New York Medical College Creates
Intergenerational Community
Around New Benjamin Rush Institute Chapter

New York Medical College (NYMC) has created an intergenerational chapter of the Benjamin Rush Institute, for students, faculty and alumni to come together to discuss the ethics of the patient-physician relationship as well as the political-economic implications of different health care provision models for the United States.  The chapter will offer one to two online public sessions per term with a thought leader speaking on a “big idea” to the NYMC community.  The chapter will also serve as a platform for alumni and current medical students to develop mentor-mentee relationships. 

This innovative chapter transforms the traditional student-only model of student clubs.  Through this type of interaction, students learn both from each other and from experienced physicians who want to give back to their alma mater and influence the next generation of physicians.  By facilitating engagement of members at all levels of medical experience, students have a deeper understanding of what it means to be a professional and what it takes to become one in today’s complex healthcare environment.

The NYMC chapter will serve as a model for other medical schools to change extra-curricular activities in a time of educational disruption.

Peter Bentivegna, M.D. ’85, who will be overseeing the alumni engagement of the chapter, says of the new initiative, “I am excited to be part of this most worthy initiative. Benjamin Rush M.D., a founding father, signer of the Declaration of Independence, prioritized the patient above all else. The unbreakable bond between the physician and patient must survive the stress of disease, natural disasters, war and politics.  This new model of the Benjamin Rush Institute will be a joy to be a part of.”

Ira J. Bedzow, Ph.D., director of the Biomedical Ethics and Humanities Program and faculty advisor for the new chapter, adds, “This is an exciting opportunity for New York Medical College to change the way students, faculty, and alumni engage in questions of medical and healthcare ethics.  It emphasizes the communal nature of the medical profession and allows for present and future leaders to come together for the sake of improving the lives of patients.”

"Benjamin Rush Institute is honored to partner once again with New York Medical College. This exciting opportunity – to keep the importance of the doctor-patient relationship in the minds of the next generation of physicians, while allowing them the occasion to closely engage and develop relationships with current physicians, experts and school alumni – at this most critical time in healthcare,” says Rebecca Kiessling, BRI’s Director of Programs. “NYMC should be proud of their forward-thinking leaders, as this collaboration will serve as a model for how BRI moves forward with other medical schools, in the US and internationally.”