Alfred University to host panel discussion on careers in healthcare

ALFRED, NY – Alfred University is hosting a panel discussion of career opportunities in the healthcare industry. Four Alfred University alumni—each accomplished healthcare professionals—will participate in the virtual event Thursday, Feb. 18, from 11:20-12:50 a.m.

The panel discussion is an open forum for those interested in learning about the diverse careers available in healthcare. To access the online discussion, please visit this Zoom link. The four panelists—who work in a wide range of careers in the healthcare industry, including in management, research, engineering, and clinical practice—include:

Dr. Cheryl Blanchard ’86, president and chief executive officer of Anika Therapeutics, Inc., a global pioneer in hyaluronic acid (HA) therapeutic products used in a broad range of applications, including joint preservation and tissue protection, healing, and repair. Blanchard earned a B.S. degree in ceramic engineering from Alfred University in 1986, and received masters and doctoral degrees in material science and engineering, both from the University of Texas. She is a member of Alfred University’s Board of Trustees.

Dr. F. Ronald Feinstein ’67, clinical professor of plastic surgery in the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, and an adjunct professor at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. He has been with Southern California Permanente Medical Group since 1986, serving as regional chief of plastic surgery, assistant area medical director, and currently, special assistant to the area medical director. After earning a bachelor’s degree in biology from Alfred University in 1967, Feinstein earned dental and medical degrees from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He is a former member of Alfred University’s Board of Trustees, serving from 1992-98.

Dr. Robert L. Johnson ’68, professor of pediatrics and psychiatry, dean, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, and interim dean, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Alfred University in 1968 and went on to receive his medical degree from the New Jersey College of Medicine and Dentistry (now the New Jersey Medical School). He is the only dean in U.S. history to oversee two medical schools simultaneously and is one of only a handful of African Americans serving as medical school deans. 

Daniel Z. Louis ’67, managing director at the Asano-Gonnella Center for Research in Medical Education & Healthcare, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA. Louis has been with the Asano-Gonnella Center for Research in Medical Education & Healthcare for 35 years and serves as a research associate professor of family and community medicine at Sidney Kimmel Medical College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Alfred University in 1967.