Save the Date

May 6 2026

Park Château Estate & Gardens, East Brunswick, NJ 08816

Join us in celebration of New Jersey’s healthcare leaders

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The EJI Excellence in Medicine Awards™ will be held on May 6th, 2026, at the Park Château Estate and Gardens in East Brunswick, NJ. We hope you will join us to celebrate the inspiring individuals who make up our healthcare community. We look forward to seeing you there!

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EJI Excellence in Medicine Awards

Honoring Today, Empowering Tomorrow

New Jersey is home to some of the best healthcare in the country. Our hospital systems, which continue to rank nationally, proudly offer world-class care, state-of-the-art facilities, and compassionate support for patients. All of this is made possible by the bright minds who have helped shape modern medicine within our state, improving hundreds of thousands of lives in New Jersey and beyond.

For more than eight decades, EJI Excellence in Medicine has celebrated these individuals from our own communities – and the students who will follow in their footsteps.

The Awards

Every year, we honor physicians, scientists, healthcare professionals and leaders in New Jersey who have demonstrated extraordinary skill, leadership, and compassion in their fields. We rely on nominations from the community to help us discover and celebrate these healthcare leaders.

Nominations for the 2026 awards are now closed.

The Scholarship Program

In addition to recognizing today’s leaders, we are committed to supporting emerging healthcare professionals in the fields of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and physician assistant studies by providing scholarships to select students. Our scholarships are made possible by generous contributions. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, click here.

Nominees for the scholarship program are selected by the participating healthcare schools.

The Grants

Grants are by invitation only. Unsolicited grant proposals are not accepted.

Thank You for Funding the Future of Healthcare

We are so thankful for your continued generosity. With help from our donors and Honor Roll sponsors, EJI Excellence in Medicine continues to invest in the leaders of tomorrow.

Become a Sponsor

Focus
on Excellence

In healthcare, focus is more than attention—it is a commitment to excellence and an unrelenting drive to advance the field. It is the quality that empowers healthcare leaders to deliver meaningful impact, pioneer innovative solutions, and guide the next generation of professionals. Focus fuels precision, progress, and purpose in every role across the healthcare system.

The 2026 EJI Awards celebrate those whose unwavering focus has made a difference and inspired others to do the same—shaping the future of healthcare.

Get Involved, Give Back

We rely on your help to aid research and the students of today in reaching their goals to become the healthcare leaders of tomorrow. Please consider making a donation and help make a difference in New Jersey healthcare students’ lives.

Make a Donation

Introducing our Hosts

Steve Adubato, PhD

Emmy Award-winning Anchor
Author, “Lessons In Leadership 2.0: The Tough Stuff”

Patricia A. Costante

Founding Member
EJI Excellence in Medicine Fund

From Aspirations to Action

Watch this year’s honorees and scholarship recipients speak about the landscape of healthcare in New Jersey, how the industry continues to evolve, what motivates them, and more.

Looking Inward and
Moving Forward

Dedicated to Better

Striving for Excellence

Community and Our Shared Focus on Tomorrow

2026 EJI Award Recipients

This year, we are excited to honor 7 extraordinary leaders in healthcare. You can learn more about each of our honorees below.

Keith Lewis, R.Ph., MD

EJI Physician’s Award®

Matthew B. McDonald, III, MD

Outstanding Healthcare Executive Award

Carlos Pato, MD, PhD

Outstanding Scientist Award

Christin M. Traba, MD, MPH

Outstanding Medical Educator Award

Miriam Hoffman, MD

Outstanding Medical Educator Award

Diane Calello, MD, FAAP, FACMT, FAACT

Verice M. Mason Community Service Leader Award

Ana Natale-Pereira, MD, MPH, FACP

Peter W. Rodino, Jr. Citizen’s Award®

2026 EJI Scholarship Recipients

In addition to our honorees, we are also pleased to be celebrating 10 talented students entering their respective fields in 2026. Congratulations to all our EJI Scholarship recipients!

You can read about each of our scholarship recipients below.

