June 2026 Pulse

Every day, BVMI volunteers make an extraordinary difference in the lives of our patients. Just as importantly, they help inspire and mentor the next generation of healthcare professionals.

This month, we're proud to celebrate two former BVMI volunteers who recently matched into residency programs, joining the many alumni who have gone on to successful medical careers while carrying forward BVMI's commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.

Elma Chowdhury, MD at MetLife Stadium for Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine's Match Day 2026.

BVMI Volunteer Cardiologist, Josef Machac, MD, Athenas Ramos Escalante, MD, Gloria Jekic, RN, Sunny Swadhin, RN, and Lisa Leonard, LPN.

In 2018, Elma Chowdhury, MD became BVMI's first intern from Bergen County Technical Schools. What began as an opportunity to explore healthcare grew into a lasting commitment to medicine and service. Throughout medical school at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Elma remained actively involved with BVMI, serving in a leadership role with the Student Clinic. After graduating this month, she will begin her neurology residency at NYU Langone Hospital in New York City.

Athenas Ramos Escalante, MD joined BVMI in 2023 as a medical interpreter and medical history assistant after earning her medical degree in Colombia. During her time at BVMI, she was mentored by volunteer cardiologist Dr. Josef Machac, collaborating with him for nearly a year on the book A Computer Model of the Cardiovascular System: A Tool for Education and Instruction and an Aid in Physiology Research. This spring, Athenas matched at her first-choice residency program at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn.

We congratulate Elma and Athenas on this exciting milestone and thank them for the compassion and dedication they shared with our patients. Their success reflects not only their hard work, but also the spirit of mentorship and service that defines BVMI. We can't wait to see the difference they'll make in the years ahead.

The Russell Berrie Healthcare Center at Unity Health in Garfield is now open!

On June 17, the BVMI Russell Berrie Healthcare Center in Garfield officially welcomed patients.  This new location expands access to free, high-quality healthcare for uninsured adults in Bergen County, ensuring that even more neighbors receive the compassionate care they deserve.

We're accepting new patients, and we need your help to spread the word. If you know someone who may qualify for care, please encourage them to contact Maria Paz, BVMI's Community Health Worker, at mpaz@bvmi.net, or share the eligibility link below to learn more and get started. 

Did You Know?

Since adding a dedicated mental health practitioner in 2023, BVMI's mental health visits have increased by more than 300%. In 2025, 156 patients received counseling through BVMI, and more than three-quarters were women.

Thanks to your generosity, more of our neighbors have access to the mental health care they need to heal and thrive.

There is still time to register for the Women Fore Women Leadership Clinic, a unique opportunity for corporate professionals and golf enthusiasts to elevate their game in business on the course!  Find more information and to register - click HERE. 

Questions about the event or need help registering, please contact Caren Orozco.

Help Keep Care Within Reach

Your gift to the Gene Marsh Patient Emergency Fund helps cover urgent costs that stand between patients and the care they need - from critical procedures to basic necessities like transportation and food.

To direct your donation to this fund, please indicate “Patient Emergency Fund”

in the designation field and we’ll take care of the rest.