College of Medicine Student Selected for AMA Foundation Leadership Academy Institute
By Office of the President | Oct 11, 2022
Congratulations to Christopher George, a fourth-year College of Medicine student, on his recent induction to the American Medical Association Foundation Leadership Institute (LDI). Chris is the first Downstate student chosen for this prestigious honor and was one of only ten medical students accepted out of a competitive national field of over 1,100 applicants.
Chris, who will graduate in May, plans to pursue a Ph.D. at Erasmus MC Cancer Institute in the Netherlands, one of Europe’s top university medical centers. He is the inaugural National Grants Chair for the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), a 6,500-member non-profit organization, and the oldest and most widespread advocacy group for medical students of color.
Chris previously served as SNMA national diversity research vice co-chair and regional research liaison. Here at Downstate, he has served as president of the Students for Social Responsibility Club, where he organized free influenza vaccination clinics, food drives, and bone marrow donation fairs for the community.
The LDI is a unique leadership training program dedicated to cultivating a diverse cohort of aspiring physician leaders committed to improving our nation’s health and health policies. During LDI’s year-long program, students gain personal insight into the skills needed to become better healthcare and community leaders.
LDI’s program includes an intensive weekend retreat, monthly webinars, and a formal mentorship program guided by AMA physicians. It will culminate with Chris and his class members attending next year’s AMA Annual House of Delegates Meeting.
Thank you to Sharon A. Glick, M.D., Interim Dermatology Chair, and F. Charles Brunicardi, M.D., College of Medicine dean, for mentoring Chris during his studies at Downstate.
Thank you, Chris, for representing Downstate so ably; we look forward to seeing where your career takes you!
Tags: Education