The Polish American Medical Society is Empowering the Next Generation of Polish-American Doctors
The Polish American Medical Society is Empowering the Next Generation of Polish-American Doctors
PAMS Scholarship Recipients 2024
By Marena Keci
While the medical school experience is rigorous and sometimes isolating, connecting with fellow students who share the same customs, traditions, and academic journey fosters a sense of community. This sense of connection is vital for students to thrive in their demanding studies, as belonging plays a crucial role in their development, according to BMC Medical Education.
Loyola Medicine and Loyola University Medical Center are well-represented in the PAMS board of directors. Josephine Dlugopolska-Gach, MD, serves as the president of PAMS, alongside Bartosz Wojewnik, MD, vice president, and Agnes Hurtuk, MD, secretary. Dlugopolska-Gach, the regional medical director of primary care at Loyola Medicine, is also an associate professor in internal medicine and pediatrics. Wojewnik, an associate professor, serves as the chief of spine surgery at Loyola, and Hurtuk is an assistant professor and ambulatory medical director for otolaryngology.
The American Medical Association emphasizes that inclusion and diversity are key factors in promoting success in medical education. A culture of belonging encourages collaboration, reduces burnout, and ultimately produces more competent and empathetic physicians.
Dlugopolska-Gach’s journey with PAMS began in 2005 when she introduced the Medical Polish course at Stritch. Born in Poland, she moved to the U.S. at age five and noted a lack of Polish-speaking physicians. She was the first in her family to attend college and has remained deeply involved in the Polish community.
“Watching students return to PAMS as junior board members and seeing them take on leadership roles has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work,” says Josephine Dlugopolska-Gach, MD, regional director of Primary Care and president of PAMS.
Founded in 1946, PAMS, a professional non-profit organization, is dedicated to advancing medical education, fostering collaboration, and supporting Polish-American healthcare professionals. Based in Chicago, PAMS provides networking opportunities, continuing education resources, and an annual scholarship. The society works closely with medical schools and institutions, promoting relationships between Poland and the U.S. to advance medical knowledge and community healthcare initiatives.
PAMS is funded through donations and continues to support the Polish-American medical community, providing mentorship and financial assistance to ensure the success of future healthcare leaders.
The society’s most significant fundraising event is the Physician's Ball, with proceeds supporting scholarships for medical students across the U.S. Applicants must have at least one parent of Polish descent and demonstrate involvement in the Polish-American community. The scholarship application includes a heritage essay, community involvement details, and letters of recommendation. Applications are due annually by March 30.
In 2024, four of the eleven PAMS scholarship recipients were students from Stritch: Jakub Gocal, Jessica Helon, Angelika Kwak, and Christopher Kujalowicz. Collectively, they were awarded over half of the available funds. Dlugopolska-Gach attributes this to Stritch students’ dedication to the underserved and community involvement.
“Stritch students embody Loyola’s mission and go above and beyond to make an impact,” she says. “We want to provide mentorship and help fund their education so they too can become future mentors.”
This year marks PAMS' participation in the 30th-anniversary celebration of the World Federation of Polish Medical Associations in Kraków, Poland. PAMS also operates a Junior Polish American Medical Society, which has its own board of directors for medical students and residents.
Loyola hosted the World of Medicine - Talk for Future Doctors conference in February 2023 at the Center for Translational Research and Education, funded by Stritch. The conference aimed to educate high school and undergraduate students about careers in healthcare and was designed to prepare the next generation of medical professionals.
As Polish-American Heritage Month approaches in October, Stritch continues to support Polish-American physicians-in-training.
“PAMS has been critical in connecting me with Polish medical professionals across Chicago, both within my future specialty and beyond. The mentorship and resources I've gained through my affiliation with the organization are second to none and I feel incredibly grateful for the support of PAMS in pursuit of my career. I've met lifelong friends, won a number of scholarships, and presented my research, all through the opportunities I found at PAMS,” says M4 Christopher Kujalowicz.
