Lessons in humanism: Award-winning 鶹ýmedical students learn from leader in geriatrics

Patrick Kurpaska was awarded the first place 鶹ýCOM Humanism in Aging Action Award
First year 鶹ýCollege of Osteopathic Medicine student Patrick Kurpaska was awarded the first place 鶹ýCOM Humanism in Aging Action Award

Each year, the American Geriatrics Society and 鶹ý College of Osteopathic Medicine Student Chapter recognize a prominent geriatrician who exemplifies humanism and innovation in his or her approach to improving the lives of older adults.

Richard G. Stefanacci, D.O., MGH, M.B.A., AGSF, CMD of the Jefferson College of Population Health at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was presented with this year’s Humanism in Aging Leadership Award.

鶹ýCOM students were invited to attend Stefanacci’s award lecture. After the lecture, they were asked to submit an action plan that explains how they will apply what they learned in their future practices. Stefanacci chose four students to receive the 鶹ýCOM Humanism in Aging Action Award:

First Place – Patrick Kurpaska (鶹ýCOM ’19)

Second Place – Emily Szuba (鶹ýCOM ’20)

Third Place – Tiffany Cheung (鶹ýCOM ’19)

Honorable Mention  - Annie Liu (鶹ýCOM ’19)

“Both the Humanism in Aging Leadership Award and Student Action Award exemplify one of the many ways the 鶹ýCollege of Osteopathic Medicine is committed to innovative educational opportunities for students in the respectful care of older adults,” said Marilyn Gugliucci, Ph.D., 鶹ýCOM professor and director of geriatrics.

To learn more about the 鶹ý’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, visit

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Emily Szuba was awarded second place
Emily Szuba was awarded second place
Tiffany Cheung received the third place award
Tiffany Cheung received the third place award
Annie Liu received an honorable mention
Annie Liu received an honorable mention