaders as possible and ask what you need to ask.”

Students gain clarity, and confidence

Undergraduates were grateful to have so many representatives from various schools to answer their questions about the application process, and to offer concrete guidance.

“I don’t think most college students have an opportunity like this to talk to so many medical school deans and faculty members,” said first-semester student Orly Verschleiser, who hopes to pursue a career in medicine or nursing. She said that it was helpful to learn about some of the potential challenges for religious Jews in medical schools. “Honestly, I didn't think about it so much until Dr. Halperin brought it up, but as a frum Jew, it’s obviously important to consider that when deciding where you want to apply.”

After Dr. Halperin addressed the students, Orly approached orthopedic surgeon Dr. Marc Silverman of NYMC and asked him questions “about the MCATs, medical school, how it works, the hours, residencies” and other information she realized she’d need along her journey.

Second-year biology major William Teigman said that he particularly appreciated the advice Dr. Halperin gave him during a one-on-one conversation they had following the formal presentation. He told William that while he obviously needs to get good grades and do everything it takes to get into medical school, it’s also important to stay passionate about the parts of your life outside of medicine.

“He said to keep doing things that you enjoy and don’t lose the parts of yourself that are unique,” William recounted. “If there’s an extracurricular activity that you’re really interested in that doesn’t have anything to do with the medical field, and it is important to you and you’re passionate about it,  do it. Because all those experiences shape who you are and will ultimately make you a better doctor.”

Alumni perspective: From Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences to New York Medical College

Besides the undergraduates and the representatives from several of Touro’s medical programs, the event was also attended by Eva Kowalsky, a Touro LAS graduate and current NYMC medical student. She said that as an Orthodox Jewish student, NYMC’s environment has been a good fit.

“I feel very comfortable. I never have to worry that we’re going to have a test on the day before Shabbos or a Jewish holiday,” she said. “There’s a sense of camaraderie. It’s like a family.”

The annual information sessions Eva had attended during her undergraduate years played a significant role in helping her chart her path.

Even so, “Medical school is a big commitment, and you have to be 100,000% invested,” she said. “But if you’re ready to give it your all, then it’s a really awesome opportunity.”