Lessons in humanism: Award-winning UNE medical students learn from leader in geriatrics

Patrick Kurpaska was awarded the first place UNE COM Humanism in Aging Action Award
First year UNE College of Osteopathic Medicine student Patrick Kurpaska was awarded the first place UNE COM Humanism in Aging Action Award

Each year, the American Geriatrics Society and University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine Student Chapter recognize a prominent geriatrician who exemplifies humanism and innovation in his or her approach to improving the lives of older adults.

Richard G. Stefanacci, D.O., MGH, M.B.A., AGSF, CMD of the Jefferson College of Population Health at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was presented with this year’s Humanism in Aging Leadership Award.

UNE COM students were invited to attend Stefanacci’s award lecture. After the lecture, they were asked to submit an action plan that explains how they will apply what they learned in their future practices. Stefanacci chose four students to receive the UNE COM Humanism in Aging Action Award:

First Place – Patrick Kurpaska (UNE COM ’19)

Second Place – Emily Szuba (UNE COM ’20)

Third Place – Tiffany Cheung (UNE COM ’19)

Honorable Mention  - Annie Liu (UNE COM ’19)

“Both the Humanism in Aging Leadership Award and Student Action Award exemplify one of the many ways the UNE College of Osteopathic Medicine is committed to innovative educational opportunities for students in the respectful care of older adults,” said Marilyn Gugliucci, Ph.D., UNE COM professor and director of geriatrics.

To learn more about the University of New England’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, visit www.une.edu/com

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions

Emily Szuba was awarded second place
Emily Szuba was awarded second place
Tiffany Cheung received the third place award
Tiffany Cheung received the third place award
Annie Liu received an honorable mention
Annie Liu received an honorable mention