VSP Booklet

WELCOMEMESSAGE

WelcomeClassof2027!!

ThisbookletisdesignedtoorientyoutotheVioletSocietyProgram(VSP).TheVioletSociety Program provides student-centered academic, career-oriented, personal support, and community building opportunities here at NYU Grossman School of Medicine (NYUGSOM).

The Program is divided into four different Societies named after five NYUGSOM luminaries (LewisThomas,MayChinn,WalterRead,JonasSalk,andAlbertSabin).

Within each society are three carefully selected faculty advisors who are assigned to students during orientation and support students throughout their medical school careers. These 12 faculty advisors are a core component of the VSP and meet with students individually and in small groups, connecting with them directly multiple times a semester. They support personal and professional growth, provide academic coaching and career guidance,facilitatenetworkingopportunities,andareatthereadytosupportstudentswhen unexpectedchallengesarise.

Eachfacultyadvisinggroupissupportedbytwoseniorstudentsintheirlastyearsofmedical school,orpursuingadualdegree,whoareselectedthroughacompetitiveprocesstoprovide near-peermentoringtomorejuniorstudents.ThesestudentsareknownasPeerMentors.

Pleasereadonformoreinformationaboutour12VioletSocietyFacultyAdvisorsand24Violet SocietyPeerMentorsforthe2023-2024academicyear.

We hope this guide helps introduce you to the people at the center of the Violet Society Program. We all look forward to getting to know you and supporting you throughout your journeys!

Sincerely,

LynnBuckvar-Keltz,MD,Director,VioletSocietyProgram

VictoriaDinsell,MD,AssociateDean,OfficeofStudentAffairs

ZoeLiberman,MPH,ProgramManager,VioletSocietyProgram

Salk/Sabin

NinaBlachman,MD

VioletSocietyProgramFacultyAdvisor Nina.Blachman@nyulangone.org

VioletSocietyPeerMentor

Caeley.Gullett@nyulangone.org

Hi, my name is Caeley Gullett, and I’m a current MS4, planning on applying into anesthesiology residency this cycleDuring medical school, I participated in the global health summer fellowship and concentration, medical Spanish, and NYC Free Clinic I am originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, and graduated from the UniversityofTennesseein2019withdegrees inneuroscienceandFrench.Lookingforward tomeetingy’all!

Clinical Interests: pediatric anesthesiology andglobalhealth.

Personal Interests: During my free time, I love running and working out, trying new foods around the city (especially baked goods!), and traveling whenever I get a chance.

Welcome to NYU Grossman School of Medicine! My name is Nicholas Clark, and I am an MS4 I am looking forward to getting to know you as your peer mentor this upcomingyearinourVioletSocietyProgram Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, I traveled west for my undergraduate studies and graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in neuroscience. After graduation, I worked as a State Tested Nursing Assistant for one year. Since moving east to NYU GSOM, I have been involved with BASIS, research, and community volunteering, and I served as co-leader of CMDAandtheBioethicsInterestGroup.

Clinical Interests: I am applying into neurologyforresidency.

Personal Interests: When I am not on the wards, I occupy my time with basketball, music, reading, tennis, and exploring NYC withmywife.

CaeleyGullett

NicholasClark

VioletSocietyPeerMentor NicolasClark@nyulangoneorg

Salk/Sabin

Jung(Ted)Kim,MD

VioletSocietyProgramFacultyAdvisor JungKim@nyulangoneorg

VioletSocietyPeerMentor

Alyson.Dennis@nyulangone.org

Hi!IamAlysonanMS4inthefour-yearprogram from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I graduated from Barnard College in New York City in 2019. I spent mygapyearworkingasacarecoordinatorata New York City fertility clinic. I am passionate about women’s health and have been involved in various women’s health research projects. I am currently completing my electives and feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend a large portion of my clerkship time working at NYCHealth+Hospitals/Bellevue.

Clinical Interests: I am planning on applying into obstetrics and gynecology with the hope of furtherspecializingintoreproductivemedicine.