September 2024
PAMS Scholarship Recipients 2024
By Marena Keci
While the medical school experience is rigorous and sometimes isolating, connecting with fellow students who share the same customs, traditions, and academic journey fosters a sense of community. This sense of connection is vital for students to thrive in their demanding studies, as belonging plays a crucial role in their development, according to BMC Medical Education.
Loyola Medicine and Loyola University Medical Center are well-represented in the PAMS board of directors. Josephine Dlugopolska-Gach, MD, serves as the president of PAMS, alongside Bartosz Wojewnik, MD, vice president, and Agnes Hurtuk, MD, secretary. Dlugopolska-Gach, the regional medical director of primary care at Loyola Medicine, is also an associate professor in internal medicine and pediatrics. Wojewnik, an associate professor, serves as the chief of spine surgery at Loyola, and Hurtuk is an assistant professor and ambulatory medical director for otolaryngology.
The American Medical Association emphasizes that inclusion and diversity are key factors in promoting success in medical education. A culture of belonging encourages collaboration, reduces burnout, and ultimately produces more competent and empathetic physicians.
Dlugopolska-Gach’s journey with PAMS began in 2005 when she introduced the Medical Polish course at Stritch. Born in Poland, she moved to the U.S. at age five and noted a lack of Polish-speaking physicians. She was the first in her family to attend college and has remained deeply involved in the Polish community.
“Watching students return to PAMS as junior board members and seeing them take on leadership roles has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work,” says Josephine Dlugopolska-Gach, MD, regional director of Primary Care and president of PAMS.
Founded in 1946, PAMS, a professional non-profit organization, is dedicated to advancing medical education, fostering collaboration, and supporting Polish-American healthcare professionals. Based in Chicago, PAMS provides networking opportunities, continuing education resources, and an annual scholarship. The society works closely with medical schools and institutions, promoting relationships between Poland and the U.S. to advance medical knowledge and community healthcare initiatives.
PAMS is funded through donations and continues to support the Polish-American medical community, providing mentorship and financial assistance to ensure the success of future healthcare leaders.
The society’s most significant fundraising event is the Physician's Ball, with proceeds supporting scholarships for medical students across the U.S. Applicants must have at least one parent of Polish descent and demonstrate involvement in the Polish-American community. The scholarship application includes a heritage essay, community involvement details, and letters of recommendation. Applications are due annually by March 30.
In 2024, four of the eleven PAMS scholarship recipients were students from Stritch: Jakub Gocal, Jessica Helon, Angelika Kwak, and Christopher Kujalowicz. Collectively, they were awarded over half of the available funds. Dlugopolska-Gach attributes this to Stritch students’ dedication to the underserved and community involvement.
“Stritch students embody Loyola’s mission and go above and beyond to make an impact,” she says. “We want to provide mentorship and help fund their education so they too can become future mentors.”
This year marks PAMS' participation in the 30th-anniversary celebration of the World Federation of Polish Medical Associations in Kraków, Poland. PAMS also operates a Junior Polish American Medical Society, which has its own board of directors for medical students and residents.
Loyola hosted the World of Medicine - Talk for Future Doctors conference in February 2023 at the Center for Translational Research and Education, funded by Stritch. The conference aimed to educate high school and undergraduate students about careers in healthcare and was designed to prepare the next generation of medical professionals.
As Polish-American Heritage Month approaches in October, Stritch continues to support Polish-American physicians-in-training.
“PAMS has been critical in connecting me with Polish medical professionals across Chicago, both within my future specialty and beyond. The mentorship and resources I've gained through my affiliation with the organization are second to none and I feel incredibly grateful for the support of PAMS in pursuit of my career. I've met lifelong friends, won a number of scholarships, and presented my research, all through the opportunities I found at PAMS,” says M4 Christopher Kujalowicz.
September 2024