HEMPSTEAD, NY – The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell is proud to announce that Jordan Genece and John Alvarez, are recipients of the AMSNY Diversity in Medicine Scholarship. This one-year $45,000 award seeks to reduce financial barriers to attending medical school and to develop a diverse physician workforce who commit to practicing in underserved areas in New York State upon completion of their medical education. Funded by the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and New York State Legislature, the scholarship is eligible to students who are currently in or have completed an AMSNY post-baccalaureate/master’s program, are domiciled in New York State and are enrolled in medical school for the 2024-25 academic year.
Jordan Genece, who hails from Westbury, NY, is a first-year medical student and a first-time recipient of the AMSNY Diversity in Medicine Scholarship. “I am incredibly grateful to be a recipient of this amazing award. It is not only a major financial blessing but an honor to join a cohort of physicians who are making impactful strides in bridging healthcare disparities and serving underserved communities,” said Genece, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. “I have had many loved ones make sacrifices so that I may attend an institution like the Zucker School of Medicine, and I owe it to them to be proactive in supporting myself. More importantly, this scholarship is a tangible representation of my commitment to service as a practicing physician and serves as a reminder to use my privilege and resources for service and to advocate for the communities and individuals that need it most.”
John Alvarez, a third-year medical student, is receiving the AMSNY Diversity in Medicine Scholarship for the second time. “Being the recipient of the AMSNY Diversity in Medicine Scholarship is an immense privilege and an affirmation of everything I’ve worked so hard to achieve. It is both humbling and inspiring, as it brings me one step closer to my dream of becoming the first doctor in my family,” explained Alvarez, a native of Queens, NY. “profound sense of responsibility to represent my community and family, and it motivates me to give back and create opportunities for others who come from similar backgrounds. This scholarship is more than just financial assistance; it is a testament to the belief others have in my ability to succeed, and it fuels my determination to continue breaking barriers in pursuit of my medical career.”
Year after year, the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell has consistently ranked among the most diverse medical schools in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. This year, the school tied for fourth as the most diverse medical school in New York State. These two students’ recognition exemplifies the school’s value in fostering a diverse and inclusive community that is committed to serving patients of all backgrounds from all communities. Most recently, the school celebrated its annual Diversity Night, which seeks to celebrate everyone, their cultures and differences, regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, gender, identity, beliefs or religion. Read more here.
Historically, underrepresented groups have faced many disparities in care and have experienced inequities in treatment, knowledge of needs and experiences. Promoting diversity in medicine allows for a more accurate understanding of how a disease, condition or experience may impact a multitude of groups of people differently, and helps prepare physicians to make better-informed, well-rounded decisions, interventions and treatment plans for all people. At the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, diversity, equity and inclusion lie at the heart of the school’s mission and diversity is one of the school’s core values.
“Diversity in medicine is not just important but necessary. Our medical training is so long because of the wide variability in disease states, patient presentations, and treatment options. Therefore, it behooves us to be equally as committed to creating a system of physicians from different backgrounds with different experiences, viewpoints, and expertise,” stated Genece, who was previously a clinical research coordinator at Mount Sinai Hospital, where he saw first-hand how race and socioeconomic status impede access to care. “There are also marginalized groups that end up bearing the brunt of the many pitfalls of our health system and it is critical to provide these groups with excellent, equitable care while including people from these communities in our decision-making and protocol development.”
Echoing his classmates’ sentiments, Alvarez says that supporting diversity in medicine allows him to pay it forward and assure patients from a similar background have doctors to look for. “The opportunity to practice medicine as a Latino would be a dream come true. It would mean being able to support a patient who looks like me, shares my native language, and has a similar cultural background that allows for a deeper, more empathetic connection,” said Alvarez, who served as his family’s language and cultural broker while growing up. “Navigating the complexities of healthcare, education, and other systems in this country, has shaped my understanding of the barriers that many people from underserved communities face, and has fueled my desire to bridge the healthcare gap. It is both an honor and a privilege to have the chance to serve in this role, helping others feel heard, understood, and supported as they navigate their own healthcare journeys.”
Congratulations to Jordan Genece and John Alvarez on this outstanding accomplishment! To learn more about the AMSNY Diversity in Medicine Scholarship, click here. To learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, click here.
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