Personal Interests: In my free time, I enjoy spendingtimeoutdoors,exploringparks,visiting my family and golden retriever in Florida, and travelingtoBostontovisitmytwinsister.

VioletSocietyPeerMentor Ian.Jaffe@nyulangone.org

Hello! My name is Ian Jaffe, and I'm incredibly enthusiastic to serve as one of this year ' s peer mentors! Originally from New Jersey, I completed my undergraduate degree at Duke University. Currently, I'm in the midst of my research year as part of the MD/MSCI dual degree program here at NYU. Organ transplantation has captured my academic interest, and I'm fortunate to be involved in researchwiththeNYUTransplantInstitute.

Clinical Interests: Throughout my medical journey,myinterestshaveevolved,rangingfrom infectious disease diagnostics to resuscitation, pulmonary physiology, and emergency medical services research. I'm always happy to chat about how to navigate shifting interests in medicine. As I look ahead, I'm planning to apply forageneralsurgeryresidency.

PersonalInterests: Outside of medicine, I enjoy various hobbies including cycling, reading, and writing Ialsoamanavidpatronofthetheaters, museums, and parks of New York City and I'm alwayshappytomakerecommendations!

AlysonDennis

IanJaffe

Salk/Sabin

CeciliaMercado,MD

VioletSocietyProgramFacultyAdvisor CeciliaMercado@nyulangoneorg

VioletSocietyPeerMentor Mahip.Grewal@nyulangone.org

My name is Mahip Grewal, and I'm an MS4 originally from Long Island, New York. I studied neuroscience and healthcare management at the University of Pennsylvania.

ClinicalInterests: I am applying into internal medicine this cycle and plan to pursue a fellowshipingastroenterology.

Personal Interests: I am very passionate about medical education and promoting high value care to achieve greater equity andefficiencyinourhealthcaresystem

VioletSocietyPeerMentor Yvonne.Hao@nyulangone.org

Hi everyone! My name is Yvonne Hao and I am an MS4. I am originally from Vancouver, British Columbia,butmovedtotheBayAreatoattend UC Berkeley for undergrad before finding my waytoNewYorkCity.Ilookforwardtomeeting youall!

Clinical Interests: I am applying into anesthesiologyforresidency.

PersonalInterests:My hobbies include sewing, knitting, crochet, trying new restaurants (especially sushi), and hanging out with my two cats (who I named after different ingredientsinsushi)

MahipGrewal

YvonneHao

LewisThomas

AaronL.Hultgren,MD

VioletSocietyProgramFacultyAdvisor AaronHultgren@nyulangoneorg

VioletSocietyPeerMentor Laetitia.Zhang@nyulangone.org

Hieverybody!MynameisLaetitia,andI'man MS4. I grew up in Bellevue, WA and went to college at Johns Hopkins, where I majored in public health. I took one gap year to do public health research and volunteer with CityYear.

Clinical Interests: I came into medical school fairly undecided in terms of specialties, but after going through clerkship year, I'm very excited to be applying into internalmedicine/primarycare!

Personal Interests: My favorite things to do include rock climbing, crocheting, and trying outpastriesatcafesaroundthecity

VioletSocietyPeerMentor Muriel.Lavallee@nyulangone.org

MynameisMurielLavalléeandIamanMS4at NYUGSOM.IwasborninCanada,grewupinthe Bostonarea,andwenttocollegeinVermont.

Clinical Interests: My specialty interests includeprimarycareandfamilymedicine.

PersonalInterests: I love coffee, picnics in the park, rock-climbing, mindful movement, reading, and I am trying to get into crafts like knitting!

LaetitiaZhang

MurielLavallee

GailF.Shust,MD

VioletSocietyProgramFacultyAdvisor GailShust@nyulangoneorg

VioletSocietyPeerMentor Mitchell.Pleasure@nyulangone.org

I'm from Northern Virginia and went to college in Boston. I spent a gap year in Minneapolis working for a homeless healthcare organization. In medical school, I havebeeninvolvedwithcardiologyresearch, theNYCFreeClinic,andtheVSP!.

