Fifteen staff members within the Department of Internal Medicine are celebrating huge milestones in 2022: 20, 25, 30, and 40 years working at Yale University.
20 Years:
Katy Araujo (Geriatrics), Rebecca Cardone (Endocrinology & Metabolism), Yuyan Ding (Endocrinology & Metabolism), Andrea Hart (Administration), Laura Koutsopolos (Cardiovascular Medicine), Marianne McCarthy (Cardiovascular Medicine), Gina Petrosino (Endocrinology & Metabolism), Melissa Shaw (Nephrology), Eleni Skokos (Geriatrics), and Natalie Speranza (Infectious Diseases).
Rebecca Cardone, MSc, research associate III, lab manager and co-director of the Islet, Oxygen consumption, Mass Isotopomer flux Core (IOMIC). With 20 years of research experience in beta cell metabolism, Cardone advises researchers as they design studies, train users, interpret data, and contribute to writing papers. “I really enjoy the people and the science,” she said. “The support from my PI, Dr. Kibbey, our lab, and the greater scientific community have been truly wonderful over the years, and I feel quite fulfilled.”
Favorite pastime: “I enjoy gardening (flowers and vegetables). It allows me to clear my head and reap the benefits of its beauty and sustainability.”
Andrea Hart, CPA, operations manager for the Section of Digestive Diseases, helps to provide resources and remove obstacles “so others can grow and prosper in their careers and the mission of the university and school can be realized.” Hart has contributed a range of projects during her 20 years at Yale, including renovating Marquand Chapel to a dynamic worship, teaching and performance space; commissioning two performance organs and overseeing the seven-year restoration of the Woolsey Hall organ; leading the development of Yale’s C&T Training program; leading the bi-annual International Study Tours with 75+ Yale faculty and students; and acquiring a New Haven building to bring forth from concept to reality a new academic home for the Institute of Sacred Music.
Favorite pastime: “Reading, learning, cycling, dancing, flying, knitting, gardening, and connecting with others in an impactful way.”
Marianne McCarthy, research associate III, conducts clinical research in the heart and vascular space. The most rewarding aspect of her work is its impact on patient lives, she said. “I worked on the first transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) trial when it was only available to patients through research. This trial radically changed medicine and saved many patient lives when it first rolled out.” McCarthy also recently project managed a COVID trial that ran across the entire Yale New Haven Health System, and so far her team has published one paper on the trial’s design and methodology, and second paper on the results of the medicine they tested.
Favorite pastime: “Cycling (on the road and in the woods), arts appreciation (concerts and shows in New Haven theaters), food, and pickleball.”
Gina Petrosino is a clinical technician who oversees the smooth operation of the Yale Bone Center by performing bone density exams and assisting with various research studies. Petrosino’s professional goal is to keep learning through research, and her favorite part of her work is “the opportunity to continue to study and learn about our Section of Endocrinology & Metabolism.”
Favorite pastime: “Spending time with my grandson.”
Melissa Shaw, research associate II, oversees a variety of research protocols. “What I enjoy the most about being within Internal Medicine is the diversity of the projects I am involved with. This creates a stimulating balance between maintaining regulatory study documentation, collaborating with different Yale and non-Yale staff, and direct patient interaction,” she said.
Favorite pastime: “Spending time with my family and friends outside running, biking, hiking, and walking.”
Other staffers celebrating 20 years at Yale:
25 Years:
Dana Brenckle (Cardiovascular Medicine), Xue Yan Peng (Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine), and Tongping Zhu (Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology).
Three staffers celebrated 25 years at Yale:
30 Years:
Renelle Gee (Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology).
Renelle Gee is celebrating 30 years with Yale.
40 Years:
Lynn Gambardella (Infectious Diseases).
Lynn Gambardella, senior administrative assistant II, reports directly to Section Chief of Infectious Diseases Erol Fikrig, MD, as well as the Clinical Chief, Vincent Quagliarello, MD.
Gambardella supports ID faculty, postdocs and staff in the section by overseeing hiring and onboarding, coordinating attending schedules, appointments and promotions, and handling a variety of other administrative responsibilities. She has spent all 40 of her years at Yale working in various Sections within the Department of Medicine including the Student Clerkship Office as well as the Chairs’ Office. Looking back on her 40 years at Yale, Gambardella says that she has thoroughly enjoyed working with so many exceptional physicians, researchers, students, and staff over the years who have enhanced her medical knowledge. She has also made lifelong friends that she cherishes. “I have a favorite quote that is posted near my desk that I refer to often,” she said. “It’s by Maya Angelou: ‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ When someone walks into your office, whether their issue is big or small, they just want you to listen and acknowledge them. I believe a little bit of kindness and a smile goes a long way.”
Favorite pastime: “Spending time with my family and friends, reading, dancing, and getting in a good workout at the gym.”
The Department of Internal Medicine at Yale is among the nation's premier departments, bringing together an elite cadre of clinicians, investigators, educators, and staff in one of the world's top medical schools. To learn more, visit Internal Medicine.