(Courtesy of Touro College) As COVID-19 shines a spotlight on the increasing need for skilled and compassionate health care professionals worldwide, Touro College School of Health Sciences honored six top students with the Maimonides Award during the annual commencement ceremony held virtually last month. These exceptional students, selected from over 300 candidates in programs ranging from physical and occupational therapy to nursing, physician assistant to speech pathology, were recognized for exemplifying the highest professional ideals of a health care practitioner.
“Your graduation occurs during a challenging time—a time where your skills and education are uniquely valued. The coronavirus pandemic has brought all of civilization face to face with a crisis that few, if any, could have imagined. The only answer is to persevere with confidence and empathy, while applying all the knowledge and skills you have learned and live with passion and purpose,” said Dr. Alan Kadish, president of the Touro College and University System.
Dina Bergman, a recent graduate of the occupational therapy program and Maimonides Award winner said, “My dream career is one in which I can creatively and confidently assist others in living their best lives and I look forward to working with adults in a neurological or orthopedic based setting. Touro has enabled me to benefit greatly through hands-on experiences and diverse opportunities. The health sciences is a rewarding field with so many opportunities to combine science, clinical reasoning, creativity and patient interaction. The occupational therapy program has been an incredibly gratifying experience.”
“The pandemic has turned our lives upside down and despite that, we need to stop and pause to celebrate today,” said Dr. Louis Primavera, dean of the Touro College School of Health Science.s “I want to thank the medical community, many of whom are Touro graduates, for their incredible work during this crisis and thank those who keep us safe, including our veterans, law enforcement personnel and firefighters. We look forward to the outstanding work our graduates will do in the future.
“You’re entering the health care profession at a very difficult time, yet I know you will make major contributions to this field and serve as role models for others,” he added.
Other award recipients include Gitty Schweitzer of the nursing program, Daniele Mitner of the occupational therapy program, and Lewis Lupowitz and Michael Cohen, physical therapy program.
For more information on Touro’s Health Sciences programs, visit www.shs.touro.edu.
