As an Army ROTC cadet and pre-med student, Ethan Qasemi ’27 spent his summer at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, working side by side with his older brother, Massimo, an NYU student and fellow ROTC cadet.
Together, the brothers observed surgeries, shadowed in clinics, and contributed to biomechanics research under the mentorship of Dr. AJ Pisano.
“I was directly involved in projects focused on stabilizing long bone shaft fractures with devices like plates and screws, analyzing how different fixation methods performed under stress,” Ethan explained. He also gained valuable experience in plastic surgery with Dr. Ean R. Saberski, learning about precision-based reconstructive techniques.
For Ethan, who is majoring in Human Biology, Health and Society in
@CornellCHE and is on a four-year Cornell Army ROTC scholarship, the chance to share this experience with his brother made it especially meaningful.
“Nothing beats spending time with my older brother. We supported each other throughout the program, whether reflecting on cases over lunch or exploring D.C. on the weekends,” Ethan said.
Massimo described it as “a tremendous privilege to be in the OR alongside my younger brother,” adding that their time together has strengthened both of their commitments to medicine and military service.
The experience also gave Ethan a clearer vision for his own future.
“At Walter Reed, I saw how physicians provide advanced care while supporting the larger mission of serving those who serve our country. That dual purpose, healing patients while contributing to the mission, made a lasting impression on me and strengthened my commitment to pursuing military service,” he said.
Photo Credit: Annan Productions: Courtesy of NYU Photo Bureau