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Upstate Medical graduates 65 students early to help in COVID-19 fight

Dr. Jared Sweeney was one of 65 medical students to earn their medical degrees early so they can aid in the coronavirus fight. Sweeney is pictured here with his fiancée Amanda Benacquisto. (PHOTO CREDIT: UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY WEBSITE)

SYRACUSE — Upstate Medical University in Syracuse on April 10 graduated 65 medical students who became doctors early so they could join other health-care workers in helping patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Andrew Cuomo earlier this month issued an executive order enabling medical students to graduate early to aid with the COVID fight, Upstate […]

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Gov. Andrew Cuomo earlier this month issued an executive order enabling medical students to graduate early to aid with the COVID fight, Upstate Medical University said.

The 20-minute virtual ceremony featured the recitation of the physician’s oath and remarks by Dr. Lawrence Chin, dean of Upstate’s College of Medicine.

The dean expressed his disappointment at not being able to share this proud moment with students in person.

“As much as I wanted to share and celebrate these moments with you, I believe your sacrifice is the right thing to keep this terrible disease from causing more damage,” said Chin.

Students who participated in the ceremony “did so with the intent” of going to hospitals to provide relief to an already strained health care workforce treating COVID patients, Upstate Medical University.

Dr. Jared Sweeney, who took part in the ceremony from his apartment in Albany, “wants to support his health care colleagues in any way possible,” per an Upstate Medical University news release.

“Even though I may have limited experience, I’m ready to offer myself to do what’s necessary,” he said. “I know staffs are strained, and any role I can play to undo the burden on many, I will be ready.”

Sweeney is set to begin his residency in neurosurgery at Albany Medical Center on July 1. He’s contacted the medical center to offer his assistance. He also completed the online New York State Department of Health survey for physicians looking to support the COVID-19 effort in New York City.

“This what we signed up for when we entered this field,” Sweeney added.

The remaining medical students — and students in the colleges of Graduate Studies, Health Professions and Nursing — will receive their degrees in a virtual ceremony May 1, the medical school said.

Eric Reinhardt