Dr. Gertrude Felshin Goldberger Memorial Scholarship
The Dr. Gertrude Felshin Goldberger Memorial Scholarship was established by Alicia Pais Raizen (Beta Theta 1980/St. Mary’s) and Dr. Mark Raizen in memory of Dr. Raizen’s grandmother. This award is reserved for alumnae enrolled in medical school and collegians enrolled in a pre-medical school track, with preference given to applicants in greatest financial need.
The Dr. Gertrude Felshin Goldberger Memorial Scholarship honors a woman whose life and values are a testament to the ideals of Alpha Sigma Tau. Dr. Gertrude Felshin Goldberger was a true trailblazer, committed to the pursuit of excellence, service, and the advancement of women in professions where they were often underrepresented.
Born in 1899 in Palestine, Austrio-Hungarian Empire, Dr. Felshin overcame numerous barriers to pursue her education. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1906, she pursued an education that culminated in graduating from NYU Medical School in 1924—a remarkable achievement for a woman of her time. She married Dr. Morris Goldberger in 1925, and together they raised a family on Manhattan’s Upper West Side while sharing a medical practice on the Upper East Side.
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Felshin pioneered fields such as fertility and allergy medicine, long before they gained widespread recognition. As chief of the allergy clinic at Mt. Sinai Hospital, and through her tireless work in the pediatrics and fertility specialties, she left a lasting impact on countless families, helping many achieve their dreams of parenthood. Her legacy also includes her leadership as president of the Women’s Medical Association of New York, where she championed women’s rights in the medical profession.
During the Great Depression, Dr. Felshin’s service knew no bounds, often making house calls and accepting whatever her patients could afford. Her selflessness and commitment to others reflect Alpha Sigma Tau’s core values.
Gertrude was a role model to young women. She exemplifies the service and giving of AΣΤ as I learned from my wife Alicia who has been a member since her days at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship in the name and memory of Dr. Gertrude Felshin will hopefully inspire and encourage young women to pursue a career in medicine, following Gertrude’s inspirational life and dedication to her profession. – Dr. Mark Raizen
This scholarship honors Dr. Gertrude Felshin Goldberger’s legacy, empowering future generations of women to pursue excellence in their fields and create lasting change, just as she did.