Class of 2026
Joe Kruk
Hometown: Poughkeepsie, NY Undergraduate: SUNY New Paltz (BS, Biochemistry). Post-graduate: Yale Physician Associate Program, MMSc. Hobbies/Interests: I love anything active — CrossFit, rowing/kayaking, rugby, hiking with my pup, scuba diving, and traveling whenever I can. I also enjoy reading fantasy and sci-fi, photography, creative writing, concerts, meditating, and spending time with my wife as we get ready to welcome our first baby in November! Past Life: Patient transporter, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation coordinator for patients with refractory depression and anxiety, project manager at Epic and Outset Medical, CNA, and even managed a few restaurants back in NY. Academic Interests: Global health, implementation science, POCUS, medical education, street medicine, wilderness medicine. Favorite activities in New Haven: Jitter Bus coffee <333, Zeneli pizza (ignore the “Big Three”), relaxing in Wooster Square Park, Gryphon’s Pub, hiking East Rock, Barcade, Elena’s on Orange (great soft serve ice cream), The Lab (CrossFit gym and supportive community on State St), and exploring all the Yale museums. Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: I chose this program because I wanted a structured, high-intensity post-graduate training experience to build on my medical education after PA school. I’m grateful to have found a program that emphasizes rigorous on- and off-service rotations (MICU/SICU, anesthesia, EMS, pediatrics, trauma, etc.), procedural mastery (POCUS, lines, airway management, etc.), dedicated simulation training, and expectations aligned with the medical residency PGY1 and PGY2 classes. I’m also thankful for the world-class faculty and mentors who help strengthen our clinical reasoning, support research, and encourage exploration of our individual academic interests. Random factoid: I once walked the Camino de Santiago — about 500 miles from southwest France to the Spanish coast — over the course of a month. Kilimanjaro is next if you’re up for joining!
Alex Liberti
Hometown: Cheshire, CT
Undergraduate: University of Connecticut (BS, Engineering).
Post-graduate: Masters of Science at Yale University Physician Associate Program.
Hobbies/Interests: I did competitive gymnastics for most of my life, and though I stopped after college, I still enjoy the occasional cartwheel. I spend most of my free time with my two dogs (pictured here, of course). I also love going to comedy shows, and I listen to an embarrassing amount of comedy podcasts.
Past life: While studying at UConn, I had the chance to live out the glory days of my gymnastics career, while also gaining hands-on experience in engineering labs and supervising the campus convenience store. After graduation, I got my first taste of emergency medicine working as an EMT for three years. During PA school, I took up waitressing, which became my favorite part-time job.
Academic Interests: Critical care, cardiac arrest and resuscitation, POCUS.
Favorite activities in New Haven: The Mew Haven Cat Café, hiking at East Rock Park, doing crosswords at new coffee shops.
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: While rotating in Yale emergency departments during PA school, I noticed staff in every role were eager and willing to teach, which is what originally drew me to Yale. I also had the opportunity to work alongside graduates of Yale’s APP Postgrad Program, many of whom quickly became my role models. I also chose this program because of the strong procedural and ultrasound training provided as well as the variety of off-service rotations available to expand our knowledge base and skillset as EM providers.
Random Factoid: I accidentally touched a Vincent van Gogh painting.
Gina Rossetti
Hometown: Glastonbury, CT
Undergraduate: University of Connecticut.
Post-graduate: University of Bridgeport Physician Assistant Institute.
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my family, playing setback, going to the beach.
Past life: Gymnastics instructor, waitress, EMT, patient care tech.
Academic Interests: EMS, POCUS.
Favorite activities in New Haven: Pizza, obviously.
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: I chose Yale EM APP Program because I wanted a supportive yet vigorous learning environment where I could become the most competent and confident emergency medicine provider. I was especially drawn to the opportunity to build upon my procedural skills and point of care ultrasound.
Random Factoid: I lost my 5th grade spelling bee championship to the word “surgery”.
William Schumacher
Hometown: New Orleans, LA.
Undergraduate: University of San Francisco (BA, History).
Post-graduate: Tulane University (MPS, Emergency Management), University of Bridgeport, MSPA.
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy History Channel documentaries, reading biographies, playing tennis, running, most outdoor activities and water sports.
Past life: College tennis player, paramedic, law student, tennis coach, emergency management logistics specialist.
Academic Interests: EMS, critical care and medicolegal.
Favorite activities in New Haven: Running in East Rock Park, jaywalking diagonally across New Haven intersections and eating pizza of any kind.
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: I chose Yale because of its tremendous reputation, strong didactic curriculum and the opportunity to learn from expert faculty.
Random Factoid: I received the perfect attendance award in 1st grade.