Alumni Connections
The Executive Board of 2012-2013, with Vincent DeRienzo as Director of Operations.
Our Alumni
Since MERT’s founding in 1972, we have amassed an alumni base of approximately 1000 University of Rochester graduates and trained an estimated 300 EMTs. Many of MERT’s members go on to incredible careers and accomplishments, and we are very proud to be a part of their heritage. MERT values the insights and advice of its alumni, and would love to see their involvement in the modern organization. Many alumni pursue occupations in fields of healthcare, and their input, often in the form of guest trainings and in-services, is highly regarded.
Below are profiles of several of MERT’s alumni and commentary from them on the impact of MERT upon their lives. We welcome all responses from alumni, and would love to hear from any that would like to send thoughts or advice. Alumni should contact the Public Relations Officer to join MERT’s alumni network.
Commentary by MERT Alumni:
“RC MERT is an amazing organization that provides an important service to the River Campus Community, and an excellent learning opportunity for its members. Being a part of RC MERT allows you the chance to develop your communication, problem solving and leaderships skills in a way not many campus organizations can.”
– Julian Buttitta ’19; D.O.T. 2018-19; Masters student at Warner School of Education in Rochester, NY.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with other highly motivated yet caring individuals throughout my time as a member of MERT. I know that the medical experience I’ve gained through MERT and the things I learned while serving as a general member and E-Board member will make me a better physician.”
– Adam Russak ’14; D.O. 2013-14; Medical student in Rochester, NY.
“In addition to helping give me valuable medical experience, MERT gave me experience as a solo decision maker.
There are very few times in college where you will find yourself responsible for someone else’s health or well-being, and experience making those decisions makes every other difficult decision pale in comparison. My most rewarding experiences with MERT were as DOT and FTO. I loved being able to take what I knew and help other members improve their skills as EMTs so that MERT could have a broader and better impact.”
– Zachariah Hale ’14; D.O.T. 2013-14; Medical student in California.
“MERT gave me great experience in dealing with local laws and gave me an interesting perspective on HIPAA and providing for patients. That perspective has come in handy in both my studies and my current role as a Research Assistant especially when working with HIPAA, medical records retention, and EHRs. I especially enjoyed working with and learning from senior members in the organization. I remain close friends with my preceptor and many of the members, senior and otherwise, who taught me the fundamentals of what it means to be a compassionate, competent EMT.”
– Marie Mongeon ’15; A.D.O. 2014-15; MPH student and Researcher in Washington, D.C.
“Treating patients was the most rewarding aspect of MERT; I also enjoyed the teaching aspect of my involvement. Having experience with EMS definitely made it easier to learn medical interviewing.”
– Philip Sutera ’14; A.D.O.T. 2013-14; Medical Student in Pennsylvania.
“MERT had a lasting impact on my post-undergraduate life in teaching me leadership, patient interaction, organization skills, on-boarding of new employees, how to interview candidates, compliance, and more.”
– Vincent DeRienzo ’13; D.O. 2012-2013; Clinical Research Coordinator in New York,