AUTHOR AND PHYSICIAN ADVOCATE RETURNS TO BERKELEY COLLEGE
TO SPEAK ABOUT HUMAN CONNECTION IN THE MEDICAL FIELD

Photo Caption (L to R): Patricia Greer, JD, Provost, Berkeley College; Kim Downey, author, physician advocate, and founder of Stand Up (for) Doctors!; and Pat Dunstan, RN, JD, and contributing author in Downey's book, attend Downey's author talk for her new anthology White Coats, Human Hearts at the Woodland Park Library on June 17, 2026, in Woodland Park, NJ.

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Kim Downey, author, physician advocate, and founder of Stand Up (for) Doctors!, returned to Berkeley College for an author talk and book signing for her new anthology White Coats, Human Hearts, on June 17, 2026, in Woodland Park, NJ. Her second book in the Stand Up (for) Doctors! series focuses on the power of human connection in medicine through true stories from physicians, patients, and physicians' spouses.

"I explore the often-overlooked humanity of physicians and the essential need for connection and vulnerability within the medical profession," Downey said. "It's crucial to remember that, despite their extraordinary skills, doctors are fundamentally human. By sharing poignant stories of struggle and resilience, I aim to spark a cultural shift that celebrates our shared humanity."

Downey surprised the audience with a special guest speaker, Pat Dunstan, RN, JD, who contributed a chapter to the anthology. Dunstan shared her journey from the terror of being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease to living a fulfilling life today with the help of her doctors.

"Through every stage of this journey, my doctors have been more than medical professionals," Dunstan said. "Their humanity has carried me forward."

The event was attended by students in the Berkeley College School of Health Studies pursuing degrees in healthcare fields including nursing, health sciences, patient care technology, sterile processing, and others.

"This book is a reminder that teaching future healthcare professionals is about more than medical knowledge and clinical skills," said Mandanna Naleyanda, MD, Interim Dean, Berkeley College School of Health Studies. "It is also about helping students develop kindness, empathy, good communication, and healthy ways to care for themselves. When students learn these qualities alongside their nursing training, they are better prepared to care for patients with compassion while also taking care of their own physical and emotional well-being throughout their careers."

To learn more about Downey, her books, and Stand Up (for) Doctors!, visit Downey's website or listen to her weekly YouTube podcast.

Photo Caption: Kim Downey's author talk was attended by students pursuing degrees in various healthcare-related fields and by faculty from the Berkeley College School of Health Studies. Downey (center left, holding book), author, physician advocate, and founder of Stand Up (for) Doctors!, gave an author talk for her new anthology White Coats, Human Hearts at the Woodland Park Library on June 17, 2026, in Woodland Park, NJ.

About Berkeley College

Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master's, Bachelor's, and Associate's degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.

Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,000 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor's Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans for 13 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2026 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.

The mission of Berkeley College is to empower each student to achieve lifelong success.

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