Jacob Metheny

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Class of 2026

Jasper Lee

Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Class of 2026

Alessandro Padovani

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Class of 2026

Nichole Geist

Rutgers School of Health Professions, Physician Assistant Program
Class of 2026

Tricia Mae Raquepo

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Class of 2026

Cristina Caruso

Rowan Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Class of 2026

Abigail Isaac

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Class of 2026

Margeritte Carlson

Seton Hall University School of Health and Medical Sciences, Physician Assistant Program
Class of 2026

Melissa Kudlak

Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy
Class of 2026

Lindsey Ryan

Fairleigh Dickinson University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Class of 2026

FAQs

Check to be made out to: New Jersey Health Foundation
Mail to:
EJI Excellence in Medicine Fund
New Jersey Health Foundation
155 Village Blvd., Suite 130
Princeton, NJ 08540

New Jersey Health Foundation is proud to assume the management of the EJI Excellence in Medicine Awards™ and related scholarship fund beginning in late 2023 expanding its commitment to support advances in health research, innovation and education in New Jersey.

New Jersey Health Foundation (NJHF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2002. Through its Annual Grant Program NJHF supports research, community health and social service programs. NJHF also manages over 300 endowments providing annual funding to support health related research, educational programs and health related scholarships through donor directed distributions.

You will receive a confirmation once you make a purchase for the event. You will not receive an actual ticket, but rather your name will be held at the door.

The address is: 678 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816. More detailed travel directions based on location can be found here.

Hotel accommodations are available at the Château Grande Hotel, located right next door to the Park Château, at 670 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick, NJ. Reserve online here or call 732-724-4600.

Proudly sponsored by

Ana Natale-Pereira, MD, MPH, FACP

Peter W. Rodino, Jr. Citizen’s Award®

Dr. Ana Natale-Pereira is Professor of Medicine, Division Director of General Internal Medicine and Associate Dean of Primary Care and Community Engagement at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Over her 25 years at Rutgers and University Hospital, she has distinguished herself as a leader in primary care innovation, medical education, and community engagement strategies to reduce health disparities.

A leader in cancer prevention, Dr. Natale has received more than $17 million in federal and state funding for community-based cancer prevention and navigation programs, including the NJCEED S.A.V.E. Program, providing critical services to underserved communities in Essex County.

As Division Director of General Internal Medicine, she has advanced primary care innovation addressing the needs of the community. She has led and mentored faculty on integrating behavioral health into primary care by partnering with the Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (RUBHC), supported by $10 million in federal funding; guided and supported the development and expansion of the addiction medicine practice, the weight management practice, and the geriatrics service; and the development of a Healthy Moms’ clinic in the internal medicine-preventive medicine program. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was pivotal, establishing testing and treatment programs that served thousands of patients.

As Associate Dean of Primary Care and Community Engagement, Dr. Natale leads the office responsible for expanding NJMS Community Networks and managing over 40 active community engaged service-learning initiatives that immerse medical students in addressing health inequalities. The yearly Community Engagement Symposium reflects on those partnerships and brings students and mentors to share their experiences and learn from the community.

Beyond her clinical and academic roles, she serves in state and national health coalitions, advancing health equity for all populations. She is the recipient of the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, and the AOA Honor Medical Society, and a proud mom of four amazing young adults (triplet girls and a boy). Dr. Natale is celebrated for her vision, cultural humility, and unwavering dedication to medical education.

Diane Calello, MD, FAAP, FACMT, FAACT

Verice M. Mason Community Service Leader Award

Dr. Calello has led the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System for 9 years as the Executive and Medical Director. In that time, the program has assisted over 500,000 New Jerseyans with poison- and drug-related concerns. These include responding to the opioid epidemic, identifying and responding to emerging public health threats, providing subject matter expertise in an evolving health landscape, and standing up a hotline in response to other public health crises including Zika virus and the COVID-19 pandemic. She also leads the Division of Medical Toxicology and Addiction Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, which provides treatment to hundreds of patients annually with toxic exposures, drug overdoses, withdrawal and addiction.

Calello is a national expert in pediatric poisoning, and has served on the Board of Trustees of several national organizations. She is a frequently invited speaker on a variety of topics, which include pediatric environmental lead poisoning, impact of cannabis legalization, emerging novel psychoactives in the fentanyl supply, pediatric opioid poisoning, and others. She is also a sought-after media expert, as evidenced by appearances on many national news outlets, and has partnered with legislators and other key stakeholders to advance the health and wellness of people in New Jersey and beyond.

Miriam Hoffman, MD

Outstanding Medical Educator Award

Dr. Miriam Hoffman was the founding Associate Dean of Medical Education at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and is currently Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Family Medicine. She has led the development, implementation, and continuous enhancement of the medical education program. Dr. Hoffman’s goal is to align medical education curricula with the health outcomes of populations and individuals. The HMSOM curriculum utilizes the Determinants of Health – all the factors that impact health outcomes – as the frame for the entire curriculum. 

