Happy Holidays from Dean Battinelli
Dear Zucker School of Medicine Community,
As 2025 draws to a close and the holiday season is upon us, I am delighted to reflect on the remarkable achievements that have defined the past academic year at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. It has been a year of significant milestones, fueled by your dedication and passion.
We remain a national leader in medical research and innovative education. For the second consecutive year, we were ranked in Tier 1 for medical research by U.S. News & World Report. This outstanding achievement reflects our vibrant research culture, with nearly 100 percent of our students engaged in research between their first and second years, many presenting at national conferences.
In March, 102 students of the Class of 2025 celebrated Match Day, securing residencies in 21 specialties nationwide, including many Northwell programs. May saw the graduation of the Class of 2025, also marking the 10-year anniversary of our inaugural Class of 2015's graduation. Our "Where Are They Now" campaign highlighted the lasting influence of our early graduates, with two featured in Northwell Health’s Frontiers magazine.
This summer, we welcomed our 15th class. The Class of 2029 immediately began our eight-week EMT curriculum, culminating in the impactful Mass Casualty Incident Training Day. Just a few weeks later, we proudly celebrated their transition from students to health care professionals at our White Coat Ceremony.
Beyond our immediate student body, we also welcomed a new cohort of students into our pipeline programs, which have introduced more than 350 high school and college students to health care professions. Notably, 100 percent of our high school pipeline graduates have enrolled in higher education, fostering the next generation of health care leaders.
These successes —from research leadership and innovation to student milestones — are only possible thanks to the extraordinary dedication of our entire ZSOM community: our faculty, staff, students, alumni, partners, and generous donors. Your unwavering support helps drive our mission to transform medicine for the betterment of humanity.
Looking to 2026, I am optimistic for our medical school's continued growth and impact. Let's carry this momentum into the New Year, committed to innovation, excellence, and compassionate care.
On behalf of the leadership team, I extend warmest wishes for a joyous and peaceful holiday season and a New Year filled with health, happiness, and continued success.
David L. Battinelli, MD
Deborah and Lawrence Smith Dean
Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell