Dr. Benjamin Hartley coordinated the first PrIMES (Program for Individualized Mentorship Education Solutions) Fall Fundraiser on October 26, 2019. About a hundred people came into the Belfer Research Building’s courtyard to help raise money for PrIMES’ mission of reducing the healthcare education diversity gap.
“We raised over $5,000 for PrIMES,” Dr. Hartley says. “It was a big success for us with a lot of community participation. Several bands provided live music for the event, including Steve 6String, Ricky Stein, Jessica Lattman, Tania Stavreva, Grayhunter, Big Boss and the Neatos, Kayka, Bloco La Conga, and Gabriel Guerrero. You could hear the music from many blocks around!”
Lunch and dinner was provided by Bella Blu Restaurant, Fresco by Scotto, Murphy’s Law, Felice NYC, Just Salad, Greek Eats, Famiglia Famous Pizzeria. Additional sponsors were Vendula Kalinova, Rajan Sedalia, James Patterson, Morton Williams, Feast PR, Ritter Sport, and Hex & Co Gaming.
PrIMES, co-founded in 2018 by Dr. Hartley and Dr. Caitlin Hoffman, Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery, matches under-served and under-represented college students from the New York City area to help them prepare their application for medical school. PrIMES has grown from supporting 11 students last year to supporting over 40 students in its second year. Students from Weill Cornell Medical College met regularly with their undergraduate mentees in person and over videoconference. The pairs follow a targeted curriculum that emphasizes practical skills, need-based guidance, and access to resources.