Dr. Hoffman has built and leads the largest unit within the School of Medicine. She has built partnerships and collaborations with diverse stakeholders and constituencies within the school, health system, and regional community. 

Previously, she was at Boston University School of Medicine for 13 years holding many educational leadership roles. Dr. Hoffman has been a leader in curriculum and faculty development in mission-driven medical education, evidence-based medicine, metacognition, and clinical teaching. 

Dr. Hoffman has spent her clinical career working with patients from diverse backgrounds in underserved settings, including safety net hospitals and Community Health Centers. She completed her undergraduate education at the Johns Hopkins University, her medical degree at Cornell University Medical College, and her residency at the New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Family Medicine Residency Program, where she was also Chief Resident. 

Dr. Hoffman’s focus on helping all populations achieve the highest health outcomes comes from her parents and grandparents, including her grandfather who was a General Practitioner in the Bronx.

Christin M. Traba, MD, MPH

Outstanding Medical Educator Award

As a proud alumnus of New Jersey Medical School Class of 2006, Christin is now in her 24th year at NJMS. Over the years, she has expanded her roles in both undergraduate and graduate medical education, now serving as the Executive Associate Dean for Education. She leads the undergraduate medical education, linking her passions for medical education, mentorship, and advocacy. 

As the former faculty co-lead for the New Jersey Pediatric Residency Advocacy Collaborative (NJPRAC), she worked on multiple statewide residency education initiatives focusing on advocacy and community health, publishing their work in the journal, Pediatrics. On a national level, she worked for five years with the American Academy of Pediatrics Community Pediatric Training Initiative (CPTI). As the former co-lead for the CPTI Networking and Collaborative Pillar, she launched a national webinar series, highlighting advocacy and community health.

She prides herself in the relationships built as a mentor to the students, including as the pediatric clerkship director, specialty advisor, and co-director of the Distinction in Medical Education (DiME) program. As a result, she has trained over 2,000 students in pediatrics and mentored numerous students and residents in scholarly work. 

As she shifts her focus to the integration of the two medical schools into the future Rutgers School of Medicine, she recognizes the stronger, expanded community built across campuses, creating a culture of belonging at all levels – learners, faculty, and staff. Through this community, she is confident that Rutgers will emerge as a leader in medical education innovation, including precision learning. 

Miriam Hoffman, MD 

Dr. Miriam Hoffman was the founding Associate Dean of Medical Education at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and is currently Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Family Medicine. She has led the development, implementation, and continuous enhancement of the medical education program. Dr. Hoffman’s goal is to align medical education curricula with the health outcomes of populations and individuals. The HMSOM curriculum utilizes the Determinants of Health – all the factors that impact health outcomes – as the frame for the entire curriculum. 

Dr. Hoffman has built and leads the largest unit within the School of Medicine. She has built partnerships and collaborations with diverse stakeholders and constituencies within the school, health system, and regional community. 

Previously, she was at Boston University School of Medicine for 13 years holding many educational leadership roles. Dr. Hoffman has been a leader in curriculum and faculty development in mission-driven medical education, evidence-based medicine, metacognition, and clinical teaching. 

Dr. Hoffman has spent her clinical career working with patients from diverse backgrounds in underserved settings, including safety net hospitals and Community Health Centers. She completed her undergraduate education at the Johns Hopkins University, her medical degree at Cornell University Medical College, and her residency at the New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Family Medicine Residency Program, where she was also Chief Resident. 

Dr. Hoffman’s focus on helping all populations achieve the highest health outcomes comes from her parents and grandparents, including her grandfather who was a General Practitioner in the Bronx.

Carlos Pato, MD, PhD

Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. Carlos N. Pato is internationally renowned for his groundbreaking research in the genetics of mental illness across ancestries and for developing one of the largest multi-ancestry cohorts of patients suffering with psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. His transformative research bridging clinical psychiatry and molecular biology advanced our understanding of psychiatric disorders, enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to benefit population health.  

Dr. Pato is Henry Professor of Behavioral Health and Executive Chair of Psychiatry for Rutgers Health, Senior Vice President of Research, Training and Academic Affairs in Behavioral Health and Addictions at Rutgers and University Behavioral Health Care/University Correctional Health Care and RWJBarnabas Health Behavioral Health and Addictions Service Line.  He came from SUNY Downstate where he was executive director of the Institute for Genomic Health, Senior Vice President and Dean of the College of Medicine, and is previous Chair of Psychiatry at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine.

