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Graduates from left: Yuliya Katz, Irina Pronina, Lynette Siewarine, Gregor Konopzynski, Gladys James and Shaimaa Moustafa, comprise the latest class of medical technologists to graduate from New York Methodist Hospital's 12-month program.

You have all greatly exceeded my expectations, said Lori Burkard, program director of the School of Medical Technology at NYM, during a recent graduation ceremony held in the Hospital's Executive Dining Room. You are about to enter a diverse field with numerous possibilities this is the first day of the rest of your career. Six graduates received certificates at the event for the completion of the Hospital's demanding, 12-month medical technology program, which substitutes for the students senior year of college.

An NYM program for over 30 years, the course requires students to work five-day weeks during which they obtain hands-on experience in the fields of pathophysiology and microbiology. Upon successful completion of the program, the students receive bachelor of science degrees from their colleges, certificates from the Hospital school and, after passing the registry examinations, professional accreditation.

Today marks a great achievement for each of you, said Rabia Mir, M.D., chair of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at NYM. You have successfully completed a highly regarded program and are now qualified to begin a wonderful career in medicine, she said.

Graduates can apply their education and experience in a variety of lab settings such as hospitals, private laboratories, public health facilities, forensic laboratories and veterinary clinics. Graduates may also become teachers, pharmaceutical sales representatives, bioterrorism specialists or technical support specialists. Some may even move on to obtain advanced degrees in business, science or medicine.

Special awards were given to several graduates for exceptional achievement. Gregory Konopzynski, of Long Island, received the Award for Excellence in Microbiology as well as the Blood Bank Award. Gladys James, of Flatbush, was honored with the Hematology Award. Shaimaa Moustafa, of Staten Island, received the Award for Excellence in Biochemistry. Irina Pronina, of Bensonhurst, was given the Award for Excellence in Immunology. Ms. Pronina also received the Highest Honor Award, which is bestowed upon the student with the highest grade point average. Yuliya Katz, of Bensonhurst, and Lynette Siewnarine, of Long Island, also received graduation certificates.

The students were not the only ones to receive recognition at the ceremony; the graduates honored two Hospital employees with the Technologist of Distinction Award. The honor was presented to Anselmo Dash, laboratory technologist in the blood bank, and Enock Placide, medical technologist in the core laboratory, for their contributions to teaching. We think of all of the Hospital technologists as our extended family and we are very proud to join their profession, said Ms. Siewnarine, who presented the certificates.

For more information about the Hospital's School of Medical Technology, please call 718-780-3706.