On July 17, Albert Einstein College of Medicine hosted New York State Department of Health Commissioner James McDonald, M.D., as he announced $4.89 million in funding for the Diversity in Medicine programs managed by Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY). The funding supports 18 pathway programs across the state that aim to increase physician workforce diversity and eliminate health disparities.

Three Einstein and Einstein-affiliated pathway programs are supported by the funding, which is distributed through the AMSNY: a post-baccalaureate program, Bronx Community Health Leaders (BxCHL), and Mentoring in Medicine. 

Dean Yaron Tomer, M.D., (center) with students participating in Einstein's summer pathway programs.

The press conference was held in the Price Center/Block Pavilion.  Einstein leaders and pathway program alumni also spoke at the event, which was attended by dozens of high school and college students participating in Einstein pathway programs, who met with Commissioner McDonald after his announcement.

Inspiration and Diversity

Pathway programs provide critical opportunities for students from groups historically underrepresented in science and medicine to learn about and pursue healthcare careers. By offering a range of services and experiences—from clinical shadowing, mentorship, networking, and academic and leadership skill development—they improve the likelihood of applying to, being accepted in, and succeeding in medical school. Einstein offers more than a dozen programs through its offices and centers and affiliated groups.

“These pathway programs are crucial to providing aspiring physicians from underrepresented groups a chance to pursue their dreams of a career in medicine and ensuring that our healthcare system is inclusive and equitable,” said Yaron Tomer, M.D., the Marilyn M. and Stanley Katz Dean at Einstein and chief academic officer at Montefiore Einstein. “We are proud to be part of a program that is shaping the future of medicine.”

From left to right: Daniel Correa, M.D., M.S., Juan Robles, M.D. '11, Chandra Singh, Eugene Patalatun, M.D., '17.

Dr. McDonald and other speakers noted that research has shown that when patients are cared for by physicians with shared backgrounds, they feel greater trust and willingness to communicate, resulting in improved access to care, adherence to clinical recommendations, and health outcomes.

“Most of these [Diversity in Medicine] beneficiaries, who are now practicing in the Bronx and New York State, have made significant contributions to their communities, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements,” said Daniel José Correa, M.D., M.S., associate professor in the Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology and associate dean for diversity enhancement. He noted  that, to date, 89 have graduated from the post-baccalaureate and enrolled at Einstein. “Their success is a testament to the support and opportunities provided by the Bronx and New York State.”

Other speakers were AMSNY president and CEO Jonathan Teyman and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, who represents part of the Einstein campus.

Alumni and Future Einstein Students Share Successes

Eugene Palatulan, M.D. ‘17, was a high school biology teacher and basketball coach when he decided to follow his dream of becoming a physician. AMSNY’s post- baccalaureate program provided additional enrichment, including mentoring, advising, and science courses at the University at Buffalo, before he began his medical education at Einstein.

From left to right: AMSNY CEO Jonathan Teyman and Einstein pathway program students.

Noting “the power of programs like this to lift up our Bronx residents and community,” Dr. Patalutan said he was thrilled when he received a letter from AMSNY about his acceptance into the program. He’s now an assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Einstein and a sports medicine physician at Montefiore. “As a nontraditional student, they took a chance on me,” said Dr. Palatulan. “I’m truly indebted to the program. It really prepared me not only to enter but to succeed in medical school.”  

Another Einstein alum, Juan Robles, M.D. ‘11, associate professor of family and social medicine and a primary care physician at Montefiore, spoke of co-founding BxCHL in 2014.

“I was determined to find a way to build a bridge for students to reach their potential and cultivate a work force that reflects the communities we serve,” said Dr. Robles. “Thirty-two of our BxCHL alumni have obtained M.D. degrees and entered residency programs, mostly in primary care. What this shows is that when we invest in motivated young people, great things can happen.”

Chandra Singh, an incoming medical student at Einstein, said her pediatrician told her about the BxCHL program, which Ms. Singh attended. “It broke down the isolation that exists for many premed students,” she said.

Ms. Singh closed her remarks and the press conference with a hint of her future plans: “I hope to see you all four years from now when I graduate right here in the Bronx, where I look forward to being back in my community, supporting the community the way my pediatrician and mentors have done for me, and help eliminate healthcare disparities.”