CLASS OF 1996
I went to Hunter College, CUNY right after high school and graduated in 2000 with a BA in History. For me, college was a truly wonderful experience. I enjoyed the diversity of the classes, the constant acquisition of knowledge, the exploration of horizons and, I suppose, the exploration of self. I also enjoyed the friendships I made during those years & the relative lack of responsibility, with options to do so many different things & see so many different places. My only regret (& probably the only thing I would do differently) is not going for a semester abroad while in college or taking a year off between college and medical school to live in another country. I enjoy traveling & the primary attraction for me while I am abroad is to get to know another country & another group of people, to see how they live, what they value, how they think. I believe that through appreciating other lifestyles & cultures one acquires a broader outlook on life in general & his/her own life in particular. I pursued a degree in history because I really enjoyed it: understanding how things became what they are today fascinates me. But I ultimately decided to go on to medical school, so I fulfilled all the pre-med requirements simultaneously with my history studies.
LIFE AFTER HUNTER
This past spring I graduated from Cornell Medical College & currently I am doing my first year of residency at Staten Island University Hospital. I have chosen to pursue a career in radiology (i.e. the M.D. who interprets X-rays, CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, mammography etc.) To be concise, I would have to say that I chose radiology because I like the challenge of making the diagnosis based in imaging studies. In addition, today radiology is a very exciting field in medicine - there are many advances in technology & interventional techniques.
MY FAMILY LIFE
I am married, to a really great guy, for 4 years. No kids yet.
THINKING OF GOING INTO MEDICINE?
For those considering going into the field of medicine: I wouldn't want to talk anyone out of choosing the profession; but keep in mind - it is not easy & requires quite a bit of commitment; it is time demanding, at times quite difficult & not at all as rewarding as most people think it is - both emotionally and financially. It is a life-style, more so than almost any other profession. Had I known then as much as I know now, I am not sure I would have made the same career choice. May be. Bottom line: make sure its what you really want before you commit yourself to it. That being said, medicine is a very special field; everyday, the decisions you make changes people's lives & the lives of those close to them, in more ways then one. It is difficult to keep that in mind all the time, but when you think about it, it is a tremendous responsibility. It is also a tremendous gift.
WHEN I THINK OF BHI…
I don't think I could pick one "fondest" memory from BHI. But if I had to choose one, I would have to say riding on the bus to a shabbaton & singing as a group. That specific memory (from many shabbaton trips) stands out in my mind.
A MESSAGE TO YOU…
A message to my fellow alumni: keep in touch! Let's have a reunion.
ON A FINAL NOTE…
I have recently moved from the City to Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn. My phone number is 718-975-4753. If anyone lives close-by & would like to come for a shabbos meal, please call: it would be our pleasure to have you over. For those considering a career in medicine, feel free to call if you have any questions or concerns. If I can be of assistance in any other way, please also feel free to call.
