Service Spotlights

Justin Shafa ‘03, MD is partway through his radiology residency in New York City. When Covid-19 hit New York, his hospital was and continues to be at the epicenter of the pandemic within the US. Justin volunteered to leave his comfort zone within the radiology department and join the nurses and physicians that were quickly becoming overwhelmed in the ICU. He purposefully threw himself into the fire when he knew that he could be of help on the floor. 

Justin called upon his strong social network to procure much-needed PPE, food, and equipment for his teammates in the hospital. Justin's brother, Dr. Brian Shafa '95, writes, “These past three months have truly proven that Justin is my hero, and his selfless, unwavering, compassionate care should stand as a model for physicians around the world. I used to think that Justin followed my lead into medicine, but it has become increasingly clear throughout this unprecedented crisis that the reason we both entered medicine is the shared sense of empathy, responsibility, and sincerity that was instilled within us during our time at CEE. We are who are because of the path set forth during those early days in the Cage, the rooftops, and the classroom.” We share our deep gratitude for Justin and his dedication to helping others.

CEE Alumni Emma Gerber ‘06 and Emma Gersh ‘06 formed From a Friend amidst the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to let people send small gifts to their distant loved ones while raising funds to help support the people who needed it most. Profit from each bracelet sold is donated to securing PPE for healthcare workers on the front lines. In the first week, From a Friend sold over 300 bracelets, resulting in a $3,000 donation. Emma and Emma share that they “hope to bring everyone the feeling of togetherness even when they are apart from each other.” Way to go, Emma and Emma!