Jadesola Temitope Olayinka, a student of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University has been named recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, the highest honor bestowed upon students by the University System.
Jadesola Temitope Olayinka alongside Alfonso Caetta, students in SUNY Downstate’s College of Medicine, are two (2) of 180 students across 61 campuses being recognized for outstanding achievements and for demonstrating the integration of SUNY excellence within academics, leadership, campus involvement, community service, or the arts.
Ms. Jadesola Temitope Olayinka will receive a special honor in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for addressing skin cancer prognosis disparity and improving physician awareness and recognition of dermatologic conditions in people of color.
A child of Nigerian immigrants, Ms. Olayinka is a fourth-year medical student committed to the improvement of health disparities in marginalized communities, with a particular focus on advocacy for skin care in patients of color. She is a standout among student leaders consistently demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism, academic excellence, outstanding leadership qualities built on respect and teamwork, exemplary interpersonal and interprofessional skills, tireless commitment to social justice, compassion, optimism, and mission focus. Ms. Olayinka recently matched into dermatology at New York University (NYU).
In the words of Jadesola Temitope Olayinka:
“I plan to use my MD degree to continue to work with and advocate for marginalized communities, and to provide excellent care to my future patients.”
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University President Wayne J. Riley, M.D. stated:
“We are proud to see our students succeed and earn recognition for their tremendous accomplishments. Alfonso and Jadé have taken on immense leadership roles throughout their education at Downstate, and I anticipate many more accolades for them as leaders in the professional medical community.”
According to SUNY Interim Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley:
“Now more than ever, it is time to celebrate the accomplishments of our students who have helped one another get through this global pandemic and focus on getting the most out of their college education, and this year’s CASE winners are at the top of the class.
It is my great honor to celebrate the fortitude, leadership, and achievements of this year’s winners, and I applaud their hard work and desire to do more for their campuses and fellow students. I, for one, can’t wait to see what they do next.”