A graduate of Brown University, Dr. Pato completed his MD and research training at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, psychiatry residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and fellowship at the National Institute of Mental Health. With an honorary doctorate in medical genetics from Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal, he is a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a charter member of the International Society of Psychiatric Genetics and held leadership positions with the American Association of Chairs of Departments of Psychiatry, among others. He has over 240 publications with over 52,000 citations.

Matthew B. McDonald, III, MD

Outstanding Healthcare Executive Award

Dr. Matthew B. McDonald III serves as President and CEO of Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH), an RWJBarnabas Health facility. Under his leadership, CSH has become a national model for pediatric specialty and rehabilitative care, serving nearly 50,000 children each year across 14 sites with a workforce of more than 1,700 dedicated professionals.

A visionary and values-driven leader, Dr. McDonald has guided the execution of a $90 million strategic plan focused on expanding ambulatory services, advancing research, and strengthening academic and community partnerships. As a High Reliability Science Leader, he led CSH to achieve zero serious safety events in 2024. That same year, he was named one of Becker’s Hospital Review’s “CEOs to Know.”

Since joining CSH in 2014 as Chief of Special Needs Pediatrics, Dr. McDonald has championed integrated, family-centered care, creating New Jersey’s first NCQA-certified medical home for children with medical complexities and expanding access through a second primary care center in Hamilton. His system-wide leadership as Pediatric Quality Chair aligned five children’s hospitals to enhance access for more than 600,000 patients statewide.

Dr. McDonald is a champion of patient- and family-centered care, and personally conducts family rounds, meets monthly with CSH’s Family Faculty team, and serves as the executive sponsor of the Family Advisory Council, which has been nationally recognized by the Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care.

A dedicated educator and advocate, Dr. McDonald is also an Associate Professor at Rutgers University and serves on the Board of Trustees for Special Olympics New Jersey.

Keith Lewis, R.Ph., MD

EJI Physician’s Award®

Dr. Keith P. Lewis, MD is Professor and Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Chief of Anesthesiology and Director of the Perioperative Quality and Safety at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH). He also serves as Vice Dean of the medical school where he plays a central role in strategic planning and partners closely with RWJUH and RWJ Barnabas Health.

Dr. Lewis’s entire career has been focused on patient safety. While at Yale as a research pharmacist, he authored a book entitled: Cancer Chemotherapy: Treatment & Care. He served as Chair of Anesthesiology at Boston University School of Medicine for almost 20 years and his clinical expertise is cardiac anesthesia and liver transplantation.

Since becoming chair in 2018, Dr. Lewis has overseen all anesthetic and procedural services at RWJUH, including adult and pediatric operating rooms.  He leads the department’s  clinical, educational, research, and administrative missions.  Known as a visionary leader in patient safety and healthcare efficiency, he is the author of OK to Proceed: What Every Health Care Provider Should Know About Patient Safety, which focuses on eliminating medical errors and improving care delivery.

Dr. Lewis is also the founder of the Kindness Campaign, which promotes kindness as an essential element of all patient and staff interactions.  Its flagship initiative, KindOR Care, provides individualized acts of kindness for patients in the perioperative environment.  This ethos is embodied by making kindness a cornerstone of patient and staff interactions. 

In recognition of his leadership, Dr. Lewis received the Rutgers Gateway Award for Service to Employees as part of the university’s Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition Program.  This award acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to fostering a positive work environment, enhancing employee engagement and morale, and driving operational efficiencies through innovative process improvements. 

Lindsey Ryan

Fairleigh Dickinson University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Class of 2026

Lindsey Ryan is a fourth-year Pharmacy and Masters of Health Sciences student from Old Bridge, NJ. After high school, Lindsey attended the University of Scranton where she majored in physiology and minored in biochemistry. While completing her bachelor’s degree, Lindsey’s passion for science and desire to make a meaningful impact on patient care solidified her decision to pursue a career in pharmacy. Over the past four years studying at Fairleigh Dickinson University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, she further developed an interest in the science behind drug development and the role of medical innovation in improving patient outcomes.

Lindsey is currently completing her Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences in her final year of pharmacy school. Throughout her academic journey, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to scholarship, leadership, and professional growth. She has co-authored peer-reviewed publications in Analytical Chemistry and Journal of Chromatography A, earning the Dean’s Student Research Award for her contributions to the field of research. Lindsey has also held leadership roles within Rho Chi Honor Society, served on the PharmD program’s Assessment Committee, and remained actively involved in multiple student organizations. Outside of academics, she enjoys traveling, attending baseball games, staying active, and spending time with family and friends.

