Shortly after beginning medical school this year, Khalil Savary (Class of 2011) took a wrong turn and found himself near the SBUMC Blood Bank instead of the cafeteria. The mistake resulted in an idea – to start an annual blood drive organized by medical students. Savary, a frequent blood donor while an undergraduate at Columbia University, discussed the idea with Andrew Dylag, Community Service Chair for the Class of 2010. The two organized the first medical student-run blood drive, which took place on October 30.

 

Slated to be an annual event, the first medical student-run blood drive took place this fall. Surrounding the “Count” are, from left: Saheil Aboutalib (Class of 2011), Mary Jean Allen, M.S., Office of Student Affairs, Andrew Dylag (Class of 2010), Dan Galka, seated (Class of 2011), Khalil Savary (Class of 2011), Michale Sofer (Class of 2010), Sevan Ozcetinkaya (Class of 2010).

Approximately 50 medical students, along with faculty, participated in the blood drive. The blood drive coincided with “Spirit Week,” which included events organized by first and second year students in a friendly competition. Savary and Dylag plan for the blood drive to be an annual event during Spirit Week.

Both students said that the process to organize and carry out a blood drive through the blood bank services is easy and flexible. They characterized the service of donating blood as an ideal and meaningful one for medical students, a first step in helping to save lives.

For more information about donating blood or to arrange a blood drive, call Jennifer Peace at 631-444-7586, or at jlpeace@notes.cc.sunysb.edu. To make an appointment, call 631-444-DONATE. Donations are accepted Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 8:00 pm. Saturday appointments are available.