Lessons in humanism: Award-winning 51 medical students learn from leader in geriatrics
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.
51 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 51 COM Humanism in Aging Action Award:
First Place – Patrick Kurpaska (51 COM ’19)
Second Place – Emily Szuba (51 COM ’20)
Third Place – Tiffany Cheung (51 COM ’19)
Honorable Mention - Annie Liu (51 COM ’19)
“Both the Humanism in Aging Leadership Award and Student Action Award exemplify one of the many ways the 51 College of Osteopathic Medicine is committed to innovative educational opportunities for students in the respectful care of older adults,” said Marilyn Gugliucci, Ph.D., 51 COM professor and director of geriatrics.
To learn more about the University of New England’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, visit
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