Brown Medical Alumni and Friends

SPECIAL REQUEST: It’s almost time for the MD Class of 2028 to receive their white coats! Please join them in this celebration by writing a note of encouragement, congratulations, advice, or a funny anecdote. This is a great moment to welcome them into the Brown medical community. 🥼
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScigKU0elaokOWDjm6vduFq7RhXcVCtqSw6osP9SjVbfx2D-A/viewform

Welcome the MD class of 2024 to the Medical Alumni community! Congratulations 🎉🩺🥼

Saturday Medical Reunion highlights!

Deborah E. Borne MD’99 delivered The Ruth B. Sauber Distinguished Alumni Lectureship on “Righting Medicine: Shifting from Trauma-informed to Healing-centered Care”, sharing a human-centered lens on wellness and clinical care.

Pooja S. Tandon ’96 MD’99 delivered the Charles O. Cooke, MD, Distinguished Visiting Lectureship on “Fair Game: How Play Equity Promotes Health Equity”, and shared details about her exciting new book!

And finally, the event of the weekend, Reunion Class Dinner!

Welcome back to campus, Medical Alumni! Last night, we kicked off the weekend with the Medical Community Celebration where alumni, graduating MD's, PLME's, and Gateway's students got to see old friends, make new ones, and celebrate!

Congratulations are in order! The BMAA has announced the 2024 medical community recognition award winners. See the roster of 2024 recipients and learn more about their accomplishments here: https://alumni-friends.brown.edu/volunteer/recognition/medical-alumni-association-awards

Talking Back After the medical and racial nightmare that was 2020, John Johnson ’23 MD set out on a healing path that includes talking openly about mental health, racism, and medical disparities.

Congratulations Dr. Resa E. Lewiss ’92 and Dr. Adaira Landry on the release of their co-authored book MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact.
https://www.amazon.com/MicroSkills-Small-Actions-Big-Impact/dp/1335013296

Yesterday, we celebrated the MD Class of 2026 at a Stepping Up Ceremony to mark the start of their clinical years. It was a wonderful chance to recognize and reflect on all their hard work so far. Now, let the hospital rotations begin!

Happy Earth Day! Did you know access to green spaces is essential for our mental and physical well-being? Join us on May 25 for the Charles O. Cooke, MD, Distinguished Visiting Lectureship as Dr. Pooja Tandon '96 MD'00 discusses equitable access to parks and nature to nurture ourselves and our planet.

Additional details about the lecture can be found here:
https://tinyurl.com/yuxhr9kj

Amplify the work of a fellow alum by nominating them for a Brown Medical Alumni Association Award!
These annual awards recognize alumni for outstanding achievements including scientific or academic excellence; community service; advancements in diversity, equity, and inclusion; furthering the personal and professional growth of the next generation of physicians.
https://alumni-friends.brown.edu/volunteer/recognition/medical-alumni-association-awards

Pediatrician and child health researcher Pooja Tandon '96 MD'99 discusses the Power of Belonging in Nature in her recent TEDxTalk. She describes how "Nature Allies" and "Nature Mentors" can help foster a sense of belonging and empowerment. Watch more.

The Power of Belonging in Nature | Pooja Tandon | TEDxUofW Pediatrician and child health researcher Pooja Tandon emphasizes that equitable access to nature-rich environments is essential for our well-being; but each ...

Last week, the 17th Annual Academic Symposium showcased 125 student researchers and the great research they conducted over the summer. Great work to all!

In honor of Veterans Day, we are pleased to highlight two alumni who have not only served in the armed forces, but who also work with other veterans. Both doctors specialize in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Michael Roy ’84 MD’88 is leading his fourth research study into alternative treatment methods for this debilitating disease. Landis Mitchner MD’99 RES’03 provides individual and group therapy for over 500 veterans annually, both virtually and in-person.
Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/4z7syvbz

Introducing a new event series, specially tailored for reunion classes! As we look ahead to all the festivities on campus that weekend, reconnect with fellow classmates ahead of time through Meetaway. Meetaway is a platform that intelligently matches attendees for a series of one-on-one video calls that rotate through the event.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/yu9zfk7a

Event Opportunity:
Get those endorphins flowing bright and early this Saturday! All local alumni, PLME, and MD parents are invited to join the Serotonin Seekers, a beginner-friendly, inclusive running group that offers an outlet for medical students to prioritize their wellness while meeting fellow students. Registration is not required.

Medical and PLME parents, join us October 13-15 for Medical Family Weekend. Register here:
https://tinyurl.com/3bd9tkx9

Spotlighting: Alexes Hazen MD'87 MD'96, P'18 ScM'20 for Women in Medicine Month.

