School of Health Professions Hosts Career Alumni Networking Event
By School of Health Professions | Jun 2, 2026
The School of Health Professions (SOHP) proudly hosted its 5th annual Career Alumni Networking Event (CANE) on April 13 and April 14 as part of the 60th Anniversary celebration. Hosted by the SOHP Alumni Association and led by Dr. Brigitte Desport, DPS, OTR/L, BCP, ATP, Associate Dean of Strategic Initiatives and Chair of the SOHP Alumni Association, and Dr. Vanessa Vales-Lewis, PhD, MAT, Assistant Dean and Co-Chair of the SOHP Alumni Association, this year’s two-day format was especially significant, with the addition of an in-person component in recognition of this milestone year.
The event opened with Alumni Association greetings and a welcome address by Dr. Desport, followed by opening remarks from Dean Allen Lewis, PhD, CRC, who reflected on the significance of CANE within SOHP and its continued impact as a flagship initiative of the school. More than 60 attendees—including students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community partners—participated across both days, reinforcing SOHP’s commitment to cultivating future healthcare professionals.
Day 1 (April 13) featured an engaging in-person alumni panel moderated by Dr. Desport, with distinguished representatives across multiple health disciplines, including Iryna Struk, MS, RDMS, RVT, RDCS (Class of 2011) and Interim DMS Chair; Andrea Trimmingham, MS, PA-C (Class of 2007) and PA Chair; Rudgie Fadael-Correa, MAT, MS, LM (Class of 2021); and Sean Thomas, PT, DPT (Class of 2011). Panelists shared insights into their career journeys, professional roles, and advice for students, highlighting the skills and competencies needed to succeed in today’s evolving healthcare workforce.
Building on this momentum, Day 2 (April 14) transitioned to a dynamic virtual networking experience, where participants connected directly with a wide range of community partners and organizations, including ACCESS PT, Focus Occupational Therapy PC, HTA of NY, Inspira Physical Therapy & Pilates, JAG Physical Therapy, Manhattan Children’s Center, MOTION PT Group, Northwell Health STARS, Orlin & Cohen, NY Therapy and Wellness, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, NYC Public Schools, Professional Physical Therapy, St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children, Yeled V’Yalda, and the SUNY Downstate Medical Billing and Coding Program, among others.
The inclusion of diverse organizations and programs provided students across disciplines with exposure to a broad spectrum of career pathways, strengthening pipelines into the healthcare workforce. These interactive sessions fostered mentorship, recruitment opportunities, and meaningful engagement, directly supporting workforce readiness and professional development.
CANE continues to serve as a signature initiative, advancing career exploration, strengthening alumni engagement, and supporting workforce development while building meaningful connections across the Downstate community.
Tags: Alumni, School of Health Professions, Event, SOHP 60