Careers in healthcare profession topic of Alfred University hosted panel discussion

The event is co-sponsored by Alfred University alumni and classmates Dr. F. Ronald Feinstein ’67 and Lester Friedman ’67, who will both serve as panelists.

The panel discussion is an open forum for those interested in learning about the diverse careers available in healthcare, a field that has opportunities for students from a variety of academic backgrounds. The event is open to Alfred University students, faculty, and staff. Students from high schools in the region are also being invited.

The six panelists include:

• F. Ronald Feinstein, MD ’67, Clinical Professor of Surgery in the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California; Adjunct Professor in the Healthcare Systems Engineering Program at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. Feinstein earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Alfred University and is a former member of Alfred University’s Board of Trustees, serving from 1992-98.
• Lester Friedman ’67, professor emeritus of media and society, and former chair of the Media and Society program at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. He also taught health humanities and bioethics at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse and the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University.
• Robert L. Johnson, MD ’68, dean of the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, NJ, and interim dean of the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, NJ. Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Alfred University. He will offer the keynote at the University’s commencement ceremonies in May.
• Kian Merchant-Borna ’07, research faculty at the University of Rochester Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine and director of the Industry-Sponsored Research Program in the URMC Emergency Department. Merchant-Borna earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and environmental studies from Alfred University.
• Ellen “Lynn” O’Connor Vos ’78, Board chair at Medisafe, a leader in digital health, patient engagement, and medication management. Vos is former president of Muscular Dystrophy Association and former interim CEO of Modular Medical Inc., a developer of technologies that simplify diabetes management. A registered nurse, she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Alfred University.
• Richard Terry, DO ’84, assistant dean of Regional Clinical Education, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), Elmira, NY, campus. He is also chief academic officer on the Board of Directors at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Training (LECOMT). Terry earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Alfred University.

The event begins with dinner from 5:30-6 p.m. in the Knight Club, Powell Campus Center, followed by the panel discussion, which will run from 6-7:30 p.m. in Nevins Theater, Powell Campus Center. Immediately following the panel discussion there will be a mixer with dessert and beverages in the Knight Club, at which time students will have a chance to meet with the panelists and network with them. The event was organized by Fred Farley, associate professor of management, and Geoff Lippa, assistant professor of biology. Farley teaches courses in the College of Business’ Healthcare Planning and Management program; Lippa serves as pre-health advisor for students planning to pursue advanced degrees in the health field.