Clinical Interests: I am applying for internal medicine with the goal of pursuing a cardiologyfellowship.

PersonalInterests: In the city, I enjoy going for walks along the east river, going to professional sports games especially when my Philadelphia teams are playing, and exploring the diverse restaurant options uniquetoNYC Iamexcitedtoworkwithyou!

VioletSocietyPeerMentor Christina.Woo@nyulangone.org

I'm originally from Los Angeles and graduated from Brown University in 2018 with a major in immunology. I worked at a federally qualified healthcenterfortwoyearsbeforestartingmed school.

Clinical Interests: I'm applying into internal medicine and am especially passionate about geriatrics,primarycare,andhealthdisparities.

PersonalInterests:During my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, reading, baking, and trying out allthegoodfoodinNYC!

MitchellPleasure

ChristinaWoo

SandraTomita,MD

VioletSocietyProgramFacultyAdvisor SandraTomita@nyulangoneorg

Hi,mynameisNoahHeilenback,andIama fourth-year medical student. I grew up in Chicago and went to Washington University for college I have been involved with research, NYC Free Clinic, Asylum Clinic and tutoringduringmedicalschool

Clinical Interests: I am applying into ophthalmologyforresidency.

Personal Interests: I enjoy running, reality television, and true crime podcasts. I can’t waittogettoknoweachofyou!

Hi,I’mMericien“Cien”Venzon,acurrentMS4.As part of the MD/PhD program, I earned my PhD in immunology and microbiology. At NYUGSoM I’ve been part of NYC Free Clinic, Asylum Clinic, the Student Diversity Initiative as co-president, andFounder/PresidentoftheMD/PhDwomen’s group - Women of MSTPxNYU (WoMxN). I’m a California Bay Area native and attended UCLA forundergrad.IowealotofwhatIamtodayto amazing mentors, and I can’t wait to do what I cantohelpyoumakethemostofyourjourney hereatNYU!

Clinical Interests: I'm applying into pediatrics this cycle My interests include infectious disease, vaccine development, and pediatric immunology

PersonalInterests: In a previous lifetime, I was an elite competitive figure skater but these days I spend my free time boxing, bouldering, and hitting up new boba/dessert/aesthetic coffeeshopsIfindonInstagram

NoahHeilenbach

MericienVenzon

VioletSocietyPeerMentor Noah.Heilenbach@nyulangone.org

VioletSocietyPeerMentor Mericien.Venzon@nyulangone.org

I'm from Raleigh, North Carolina and went to Princeton for undergrad and majored in public policy with a certificate in global health After college, I spent a year in Boston researching pediatric emergency outcomes at MGH At NYU, I have been involved in the NYC Free Clinic, the doula program, and volunteering at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital.

Clinical Interests: Within medicine, I am passionate about population health and policy research. My Specialty Interests are: OBGYN,emergencymedicine,andpediatrics

Personal Interests: Outside of the hospital, I love traveling, hiking, and backpacking - or when I can't do that, I like to find fun outdoor activitiesinthecity(canshareideas!).

I am from Ridgewood, NJ and attended Dartmouth College where I majored in anthropology and global health. I spent my gap year as an AmeriCorps volunteer at a health clinicinNJ.AtNYU,Iaminvolvedwithmentorship, meded,andsomeresearch.

Clinical Interests: I am applying into internal medicine this fall and thinking about specializing (notsurewhatfieldyet).

Personal Interests: In my free time, I love exploring the city with friends and hanging/reading/bikinginparkswheneverIcan!