Alexes graduated from The Warren Alpert Medical School in 1996 and continues to serve the Brown Medical community in her roles on the Advisory on Biology and Medicine Council and the Brown Medical Alumni Association (BMAA). She pursued a career in plastic surgery training at NYU Langone and is now an assistant professor of Plastic Surgery and in private practice. Alexes shares what it means to her to be a woman in medicine, her passion for relationship building, and the advocacy in her work:
“Being a woman in a surgical subspecialty has its challenges - we are underrepresented in leadership positions academically and in surgical societies, we get paid less than our equivalent male counterparts, and we have the challenges of maternity among other things. However, I have had the great privilege of having had fantastic male and female mentorship all around the world. Mentors who have supported and collaborated with me enhanced my career and have been friends as well. Some of the most gratifying experiences of my career have been enhanced by being a woman, for example, breast reconstruction for cancer patients, gender-affirming surgery, and my volunteering and connection to Reconstructing Women International -- whose mission is to reconstruct women and children who have been victims of violence, war, and accidents all over the world at no cost.”

Sarah Buchanan '21 MD'26, a PLME and Student Ambassador, shares what it means to her to be a woman in medicine:
"Being a woman in medicine is an incredible journey, filled with both triumphs and challenges. As the first person in my family to become a doctor, I am conscious of the incredible opportunities I have to provide compassionate care to my patients and build connections that extend beyond the clinical setting. I know that women bring unique perspectives, empathy, and unwavering dedication to health care, even as we face gender inequity in male-dominated fields. My time so far, at The Warren Alpert Medical School has instilled in me the confidence that I can make a significant impact in the field of medicine and pursue my dreams in any medical specialty, knowing that my education has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to do so."

Dr. Shani Belgrave ’03 MD’07 shares for Women in Medicine Month: “I graduated from The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University 16 years ago and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to pursue and fulfill my dream of becoming a minimally invasive and bariatric surgeon. Life-long learning is an essential part of being a doctor and the goal of learning the latest technologies, and providing the most up-to-date care inspires me. Diversity and inclusion are important components of providing excellent care as we all bring our unique experiences and perspectives which creates a favorable environment for the generation of new thoughts and ideas."

Dr. Shani Belgrave-Heath is an Atlanta-based minimally invasive and bariatric surgeon. She is featured in the September 2023 issue of Best Self Atlanta Magazine and her practice was recognized as the Best Bariatric Surgery Practice.

Congratulations to the MD Class of 2027 who received their first white coats this Saturday. The White Coat is a time-honored tradition from the Brown Medical Alumni Association to welcome the next generation of physicians. 145 students received their White Coats, with friends and family present to celebrate them.

September is Women in Medicine Month and we are spotlighting amazing women in our Alumni and Friends Medical Community. Rudrani Banik,’93 MD’97, author of Beyond Carrots: Best Foods for Eye Health A to Z shares: “Since my graduation from The Warren Alpert Medical School over 26 years ago, my career has evolved both professionally and personally in ways I never would have dreamed of! Along my journey from academics to solo practice and entrepreneurship, I've had the privilege of witnessing a remarkable shift in female representation, within the broader field of medicine, and also within ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology. This transformation underscores the importance of diverse perspectives in health care. It inspires me to continue my journey, hoping that my career experiences can further contribute to this positive change and leave a lasting legacy in the realm of improving eye care.”Rudrani is also an active member of the Brown Medical Alumni community. She served as her 25th Reunion Class Marshall in 2023, met with ophthalmology residents for grand rounds, and has spoken with student interest groups such as the Association of Women Surgeons and the Opthalmology interest group.

September is Women in Medicine Month and we are spotlighting amazing women in our Alumni and Friends Medical Community. Rudrani Banik ’93 MD’97, author of Beyond Carrots: Best Foods for Eye Health A to Z shares: “Since my graduation from The Warren Alpert Medical School over 26 years ago, my career has evolved both professionally and personally in ways I never would have dreamed of! Along my journey from academics to solo practice and entrepreneurship, I've had the privilege of witnessing a remarkable shift in female representation, within the broader field of medicine, and also within ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology. This transformation underscores the importance of diverse perspectives in health care. It inspires me to continue my journey, hoping that my career experiences can further contribute to this positive change and leave a lasting legacy in the realm of improving eye care.”

Rudrani is also an active member of the Brown Medical Alumni community. She served as her 25th Reunion Class Marshall in 2023, met with ophthalmology residents for grand rounds, and has spoken with student interest groups such as the Association of Women Surgeons and the Opthalmology interest group.

Ceremony of Commitment to Medicine **IMPORTANT UPDATE** The location for the Ceremony of Commitment to Medicine has changed and will now take place at the Olney-Margolies Athletic Center (OMAC) at 229 Hope Street. Parking will remain the same. Information and details are below.

Attention: Local Alumni Event Opportunity. Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-jXWXk_bJKh1EGNdbHOda3wsHaexdRAamt8o2DKkFnCcI3Q/viewform

The Medicine Today series is back! Register today to attend.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/medicine-today-registration-668304405467?aff=oddtdtcreator

Call to action to ALL Medical Alumni!