Meet Dr. Christopher Edelstein…
We sat down recently for a Q & A with our newest doctor, Christopher Edelstein, DMSc, to learn more about him and his recent outstanding accomplishment. Dr. Edelstein, lead PA at SEBELH, returned to school to earn his Doctor of Medical Science degree, after 22 years in medicine and 11 years at the hospital.
Hometown: Uniondale, NY
Undergraduate: Hofstra University, Hempstead
PA Degree: Touro University, Bayshore
Master’s Degree: University of Nebraska
Doctoral University of Lynchburg, Virginia
Q: What motivated you to earn your DMSc?
A: It has always been a personal goal of mine to continue my education. A DMSc doesn’t change my clinical course. It gives me more insights into leadership and administration. It helps the hospital and the profession. I would enjoy holding an admin role down the road and teaching at a University, perhaps at Torque in Applied Sciences, Hofstra or even Stony Brook University in the PA program.
Q: Who were your mentors through the process? Who inspired you?
A: Drs. Schiff and Sturmann helped with my dissertation, which focused on COVID-19 and, certainly, all doctors at SBELIH helped with the research. Everyone was an integral part of my success.
Q: What was your biggest challenge?
A: Finding the time could be difficult, especially during COVID, when we were busy in the ER. When it quieted down, I might steal a few minutes of study time, and I stayed up late and got up early for the 14-months I was in school. It was challenging, especially with a 9-year old daughter.
Q: What advice would you give fellow PAs about earning a doctorate?
A: It is doable. You have to manage your time well. Inquire what your facility has planned when you receive the terminal degree and whether there is a stipend for education.
Q: How does your family feel about your achievement?
A: They are thrilled. I don’t think I was the greatest to be around for a while. They are happy it is over and I have achieved my goal.
Q: What will you spend your spare time doing now?
A: In the summer, beach bike riding and time with the family
