Jason Cohen, MA, RT(R)

Radiography

Jason Cohen attended the Radiography Program at Center for Allied Health Education (CAHE) from 2007-2009, after which he utilized CAHE's affiliation with Saint Francis College and achieved a Bachelor's degree. While serving as our very own Clinical Instructor for the Radiography Program, Jason continued his studies towards an MS in Biological & Physical Science at Touro College, where he progressed even further and is now a third year medical student.

Our Assistant Director, Ms. Sarah Bokow, recently interviewed Jason about his experience in the program and thereafter.

CAHE: What was the most rewarding part of the Radiography Program?

Jason: In every aspect of healthcare, people trust us (the providers) with their loved ones' lives at a time when they are most vulnerable. It is a privilege to be trusted to care for someone who does not know me on a personal level.

CAHE: Is there any particular event while in the program that most fondly resonates in your mind?

Jason: I once had an older female patient who was obviously very scared after undergoing a number of X-rays , not understanding what was happening. I clearly remember holding her hand and comforting her, as well as the way she looked up at me and thanked me. As a student, I realized that… more than anything, I am working with real people and that any small gesture goes a long way.

CAHE: What was the greatest challenge that you faced during your time in the Radiography Program?

Jason: The greatest challenge was in developing the confidence to walk into any clinical situation and feel comfortable handling it. With time and perseverance, I was able to develop the confidence that I needed.

CAHE: Is there anything else that stands-out about the program?

Jason: I was taught all aspects of the healthcare field – the medical aspect and the human aspect. Even now, during my rotations as a physician, I utilize the skills I attained while in the Radiography Program to navigate the human aspect of medicine. While many medical students find patient interaction to be challenging, I have been able to adapt more easily because of my experience in the program.

CAHE: What motivated you to ultimately pursue a career as a medical doctor?

Jason: It all began during my very first clinical rotation of the Radiography Program, where my interaction with patients and surgeons inspired me to advance within the medical field.

CAHE: What is your advice to prospective or current students?

Jason: When reflecting on my journey, the best advice I could offer to students is to not treat setbacks as failures. Everyone experiences setbacks in life. As long as you pick yourself up, learn from mistakes and keep moving forward, then not only did you not fail, but you will be able to go even further than you were able to before. This perspective will get you very far in life. Mr. Cohen describes his time in the program as "challenging and requiring a lot of effort," adding that he had no prior knowledge of anatomy and physiology or medical terminology upon admission into the Radiography Program. He is thankful for the assistance and support of the program's instructors and the Center's administration who assisted him when he needed it, as well as for his classmates who helped him persevere through the more challenging times. Today, he refers to his former classmates as "family" and regularly attends their weddings and special events.