Dr. Andrea Ali-Panzarella
Chief Pediatric Resident, Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, N.Y. '98 Graduate
"When my dad found out about the honors program, he convinced me to learn more. When I heard about students transferring to top schools, I realized this would be a great opportunity."
For Dr. Andrea Z. Ali '98, SUNY Rockland was just the beginning of her journey to become a pediatrician. Ten years later, she is still in training, completing a grueling Pediatric residency at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, NY."Intern year, the first year of residency, is the hardest. Most days I work an average of 12 hours. Then I'm on call for 24 hours every fourth day."
Ali says that the hardest part of her work, however, isn't the long hours. "The most difficult part is when we lose a child." But Ali has found her calling and loves what she does. "Recently, a four-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital with a major fracture. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with cancer. On his birthday, some of the nurses and residents surprised him with a cake and some gifts. The smile on his face, which no one had seen since he was admitted, lit up the entire room. His mother hugged each of us as tears poured down her face. Moments like these make it all worth it!"
Rockland Community College was not originally in Ali's higher education plans."Initially I had no intention of going to RCC, but when my dad found out about the honors program, he convinced me to learn more. When I heard about students transferring to top schools, I realized this would be a great opportunity."Ali says that the College helped her to develop into a leader. She reactivated the Caribbean Club and even ran for president of student government. Although she didn't win, she served as a senator. Ali has a habit of turning a defeat into a victory. A volleyball player at Clarkstown South High School, she was initially crushed when she didn't make the varsity team cut in 11th grade. Not having her free time consumed with volleyball practice, she accepted a part-time job at a pediatrician's office. She enjoyed her interactions with the children, and realized her potential to encourage healthy habits through preventative medicine.
"There is no doubt that RCC helped me get to where I am today. The honors program prepared me to successfully transfer to the University of Virginia. I wouldn't have had the same opportunities I did if I had started at a big institution. And the tuition was great for my parents. They helped me with college and that alleviated a lot of the costs." Ali earned her BA in Biology from the University of Virginia, her masters in Biomedical Sciences from Barry University, a masters in Public Health from Nova Southeastern University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from NSU College of Osteopathic Medicine)