Lindsey’s career goal is to pursue a role in Medical Affairs within the pharmaceutical industry, with a particular interest in oncology. She aspires to work in a strategic medical role, such as Medical Communications, where she can support evidence-based decision-making, contribute to scientific education, and collaborate cross-functionally to advance patient care. Lindsey plans to practice in a collaborative, non-traditional pharmacy setting within industry, serving as a trusted scientific resource to healthcare professionals across diverse therapeutic areas.

Melissa Kudlak

Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy
Class of 2026

Melissa Kudlak is a PharmD candidate at Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy. Her interest in healthcare began through early research experiences exploring flavored e-cigarette toxicity using a precision-cut lung slice model, where she first saw how scientific discovery can directly influence patient education and public health. This work sparked her passion for translational science and reinforced her desire to pursue a career that blends research with clinical care. Through these experiences, Melissa discovered that pharmacy offers a unique opportunity to connect mechanistic science with meaningful patient impact, motivating her to continue her training in toxicology alongside her PharmD.

Melissa is currently completing her professional pharmacy education at Rutgers while preparing to enter the Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology as a PharmD/PhD student. Beyond the laboratory, she is actively involved in community outreach through The Asthma Corp at Rutgers, where she helps deliver educational programming on asthma management, environmental exposures, and vaping. These experiences have shaped her commitment to addressing respiratory health disparities and providing evidence-based guidance to underserved communities. Her academic journey has been further enriched by presenting research at national conferences and by receiving the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Foundation Futures Grant, which has solidified her goal to pursue translational research focused on therapeutic safety.

In the future, Melissa aims to become a pharmacist-scientist dedicated to advancing drug safety and public health, with a particular interest in respiratory toxicology and vulnerable populations. She plans to work in academic or industry research while remaining engaged in patient-centered education and community service. Outside of pharmacy, Melissa enjoys creative projects through her small Etsy business, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She values lifelong learning and hopes to build a career that bridges science and service while giving back to the communities that inspired her path.

Margeritte Carlson

Seton Hall University School of Health and Medical Sciences, Physician Assistant Program
Class of 2026

Margeritte Carlson was born in Cairo, Egypt and raised in North Arlington, New Jersey. She earned her Bachelor of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, where she was a member of the basketball and volleyball teams. An injury during a collegiate volleyball season introduced her to the field of athletic training and sparked her interest in healthcare. While at Stevens, Margeritte was deeply involved in Alpha Phi Omega, a national community service fraternity, holding multiple leadership roles that reinforced her commitment to service and community engagement. She went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Athletic Training at Seton Hall University, where she served as President of the Athletic Training Student Society and graduated with honors.

Margeritte is currently a third-year Physician Assistant student in the PA Program at Seton Hall University. Prior to PA school, she worked as a certified Athletic Trainer, transitioning from Division I athletics to serving as a physician extender in an orthopedic surgery practice. Through this role, she developed a strong appreciation for patient-centered care and interdisciplinary collaboration, inspiring her to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant to broaden her clinical skills and impact patient outcomes. As a nontraditional student and mother of two, Margeritte has balanced the rigors of graduate education with family life, an experience that has strengthened her resilience, adaptability, and empathy. She values compassionate care grounded in listening, clear communication, and trust. Following graduation, Margeritte plans to pursue a career in orthopedic surgery and practice as a Physician Assistant in New Jersey.

Margeritte remains actively involved in community service, including youth education on the health risks of vaping, youth sports, and nonprofit outreach. As a Graduate Assistant, she enjoys mentoring fellow PA students and prospective applicants. She aspires to practice as a dedicated Physician Assistant who supports patients holistically while continuing to serve her community. Outside of medicine, Margeritte enjoys reading, a good conversation, travel, hiking, and sharing meals with friends and family. She continues to have a love of sports that she shares with her family and by coaching youth sports.

Abigail Isaac

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Class of 2026

Abigail Isaac was born and raised in Bayonne, NJ, as the youngest of three daughters. She attended Rutgers University in Newark, NJ, where she majored in biology and minored in psychology. At Rutgers Newark, her passions for mental health and education flourished as she worked as an Organic Chemistry Peer Led Recitation Instructor and Research Assistant at the Delgado Lab for Social and Affective Neuroscience. These activities, as well as her engagement in the Health Professions Learning Community, furthered her commitment to a career in health care and drew her attention specifically to the field of psychiatry. Abigail’s passion for medicine was inspired, at an early age, by her mother, who showed a deep, intrinsic passion for the field. While her mother was not a doctor herself, her curiosity and extensive knowledge of the field was infectious and motivated Abigail to pursue a purposeful career oriented towards healing. This pursuit was marked by excellence in her undergraduate career and resulted in several awards, including the School of Arts & Sciences-Newark Dean's Award. Following her time at Rutgers Newark, she applied and was accepted to Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

Abigail is a current fourth year medical student at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, NJ. There, she has committed herself to medical education and curricular innovation, mentorship, and mental health. As part of the Distinction in Medical Education Program, she has developed original short-form videos and incorporated pre-existing TikToks into the curriculum to teach clinical skills and health equity topics. She additionally developed the Peer Support for Step 1 Medical Student Group which provides mentorship to second year students preparing to take Step 1, in efforts to mitigate stress and isolation. She has participated in multiple other programs geared towards mentorship and tutoring. She has additionally engaged in community outreach through her efforts as a volunteer for the Student Family Health Care Center and educational director of Public Understanding of Medicine in Action, a program facilitating healthcare related discussions with residents of rehabilitation centers. Her success in medical school was recognized by her induction into the AOA Honor Society.

Abigail maintains a vision of becoming a culturally competent, empathetic clinician-educator, working as a psychiatrist among underserved populations, while engaging in education as a means of advocacy. She currently plans to complete a fellowship in consultation-liaison psychiatry, envisioning a balance of inpatient and outpatient work, alongside a career in academics. While dedicating herself to medicine, she also maintains a vibrant lifestyle marked by engagement in reading and theology, hiking with friends, exploring restaurants and museums in New York City, working out at the gym, and learning to play pickleball more skillfully. 

Cristina Caruso

Rowan Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Class of 2026

Cristina Caruso was born and raised in Hammonton, NJ and is deeply connected to the South Jersey communities she hopes to serve as a physician. Her interest in healthcare grew from a lifelong fascination with science and a desire to understand how complex biological processes translate into real human outcomes. She received her B.S. in Medical Laboratory Sciences from the University of Delaware and her M.S. in Microbiology and Immunology from Georgetown University. Her continued curiosity and love of learning led her to pursue scientific training alongside medicine, with the goal of bridging discovery at the bench with compassionate care at the bedside. Cristina is in her 7th and final year as a dual-degree student at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine located in Stratford, NJ and holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Cell Biology. Her doctoral research focused on immune dysfunction in sepsis, resulting in multiple “Dean’s Excellence in Research” awards, peer-reviewed publications, and both national and international presentations. Her work also fostered a translational collaboration with an ICU physician at Virtua Health, where she continues to study immune biomarkers in septic patients. These experiences shaped her identity as a physician-scientist and reinforced her belief that the most effective medicine is rooted in restoring balance rather than simply reacting to crisis. 

Beyond research, Cristina has been profoundly committed to teaching, mentorship, and community engagement. She has served as a boards tutor, problem-based learning facilitator, and curriculum representative, and has volunteered in community clinics, assisted living facilities, and COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Her volunteer efforts specifically during the pandemic earned her the Gold T.O.U.C.H. Award presented to medical students with over 100 annual hours of community service and outreach. Looking ahead, Cristina eventually plans to pursue a career in family medicine, with the goal of practicing full-spectrum primary care in an academic setting in New Jersey. She has an interest in preventative medicine and hopes to care for diverse patient populations while continuing to teach and mentor future physicians, especially those interested in conducting translational research. 

Outside of medicine, Cristina values the relationships that ground her. She is especially proud to share this year’s EJI recognition with her twin brother Alessandro, who is a 4th year dental student at Rutgers Dental School. As a future mom to a baby boy and a proud aunt, she draws daily joy and perspective from family and balance. In her free time, she enjoys fitness classes, skiing, traveling, reading, and spending time with her husband, family, friends, and dog. 

