Three members of the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad recently graduated with honors from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark. The new graduates, Dr. Benjamin Bly, Dr. Marissa Kellogg, and Dr. Pascal Scemama, all served on the Summit Squad before entering medical school.

"We are very proud to see our members continue into fields of medicine," said John Staunton, President of the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad. "They join a growing list of very talented and dedicated squad members who are entering the medical profession."

Dr. Benjamin Bly will be doing his residency in Neurology at the University of Michigan. Dr. Bly received the American Academy of Neurology Medical Student Prize for Excellence in Neurology and was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. Dr. Bly was also the recipient of the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award.

Dr. Marissa Kellogg will start her residency in Neurosurgery at Harvard in the prestigious Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Dr. Kellogg received the Gertrude Ash Memorial Award from the New Jersey Medical Women’s Association and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society. Dr. Kellogg also received the Faculty Organization Award from the New Jersey Medical School at UMDNJ.

Dr. Pascal Scemama will start his residency in Anesthesiology at Harvard in Massachusetts General Hospital after an internship at Morristown Memorial Hospital. Dr. Scemama received both the Ruy V. Lourenço M.D. Dean’s Achievement Award and the Dr. John Snow Award for Excellence in Anesthesiology. Dr. Scemama was also inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society and served as President of the NJ Beta Chapter of the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society.

Dr. Scemama credits his decision to enter medical school to his service on the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad. "My time at the squad was the catalyst for me going back to medical school. Volunteering at the First Aid Squad allowed me to reconnect with my interest in medicine and helping people."

The three graduates join several other Squad members that have entered the medical profession as both physicians and nurses. In addition, a number of members that entered the Squad’s Junior Program as high school students are either enrolled or applying to medical schools.

"For anyone interested in pursuing a career in medicine, volunteering at a local First Aid Squad is a great way to get some experience and test your desire," adds Staunton.

Pictured above: M.D.s celebrate graduation from medical school at UMDNJ. From left, Dr. Benjamin Bly, Dr. Marissa Kellogg, and Dr. Pascal Scemama.

The First Aid Squad is always looking for new volunteers. The Squad provides all needed training, uniforms and equipment for its members.  An Emergency Medical Technician course is offered at their building.  For information, please call 908-277-9479, or visit their web site at www.summitems.org.