The Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Scholarship Fund—the largest gift to any medical school in the country—marked a transformative moment for Einstein when it was announced in February. It ensures that no medical student here has to pay tuition ever again. The donation revolutionizes our ability to continue attracting students who are committed to our mission, not just those who can afford it.
Additionally, it will enable our students to pursue projects and ideas that might otherwise be prohibitive. We will be reminded of the legacy this historic gift represents each spring as we send another diverse class of physicians out across the Bronx and around the world to provide compassionate care and strengthen their communities.
We explore the impact that the generosity of Ruth Gottesman, Ed.D., is already having on some of our medical students in our cover story, “Gift of Full Tuition Is Expected to Transform Lives.” Also in that article, Dr. Gottesman shares her thoughts on why she chose Einstein for her philanthropy and what she hopes her gift will achieve.
This issue of Einstein magazine also focuses on the work of several of Einstein’s scientists. In our article “Preparing for the Next Pandemic,” we meet five researchers who are looking into emerging viruses spread by ticks, rodents, and mosquitoes, as well as age-old infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria. The scientists’ efforts include developing rapid and inexpensive diagnostic tests, novel therapies, and vaccines.
The magazine also marks a special anniversary for Einstein’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), which leads to both an M.D. and a Ph.D. degree. It was one of the first such programs established with National Institutes of Health funding. In our article “Celebrating 60 Years of Training Physician-Scientists,” we interview three MSTP alumni as well as a current student to learn how the program continues to play a critical role in advancing medicine.
As we wind up the academic year, my first as dean at Einstein, I want to again thank Dr. Gottesman, chair of the Einstein Board of Trustees and clinical professor emerita of pediatrics, for helping make the College of Medicine the remarkable institution it is today. She and her late husband, David, have been enormously generous donors over the decades to Einstein’s innovative research and education initiatives. But this most recent gift is nothing short of transformational.
Yaron Tomer, M.D.
The Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Chief Academic Officer
Montefiore Einstein
