Leading by Example: Dr. Katie Patel's Journey from First Class to Distinguished Alumni

As a member of the inaugural Schmidt College of Medicine graduating class, Dr. Katie Patel has come full circle - from pioneering MedOwl to exemplary physician-educator and Distinguished Alumni honoree.

When Dr. Katie Patel (née Jerzewski) began her medical education at Florida Atlantic University's newly established Schmidt College of Medicine in 2011, she was part of something unprecedented - the inaugural class of a medical school with a vision to transform healthcare education. Now, as the Class of 2015 prepares for their ten-year reunion, Patel has been recognized with Florida Atlantic's 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award, a testament to her remarkable impact on pediatric medicine and medical education.

Pioneering Spirit: From Student to Distinguished Physician

"I feel really lucky to have been part of the inaugural class," reflected Patel. "Our faculty each made such a real effort to help us become excellent students and future physicians."

That foundation of excellence has served her well. Following her graduation from the Schmidt College of Medicine, Patel completed her pediatric residency at the prestigious Montefiore Medical Center Einstein Campus, followed by a pediatric emergency medicine fellowship at Northwell Health. Today, she practices as a double-board-certified pediatrician on Long Island while simultaneously shaping future physicians as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell University.

The Mentorship Circle: Receiving and Giving Back

Perhaps the most defining characteristic of Patel's career has been her commitment to the cycle of mentorship - receiving guidance from dedicated faculty and then paying it forward to the next generation of physicians.

Dr. Sarah Wood, who served as Patel's pediatrics clerkship mentor during medical school, continues to be a guiding presence in her life. "From the very beginning, Katie stood out as a student with an exceptional blend of empathy and leadership," noted Wood. "Watching her grow into the outstanding physician and mentor she is today has been incredibly rewarding. She embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and compassionate care."

For Patel, the decision to join academic medicine was clear: "I wanted to make sure I paid forward all of the mentorship I received during my time in med school." This commitment to nurturing future physicians while maintaining her clinical practice illustrates the values instilled during her formative years at Florida Atlantic.

Building Connections That Last

Beyond formal education, Patel credited the strong bonds formed with classmates as essential to her professional journey. "Staying in touch with my friends from medical school just happened naturally," she explained. "They helped make me who I am today! And we continue to support each other through each new phase of life and medicine."

These connections reflect the collaborative culture fostered at the Schmidt College of Medicine, where students learn not just medical knowledge but also the importance of teamwork and professional relationships.

A Celebration of Excellence

The Distinguished Alumni Award was presented during Florida Atlantic's Hall of Fame & Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony on April 15 at the Boca Raton Marriott. Unable to attend in person, Patel was represented by Dr. Sarah Wood and Dr. Lawrence Brickman - two influential mentors from her medical school years - who jointly accepted the award on her behalf, embodying the continuing impact of mentorship in her journey.

Brickman, who helped guide Patel through her foundational medical education, reflected on the significance of the moment: "It was a privilege to accept this award on Dr. Patel's behalf," he stated. "She has exemplified the very best of what we strive to instill in our students - compassion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in both patient care and education."

The presence of both mentors at the ceremony highlighted the collaborative approach to medical education that has been a hallmark of the Schmidt College of Medicine since its founding, and which Patel now carries forward in her own teaching career.

Wisdom for the Next Generation

When asked what advice she would offer current medical students, Patel's response reflected both wisdom and authenticity: "Stay honest, curious, and connected - be true to who you are, always inquisitive about how you can be the best doctor for your patient, and support your team!"

This philosophy has guided her own career trajectory, from being part of Florida Atlantic's first medical school class to becoming an award-winning physician-educator who is shaping the future of pediatric medicine.

Looking Forward

As Patel and her classmates prepare to celebrate their ten-year reunion, this Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes past achievements and inspires future endeavors. Her journey from pioneering student to distinguished alumna exemplifies the mission of the Schmidt College of Medicine: to develop physicians who are not only clinically excellent but also dedicated to lifelong learning and service.

For current and future MedOwls, Patel's story demonstrates the extraordinary impact one can make in just a decade of dedicated practice and teaching - and offers a glimpse of the profound difference Florida Atlantic physicians are making in healthcare, one patient and one student at a time.

The Schmidt College of Medicine congratulates Dr. Katie Patel on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to celebrating the continued achievements of all MedOwl alumni.