A PIPELINE OF PROMISE

The Dental Pipeline program, established in 2001, is designed to increase access for the underserved and increase the numbers of minorities in the ... MORE

COMMUNITY AS CLASSROOM AND COMMITMENT

Stuart Weisberg knew that during his M.D./Ph.D. training he would want to volunteer in the community in some way, possibly with children because he expects to specialize in pediatrics.

So in 2004, while doing his doctorate research on the molecular biology of diabetes, Mr. Weisberg fostered a relationship with science teachers at Harlem’s Mott Hall School, an elementary and intermediate school that specializes in mathematics, science, and technology. What resulted is a program... MORE

STFM CONFERENCE AWARDS

4th Year Columbia Student Awarded STFM Scholarship

Erin Ferenchick, a fourth year medical student at Columbia University's College of Physicians & Surgeons was awarded a student merit scholarship from the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) and the American Academy of Family Medicine last month. The scholarship provided support for Ms. Ferenchick to attend the STFM Predoctoral Education Conference in Portland, Oregon in January 2008.

"Her commitment to Family Medicine is remarkable," says Dr. Pablo Joo, Predoctoral Coordinator for CFCM. "She is resilient, and gets her motivation from being an incredible advocate for her patients, their families and the community."

This dedication to primary care was demonstrated as co-president of the Columbia P&S Family Medicine Interest Group in 2005-2006. In that role, she assisted in creating a successful conference entitled "Community Pulse," for medical, nursing, dental and public health students interested in community health. Her multidisciplinary efforts highlighted the central role of Family Medicine as a social advocate for healthy communities.

As a champion of prevention and public health, Erin has also contributed significantly to the creation of CHHMP, Columbia University Medical Center's first student-run clinic that provides free health care for the homeless. Erin determinedly partnered with community agencies in the early days of the initiative, despite several years of financial and logistical challenges. The Clinic has just completed its pilot phase of operation, and Erin is one of a dozen students proudly providing quality care to the homeless from a church rectory in Harlem every Tuesday night.