Tricia Mae Raquepo

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Class of 2026

Tricia Mae Raquepo was born in the Philippines and raised in South River, New Jersey. She is the daughter of a nurse, and watching her mother care for patients with compassion and advocacy shaped her early understanding of healthcare and inspired her to pursue medicine. As an immigrant, she became aware at a young age of the barriers many individuals face in accessing care. She attended Rutgers University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Biology and Spanish, and is currently a fourth-year medical student at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Throughout medical school, Tricia has demonstrated a strong commitment to service, leadership, and scholarship. She has worked with underserved populations through the student-run Promise Clinic and served as Vice President of Multicultural Affairs for the Student Government Association, advocating for inclusion and representation within the medical school community. She also served as General Manager of the Homeless and Indigent Population Health Outreach Project, a community health initiative focused on improving access to care for individuals experiencing homelessness. Tricia completed a dedicated research year at Harvard Medical School-Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where she focused on outcomes-based and educational research in plastic and reconstructive surgery, including work in health equity, gender-affirming care, and medical education. Her work has resulted in multiple national presentations and publications, and she has been recognized with an American Association of Plastic Surgeons Leonard R. Rubin Best Paper Award and induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Looking ahead, Tricia plans to pursue a career in academic plastic and reconstructive surgery, with clinical interests in reconstructive microsurgery, breast reconstruction after cancer, and gender-affirming surgery. She aims to practice as a thoughtful and empathetic surgeon who prioritizes trust and shared decision-making, particularly when during life-changing moments for patients. Outside of medicine, she enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, most recently visiting Mexico City. She also enjoys playing tennis, photography, and creative pursuits. She values time with family and friends and strives to bring curiosity, creativity, and empathy into every aspect of her personal and professional life.

Nichole Geist

Rutgers School of Health Professions, Physician Assistant Program
Class of 2026

Nichole Geist was born and raised in Sterling Heights, Michigan, and later relocated to Kalamazoo, Michigan to pursue professional opportunities in healthcare. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and Biology from Oberlin College, where she also competed as a collegiate basketball player. Her early exposure to emergency medical services as an EMT combined with experiences in behavioral health solidified her commitment to a career in medicine. Nichole is currently a Physician Assistant student at Rutgers University School of Health Professions, where she has built a strong foundation in clinical medicine, leadership, and service.

Nichole’s passion for healthcare is deeply rooted in emergency medicine, a specialty that reflects her EMS background and her desire to care for patients during critical moments. She plans to practice as a Physician Assistant in emergency medicine, ideally in a high-acuity or academic hospital setting. Following graduation, Nichole intends to pursue a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree with the goal of becoming a leader in her field and contributing to clinical excellence and education. In parallel with her training, she remains deeply committed to community service, having completed over 700 hours during PA school through volunteer EMS work, Meals on Wheels, Rutgers Health Service Corps, the Alzheimer’s Association, and academic tutoring.

Throughout her training, Nichole has been recognized for her leadership, service, and dedication to medicine. She is the recipient of multiple honors, including the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (Gold Tier) for the 2024-2025 school year, the Paul S. Robinson Award through the Society for Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants in 2025, the New Jersey State Society of Physician Assistants Scholarship in 2024, the Judith Yannariello Endowed Scholarship in 2025 through the Rutgers School of Health Professions, and the Rutgers PA Department Academic and Service Distinction Scholarship in 2024. Collectively, these accomplishments reflect her sustained commitment to service, professionalism, and excellence in patient-centered care.

Outside of medicine, Nichole values balance and strong personal relationships. She is grateful for the support of her fiancé and family. Fitness remains an important part of her life, and she views the gym as both a passion and a vital outlet for stress relief. As a former collegiate basketball player, Nichole continues to draw upon the discipline, teamwork, and perseverance instilled through athletics as she advances in her medical training. She aspires to build a career that combines exceptional emergency care with leadership, mentorship, and meaningful community impact.

Alessandro Padovani

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Class of 2026

Alessandro Mario Padovani was born and raised in Hammonton, New Jersey. Alessandro currently lives in Middletown, New Jersey, with his family. He is a loving husband to Jessica and a proud father to Christian, their year-and-a-half-old son. Alessandro and Jessica are expecting their second child this March. Alessandro has a twin sister, Cristina, a fourth-year medical student at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine and one of this year’s EJI Excellence in Medicine recipients. 

Alessandro is a fourth-year DMD Candidate at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and serves as Vice President of the Class of 2026, where he has been recognized for his academic achievement and leadership. His academic path reflects a foundation in both science and patient care. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Villanova University, where he was also a member of the men’s football team. He later completed an accelerated nursing program, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Jefferson University, graduating magna cum laude, and was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society. 

