Committee

Name: Hudson Cerruti

Representing: Class of 2027

Motivation for joining this committee: I joined this committee because I care deeply about others mental wellbeing and want to help decrease the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and suicide among medical students and physicians. I hope to foster a community that acknowledges, accepts, and supports each other experiencing the stress that comes with this profession. Together, we can deconstruct the stigma surrounding mental health.

Strategies for maintaining wellness (especially in medical school): I maintain my wellness by playing basketball, practicing mindfulness, meal prepping, and spending time with family/friends.

Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: I love trying new pizza places and there are so many around the city to enjoy.

Name: Angelo Giannopoulos

Representing: Class of 2028

Motivation for joining this committee: My name is Angelo, and I am an M1 from Worcester, Massachusetts. I joined the Wellness and Resilience committee to help my class thrive and boost our excitement throughout our medical school journey. I am a strong believer that we as classmates can support one another through our mutual experiences in school and diverse backgrounds.

Strategies for maintaining wellness (especially in medical school): I like to think about ways for maintaining wellness in terms of non-negotiables which for me are quality sleep, talking to friends and family from home, and getting my body moving in some way every day.

Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: So far it has been biking out to Mendon Ponds; there’s beautiful farmland and wildlife so close by!

Name: Maya Khurana

Representing: Class of 2028

Motivation for joining this committee: I am deeply invested in the wellbeing of my peers as we navigate medical school, because I believe that happy, healthy students will make the best kind of physicians. I am excited to be a source of support for my peers and an advocate for their wellness.

Strategies for maintaining wellness (especially in medical school): I really try to lean into the little things that bring me joy — going on runs, listening to my favorite songs, making a cup of hot cocoa at the end of a long day, and doing some embroidery while watching a favorite TV show are just a few things that have helped me maintain wellness.

Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Though I am new to the city, I have really enjoyed running in the Highland and Genessee Parks, as well as getting ice cream from The Hedonist. Looking forward to exploring Rochester in the coming years!

Name: Faith Allen

Representing: Class of 2029

Motivation for joining this committee: As medical students, we have super busy schedules, and I hope to be able to provide some relief in the midst of it all by having various events and activities. Medical school is demanding, but I believe fostering spaces to refuel our humanness will help us grow as future physicians and as people!

Strategies for maintaining wellness (especially in medical school): I love taking moments to just be and do different mindfulness practices such a meditating or breathwork. I also think that journaling is a great way to destress and get everything out of my mind onto paper. Taking walks outside or just taking breaks outside to get some fresh air is also really beneficial in helping me clear my mind.

Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: I love the Tinseltown movie theater, they have the best popcorn and reclining seats!

Name: Kylie Riggles

Representing: Class of 2029

Motivation for joining this committee: It is a tremendous honor to help my classmates build our capacity to care for ourselves and our community, as holistic wellbeing is close to my heart. As a Wellness Representative, I am excited to advocate for student needs, provide resources, and be someone classmates can lean on to strengthen the foundation of our academic success and uplift one another. I hope to help us share and build practices that can be applied to enhance our quality of life and be passed on to our future patients.

Strategies for maintaining wellness (especially in medical school): Sleep and movement are my non-negotiables for maintaining my mental and physical health. I enjoy unwinding with a book, snuggling with my cat, Gosia, laughing with my loved ones, and caring for my plants.

Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Trying new vegetarian food and supporting local businesses!

Name: Karolina Szenkiel

Representing: MSTP Program

Strategies for maintaining wellness (especially in medical school): Going for walks and calling loved ones.

Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Visiting Ontario Beach Park