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The UMass Medical School community is mourning the death of Felix Santiago, 26, a student in the School of Medicine. Santiago died on Friday, June 14.
An online obituary noted Santiago’s love of physical fitness, travel, the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox, and how he “spent countless hours studying to pursue his dream to become a doctor.”
A gathering to provide UMMS students with an opportunity to come together, share emotions and to support one another in the healing process is planned for Monday, June 24, at 9 a.m., in the Faculty Conference Room. Students in all three schools are welcome to attend. The conversation will be facilitated by Valerie Wedge, LICSW, CEAP, of the UMMS Employee Assistance Program. Additional future gatherings will be considered.
Terence R. Flotte, MD, the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor of Medical Education, executive deputy chancellor, provost and dean of the School of Medicine, extended heartfelt condolences to Santiago’s family and friends on behalf of the entire UMMS community.
“Each member of our student body brings with them to our medical school unique backgrounds, talents and gifts, and we are mourning the loss of Felix as a learner and colleague who would have contributed much to our profession,” Dean Flotte said.
Santiago, of Worcester, graduated from Saint Peter Marian High School and from Assumption College, magna cum laude. He also participated in the UMMS Summer Undergraduate Research Program.
UMMS leaders expanded staffing capacity in the Student Counseling Center and urged any member of the academic community who may be in need of support to call 508-856-3220, email SCS@umassmed.edu, or visit the office, S1-620, which is located behind the medical school library. Outside of business hours, students should call Emergency Mental Health at 508-856-3562 and have the clinician on call paged.