Alessandro’s professional journey includes extensive experience as a registered nurse in critical care settings, serving in intensive care units and as a travel nurse at major medical centers across the region. These experiences shaped his approach to healthcare and guided his transition to dentistry, where he is dedicated to delivering patient-centered care that promotes long-term oral and overall health. While at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Alessandro has served as a Teaching Assistant in Fixed Prosthodontics, a tutor for first and second-year dental students, and a keynote speaker for the Class of 2029’s orientation. In recognition of his academic excellence and character, he was selected for induction into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. He also leads as President of the Endodontics Club and Founder and President of the RSDM Golf Club, while remaining active in volunteer outreach and student government. 

In his free time, Alessandro enjoys staying active and connected to the world around him. He finds balance outside of his professional life by spending time outdoors, including fishing, golfing, biking, and kayaking. He especially enjoys taking walks with his wife and son, often along the beautiful New Jersey coastline, where he values the opportunity to slow down and appreciate time with his family. 

Upon graduation, Alessandro will begin his dental career as a General Practice Resident at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, New Jersey. He aspires to establish a dental practice in New Jersey that provides accessible, high-quality care that serves his community’s needs. Above all, he is driven by his commitment to his family and patients, and by a passion for advancing dental health through mentorship, education, and the development of future leaders in the profession. 

Jasper Lee

Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Class of 2026

Jasper Lee grew up in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. Growing up, Jasper loved to participate in sports and music, notably as a track athlete and a classical pianist. Jasper went to the University of Chicago, where he majored in psychology and minored in biology. There, he developed a deep appreciation for the nervous system and how structures such as the brain work in tandem with the body to help people interact with the world. He was also involved in the community, most notably volunteering as an academic and piano tutor for local children living in the southside of Chicago. His interest in the nervous system, alongside a desire to help his community, led naturally to a desire to practice medicine in the future. Prior to entering medical school, he spent two years at the Rockefeller University, helping invent new genetic testing techniques to understand neurodevelopmental processes such as aging and Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Jasper is currently a fourth-year student attending Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. During his time in medical school, Jasper continued his research career, helping in a project that explored patient preferences when deciding to come off medications for epilepsy. He additionally has worked with the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Hackensack on projects studying how to improve inpatient hospitalizations of those with spinal cord injuries and how gender can influence the compensation that PM&R attendings receive. Jasper has also been involved in the community, closely working with the immigrant mother of a child with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy, supporting her as she tried to navigate the healthcare system. He has also worked on initiatives to improve the support that stroke patients and their families receive. Jasper still acts as a peer tutor at the school, helping students who are currently going through their rotations or are preparing for their Step 2 exam. 

In the future, Jasper is looking forward to starting a residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Specifically, Jasper wants to tailor his future practice towards those who need neurorehabilitation, or patients recovering from major neurological conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, or brain injury. Jasper plans on continuing his passion for teaching, with aspirations to work for teaching hospitals. In his free time, Jasper enjoys staying active with hobbies such as basketball and running. He also enjoys playing the piano whenever time allows. He plans on visiting Korea and China before he starts residency, and hopes to travel for the rest of his life. 

Jacob Metheny

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Class of 2026

Jacob Metheny is originally from southern New Jersey, where his early experiences in leadership, athletics, and service shaped a strong commitment to teamwork and community engagement. He attended college with a passion for learning and service and went on to pursue medicine as a career that uniquely blends science, human connection, and lifelong growth. Jacob is currently a fourth-year medical student at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU), located in the underserved and diverse city of Camden, NJ, where his training has deepened his commitment to caring for patients across a broad range of social and clinical contexts.

Outside of the clinical setting, Jacob’s most meaningful involvement has been through service, mentorship, and research. He has volunteered for more than a decade with Goliathon, a nonprofit obstacle race organization that raises funds for global clean-water initiatives, where his role evolved from volunteer to leadership and course design. During medical school, he has remained actively involved in the community through the student-run free clinic, Forging Youth Resilience, the Christian Medical Student Association, Camden Youth Soccer Club, and local environmental service efforts. These experiences, combined with extensive research in trauma resuscitation and emergency care systems, have been formative in shaping his interest in emergency medicine and his desire to practice in a setting that serves diverse and underserved populations.

In the future, Jacob plans to pursue a career in emergency medicine, with the goal of practicing in an academic or community-academic setting where he can combine clinical care, education, and systems-based improvement. He hopes to remain involved in teaching, mentorship, and quality improvement initiatives throughout his career. In his free time, Jacob enjoys fitness and outdoor activities, mentoring youth, and staying involved in service-oriented projects that bring people together around shared purpose and challenge.