Gordon F. Tomaselli, M.D.
For our incoming medical and Ph.D. students, this new school year will be among the most important of their lives—as I vividly recall from my first year as an Einstein medical student four decades ago. Looking back on my own career, I realize that my time as a student here was transformative—a major and positive influence on every aspect of my professional life.
The College of Medicine has influenced many of its students in this way. In “Inspired for Life,” four graduates from across the years discuss being drawn to Einstein by its reputation for outstanding scientific research and its commitment to social justice. They have remained here to serve the people of the Bronx, and they explain how their experiences have shaped who they are today.
Einstein’s long-standing focus on serving its Bronx neighbors is explored in our cover story, “Confronting Cancer.” The article illustrates how Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center is promoting equity in cancer research and care. It also describes the leadership of the new cancer center director and the work of four recently recruited scientists who are bringing rigorous research to the treatment of cancer patients who have historically been marginalized. The scientists’ goal is to better detect, prevent, and treat cancer in the Bronx, as well as nationwide.
Our medical and graduate students are engaged in important work as well. In “Champions of the Bronx,” you’ll learn about community service projects our M.D. and Ph.D. students have launched recently: one to address air pollution in the Bronx, another to improve local diets, and a third to mentor high school students and cultivate an interest in science.
I’m extremely proud of what we have accomplished in these past several months. While there have been many changes since I graduated from Einstein, what hasn’t changed is the high quality of our students and the outstanding education and training offered by the College of Medicine. I wish our new students much success as they enter this new and exciting phase of their lives.
Gordon F. Tomaselli, M.D.
The Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Executive Vice President, Chief Academic Officer
Montefiore Medicine
