Lessons in humanism: Award-winning 51品茶medical students learn from leader in geriatrics

Patrick Kurpaska was awarded the first place 51品茶COM Humanism in Aging Action Award
First year 51品茶College of Osteopathic Medicine student Patrick Kurpaska was awarded the first place 51品茶COM Humanism in Aging Action Award

Each year, the American Geriatrics Society and 51品茶 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鈥檚 Humanism in Aging Leadership Award.

51品茶COM students were invited to attend Stefanacci鈥檚 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 51品茶COM Humanism in Aging Action Award:

First Place 鈥 Patrick Kurpaska (51品茶COM 鈥19)

Second Place 鈥 Emily Szuba (51品茶COM 鈥20)

Third Place 鈥 Tiffany Cheung (51品茶COM 鈥19)

Honorable Mention  - Annie Liu (51品茶COM 鈥19)

鈥淏oth the Humanism in Aging Leadership Award and Student Action Award exemplify one of the many ways the 51品茶College of Osteopathic Medicine is committed to innovative educational opportunities for students in the respectful care of older adults,鈥 said Marilyn Gugliucci, Ph.D., 51品茶COM professor and director of geriatrics.

To learn more about the 51品茶鈥檚 College of Osteopathic Medicine, visit

To apply, visit 

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