What message do you have for other UNE COM alumni?
(Kushnir) If there is one thing I would like to impart to other UNE COM alumni, it is to be appreciative of the part that UNE COM has played in your life as physicians. I am eternally grateful to UNE COM for what they did for me and my family. I can’t believe that everyone doesn’t give back what was given to us. I was fortunate not to have a lot of debt, but at the same time, you wouldn’t be in that position or have the livelihood without the institution. There is no amount that you can’t give. Everyone should give a little bit, on some level, whatever you can afford. The important thing is that you give, to show appreciation for the opportunities that were afforded you by your medical education.
Biography
Craig B. Kushnir graduated from UNE COM in 2000. He went on to complete an internship at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, OH in 2001, and then finished his Emergency Medicine residency at the University of Florida. Currently, he is the Medical Director of Bethesda Health Emergency Department East and West, and sits on a number of committees including the Cardiovascular Care Committee, Stemi/Induced Hypothermia Alert Team, Quality Improvement Committee, and the Stroke Leadership Team. Since 2008, he has served as Chair of the EM Committee, and as part of the Medical Executive Committee of the Hospital.
In addition to his leadership roles through the Bethesda Healthcare System, Dr. Kushnir is involved in community outreach and service through his expertise in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). He is part of the Palm Beach County Trauma Quality Improvement Committee, Medical Director of the City of Delray’s Beach Fire Rescue, a member of the Medical Providers of Palm Beach County, and an EMS Advisory Council Member for Palm Beach County. In addition, Dr. Kushnir serves as faculty at Florida Atlantic University, College of Medicine, Site Director at FAU College of Emergency Medicine Residency, and is a member of the Palm Beach County EMS Medical Director’s Association, and the Florida Association of EMS Medical Directors.
For his commitment to Emergency Medicine, Dr. Kushnir received the Medical Director of the Year award in 2010. The distinction looks at over 150 Emergency Departments nationwide. In his personal time, Dr. Kushnir enjoys the outdoors: golfing, running, snowboarding, scuba diving, and time with his wife of 10 years, Patricia, and their two boys, Marco (who is seven years old) and Jacob (who is four).