VioletSocietyProgramFacultyAdvisor LynnBuckvar-Keltz@nyulangoneorg

LynnBuckvar-Keltz,MD

CarsonClay

SophieMontgomery

VioletSocietyPeerMentor Carson.Clay@nyulangone.org

VioletSocietyPeerMentor Sophie.Montgomery@nyulangone.org

LisaMalter,MD

VioletSocietyProgramFacultyAdvisor LisaMalter@nyulangoneorg

Leah.Kim@nyulangone.org

MynameisNoraandI'macurrentMS4. I was a neuroscience major at Johns Hopkins for undergraduate and my interest in neurology hasstayedthroughoutmedicalschool!Igrew uparoundtheMiddleEast(myparentslivein Dubairightnow)buthavelovedlivinginNew YorkCity I'mveryexcitedtobeapeermentor thisyear!

Clinical Interests: I am applying into pediatricneurologythisfall.

PersonalInterests: Outside of school I enjoy: art, reading, watching reality TV (Love Island isthebest),andtraveling

MynameisLeah,andIamafourth-yearmedical student.IamoriginallyfromMassachusetts,andI attended Amherst College, where I studied Spanishandbiology.AtNYU,Ihavebeeninvolved in the NYC Free Clinic, volunteering in the children's hospital, medical Spanish, and research on obesity. Feel free to reach out to me ifyouhaveanyquestions!

Clinical Interests: I am applying into internal medicineresidencythisyear

Personal Interests: Outside of school, I enjoy crafting(askmeaboutthebestcraftingplacesin the city!), trying new restaurants, and exploring thecityonfoot

NoraJandyala

LeahKim

ChristinDrake,MD

VioletSocietyProgramFacultyAdvisor ChristinDrake@nyulangoneorg

VioletSocietyPeerMentor

Michelle.Zabat@nyulangone.org

I am a fourth-year student in the four-year MD program from Rochester Hills, Michigan. I graduated from Brown University in 2018 with a degree in human biology and food studies Beforemedicalschool,IservedasaUS Fulbright Research Fellow to the Philippines and as a strategy consultant in the life sciences, biotech, andpharmaceuticalindustries

Clinical Interests: I plan to apply to orthopedic surgeryresidencythisfall.

PersonalInterests: In my free time, I like to play volleyball in Brooklyn Bridge Park, fly fish in Pennsylvania, and ferment sourdough bread in mytinykitchen

VioletSocietyPeerMentor

Alexandra.Verzella@nyulangone.org

My name is Alexandra Verzella, and I'm an MS4 from Columbus, Ohio. I studied Spanish and neuroscience at Vanderbilt University. I did a research year where I participated in the MSCI dual-degree program and did both basic science and clinical research. This will be my secondyearasaVSPpeermentor.

Clinical Interests: I am applying into plastic surgery.

PersonalInterests: When I'm not doing research or rotations, I am trying new restaurants, taking longggwalksaroundthecity,orplayingtennis

MichelleZabat

AlexandraVerzella

WalterReed

IHi everyone! Welcome to NYU Grossman SchoolofMedicine!MynameisJillShah,and Iamafifth-yearmedicalstudentinthedualdegree MD/MSCI program I grew up in Westchester, New York, and attended undergraduate college at Columbia University At NYU, I've been involved in research, the Humanistic Medicine program, medical spanish, education technology, and the NYC free clinic. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, and I am looking forwardtomeetingallofyou!

Clinical Interests: Academically, I am passionate about education, bioethics, and the intersection of technology & medicine I amapplyingintodermatologyresidency

PersonalInterests:My hobbies include longdistance running (I’ve run three marathons), pilates,andexploringtheoutdoors.

Hi everyone, my name is Luke Bonanni. I am currently doing an MD/MSCI dual-degree year between my third and fourth years of medical school. I am from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and attended college at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. I worked at a free clinic in Baltimore for a year between graduating from collegeandstartingmedicalschool. Iamexcited tomeetyouallandsupportyouonthisincredible journeyintotheworldofmedicine!

