Reading nooks. A pool table. Dedicated storage. Einstein’s new two-story student lounge brings many of the comforts of home—and more—to the medical school’s 1,000-plus students. Located in the Max L. and Sadie Friedman Lounge area of the Leo Forchheimer Medical Science Building, it opened its doors on Sept. 14.
The lower level serves as a community-building space and includes contemporary furnishings, a complimentary coffee bar, and a foosball table. The upper level, meanwhile, is meant to be restorative, with features designed for solo studying and quiet, small-group collaboration. Two spaces adjacent to the lounge, Einstein Kitchen and the Student Café, also received upgrades and will provide wider access to snacks and food-preparation amenities such as a refrigerator, a microwave, and even an air fryer.
The students-only lounge offers the Einstein student body a sense of ownership—this space is for us to take care of, and one where we can pursue our dreams together.
— Peter Ch’en, Class of 2026
Calls for a modern, dedicated lounge were first voiced by the students themselves; Einstein’s most-steadfast supporters listened. “The project was done entirely with philanthropic support. Our donors are all huge student advocates who felt that they could enhance the student experience with their support,” says Allison B. Ludwig, M.D., associate professor of medicine and associate dean for student affairs at Einstein. The student lounge was made possible thanks to Einstein trustees and friends Ruth L. Gottesman, Ed.D., and the late David S. Gottesman; Melissa and John Ceriale; Leslie and Mitchell Nelson; and Trudy Elbaum Gottesman and Robert Gottesman.
The new space is geared to M.D. and Ph.D. students, something Peter Ch’en, a co-leader of the M.D. Student Council, says is important. “The students-only lounge offers the Einstein student body a sense of ownership—this space is for us to take care of, and one where we can pursue our dreams together.”
Like the idea of the renovation itself, ideas for what to call the new space also came from the students. The Office of Student Life spearheaded a “Name the Lounge Challenge,” which asked for submissions that were relevant, unique, and memorable. The donors then selected a short list from which the students chose a winner: Albert’s Den.
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