On May 13, 2024, the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell graduated 101 new physicians and scientists at its tenth commencement ceremony at Hofstra University’s David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex.

Presiding over the event were Susan Poser, president of Hofstra University; Michael Dowling, president and CEO of Northwell Health; and Dr. David L. Battinelli, dean of the Zucker School of Medicine and Northwell Health’s executive vice president and physician-in-chief.

Family and friends cheered on the Class of 2024, who began their medical studies during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

“You arrived during the summer of 2020, only months after the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of you never even had a college graduation due to the chaos, and you were thrown into a new, chaotic environment. Some of you questioned, ‘Did I sign up for this?’” said Battinelli. “Your experience over these last four years should help you believe that whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. You have defined yourselves against the standard of excellence, not by competing against each other but by supporting each other. Now, go out and show the rest of the profession how it’s done—show them what they signed up for.”

The commencement keynote was delivered by Dr. David J. Skorton, president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges, who also received an honorary degree from Hofstra University.

Skorton, a leading advocate against systemic racism and health disparities, highlighted the importance of community and the graduates’ comprehensive training.

“You have benefited from the renowned clinical and educational programs with Northwell Health, the largest health system in New York, and have seen up close the robust research and academic programs of Hofstra, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory,” said Skorton. “This means you already have first-hand experience with broad and interrelated components of the healthcare ecosystem …acknowledge the big picture, then focus on what you can directly influence, starting with the communities closest to you. Stay humble, stay curious, and most importantly, support each other.”

The Class of 2024 is a diverse group consisting of 87 MDs, four PhDs, and 10 dual degree recipients, including three MD/PhDs, two MD/OMSs, three MD/MPHs, and two MD/MBAs, who are prepared to deliver top-tier healthcare to a diverse population.

Among the graduates is Dr. Fabiola Inés Plaza from Queens who immigrated from Venezuela as a child. Inspired by her mother, an OB/GYN, Plaza decided in high school to pursue medicine.

She will begin a residency in child neurology at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University.

Reflecting on her journey, she said, “Applying for residency was emotional for my family and me. I recognize the great privilege I had compared to my mother…that wouldn’t be possible without my parents’ immense sacrifice in bringing us to this country.”

Plaza was dedicated to social justice and community advocacy during medical school. She brought virtual bedside concerts to patients at North Shore University Hospital through Project Music Heals Us and helped establish a gynecological and reproductive healthcare clinic for formerly incarcerated individuals.

“I wanted to work with this underserved and growing population,” she said, noting her research on bias against legally involved individuals.

Her classmates chose her to speak at commencement, where she received the Promotion of Social Justice Award. “Being honored this way is a great recognition of my work and a reminder to continue striving for a more equitable future for all,” she said.

A classmate, Dr. Cameron L. Tate, has achieved remarkable milestones as the first in her family to earn a college degree and become a doctor.

A lieutenant in the United States Navy, Tate is passionate about using her medical expertise to aid communities worldwide.

“The military offers the opportunity to practice medicine globally rather than being tied to one hospital,” said Dr. Tate, a Queens resident originally from Big Sky, Mont. “A career goal of mine is to be deployed on the USNS Mercy to deliver medical aid to countries in need.”

During medical school, Tate served as chair of the American Medical Women’s Association, participated in anesthesiology research, and volunteered at inner-city food banks while completing her military training.

She was honored with the school’s Women in Medicine and Science Leadership Award at commencement.

“My focus has always been to excel in my studies and make changes in the field, particularly regarding women and gender biases,” said Tate, who will begin her anesthesiology residency at the University of Arizona – Tucson. “I am grateful the faculty recognized my efforts, and I hope to continue taking on leadership roles in residency and beyond.”

As a first-generation American born to Colombian immigrants and the first in her family to achieve college and medical degrees, Dr. Tiffany Porras Fanning, from Mamaroneck, has embraced many new beginnings.

In addition to these achievements, during her fourth year in medical school, she became a first-time mother to her daughter, Ellie.

“I am incredibly proud of the sacrifices my parents made so my sister and I could succeed here in America, and I hope to continue building that legacy for myself and my daughter,” said Porras Fanning.

She credited her ability to manage school and pregnancy to the exceptional support from the school’s Office of Student Affairs, noting, “I had amazing support from the Office of Student Affairs in preparation to being a new mom, and once I had my healthy baby girl, the school continued to provide wonderful support and check-ins as I managed postpartum life.”

Despite balancing pregnancy with clerkships and rotations, Dr. Porras Fanning excelled academically and was active in organizations like Medical Students for Choice and the Latino Medical Student Association, advocating for women’s health and underserved communities.

After graduation, she will begin an OB/GYN residency at Westchester Medical Center. “I’ve always been drawn to OB/GYN because of the inequitable care I’ve seen women in my family receive, and as a woman of color, I hope to reduce disparities in women’s health,” she explained.

Armed with their newly earned degrees, the ambitious graduates from the Zucker School of Medicine are poised to embark on the next steps of their lifelong journey.

They have secured positions in 21 specialty areas at esteemed institutions across 17 states nationwide and are prepared and equipped to utilize their extensive knowledge and skills to deliver compassionate care and achieve optimal outcomes for their future patients.