Clinical Interests: I am interested in internal medicine and I plan to sub-specialize in cardiology

Personal Interests: I enjoy biking, studying philosophy, creating digital sculptures, visiting museums,andwatchingoldmovies

VioletSocietyProgramFacultyAdvisor RichardLebowitz@nyulangoneorg

RichardA.Lebowitz,MD

JillShah LukeBonanni

VioletSocietyPeerMentor Jill.Shah@nyulangone.org

VioletSocietyPeerMentor Luke.Bonanni@nyulangone.org

GillianL.Henry,MD

VioletSocietyProgramFacultyAdvisor GillianHenry@nyulangoneorg

VioletSocietyPeerMentor

AlyssaPullano@nyulangoneorg

I am a fourth-year student originally from Westchester,NewYork.I attended Georgetown University where I majored in human science and minored in studio art. As a student at NYUGSOM,Ihave beeninvolvedintheNYCFree Clinic, Asylum Clinic, Students for a National Health Program, medical education and curriculum liaison opportunities, the AdmissionsAmbassadorsprogram,andserved asaMini-MentorfortheVioletSocietyProgram priortobecomingaPeerMentor

Clinical Interests: I’m applying into Neurology this year after entering medical school totally undecided and am happy to answer any and allquestionsaboutspecialtychoice!

Personal Interests: In my free time, you can findmecheckingoutalloftheamazingfoodin NYC,takinglongwalksalongsidetheHudsonor East Rivers, drawing, searching for a nearby hike,andcaringforhermanyplants

VioletSocietyPeerMentor

Reagan.Menz@nyulangone.org

HiIamaMS4originallyfromNewYork,NewYork.I graduated from Brown University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in public health and spent my gap year before medical school working for DanceforParkinson’sdisease.

Clinical Interests: I am applying into pediatrics this year. I am especially interested in pediatric hematology/oncology and palliative care, and loveseverythingrelatedtokids.

Personal Interests: Outside of medical school, you can find me dancing, running, swimming, doingpuzzles,ormindlesslywanderingtheaisles of Trader Joe’s. My favorite ice cream flavor is BenandJerry’sHalf-Baked.

AlyssaPullano

ReaganMenz

WalterReed

MargaretNatchigall,MD

VioletSocietyProgramFacultyAdvisor MargaretNatchigall@nyulangoneorg

VioletSocietyPeerMentor

Lindsay.Marty@nyulangone.org

WelcometoNYU!!MynameisLindsayandI'ma fourth-year student. I'm originally from Northern California and attended the University of Southern California where I studied biology, Spanishandmusic.AtNYU,I'vevolunteeredasa Medical Student Doula and with the NYC Free Clinic, and I've been involved in research regarding perinatal mental health, maternal fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology /infertility, and pediatrics. I spent some time abroad in Riobamba, Ecuador working on medical Spanish as well! I am very passionate about teaching and mentorship – at NYU, I've mentored high schoolers as well as peers, and I nowserveasbothaPeerMentorandPeerTutor

Clinical Interests: I'm currently applying to OB/GYNresidency

PersonalInterests:WhenI'mnotatthehospital, you can find me exploring NYC's food scene, enjoying Central Park, or baking up a storm in mylittleVilcekkitchen!

VioletSocietyPeerMentor Elisa.Fang@nyulangone.org

Hieveryone!MynameisElisaFang,Iamafourthyear student at NYU. I am originally from Seattle, WashingtonbuthavebeeninNewYorkforseven years now! I studied biomedical engineering at Columbia,whereIalsowasavarsityswimmerfor fouryears.

Clinical Interests: I am going to apply into OBGYNforresidency!

Personal Interests: Outside of medicine, I love working out, painting, and visiting museums and concerts.Lookingforwardtomeetingyouall!

LindsayMarty ElisaFang

GET IN TOUCH

PleasedonothesitatetoreachouttoZoeLiberman,MPH, Zoe.Liberman@nyulangone.org,oryouradvisororPeer

MentorswithanyquestionsabouttheVioletSocietyProgram. Welookforwardtogettingtoknowandsupportingyou throughoutyourjourneys!