Featured Preceptor

Dr. Allyson Agathis has been a preceptor for first year medical students at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School for the last 5 years.  She believes that the Community Preceptorship Program is one of the most important experiences for students because it puts them at the forefront of medicine.  The program also helps Dr. Agathis stay sharp, she admits, and reminds her of why she became a physician.  Dr. Agathis completed medical school at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) as a George F. Smith scholar and went on to complete her pediatric residency at University Hospital.  She is currently the Vice Chairman for the Bedminster Board of Health.  Dr. Agathis has been in pediatric private practice for 25 years and has formed long lasting relationships with her patients.  This is one main component that solidifies her decision to remain in the outpatient setting.  In her spare time, she enjoys taking gourmet cooking classes and reading.  There is no stopping Dr. Agathis as she is still committed to continue making house calls and educating medical students. 

For the past seven years, Dr. Marc Mayer of Edison, New Jersey has been a Preceptor for first year medical students.  Dr. Mayer attended Midwestern University: Chicago School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his family medicine residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ).  Dr. Mayer knew early on that he wanted to be a family medicine physician because he enjoyed the diversity of working with children and adults.  He started practicing at his father’s primary care office, which he now owns with his brother.  The practice also consists of a hospitalist, surgeon, and radiologist.  By having a variety of physicians on site, the students are exposed to multiple disciplines and are given an opportunity to see how physicians work collaboratively on patient care.  He also appreciates the diversity of cases seen at his practice for the last 30 years.

Dr. Mayer participates in the Community Preceptorship Program because he enjoys the fact that his practice is the first clinical exposure for students.  He wants to contribute back to education by sharing his years of knowledge with the first year medical students.  He believes that students should learn the basics of private practice first before moving on to the inpatient setting.   When Dr. Mayer retires in the future, he plans to travel with his wife and children, play tennis, golf, and fish.

Dr. Barry Prystowsky is a New Jersey Medical School alum and has been a dedicated Preceptor to our students for close to 20 years in his pediatric private practice.  Both of his parents contributed to the educational structure of New Jersey Medical School as respected doctors.  His father established the Pediatric Residency Program and his mother was significantly involved in Child Psychology.  He was inclined to be a physician at an early age through observing patient interactions.  “There is no other profession that I would rather pursue and I was inspired by watching other doctors perform their duties” says Dr. Prystowsky.  He was very compassionate about being a Preceptor and enjoys watching his students completely understand the medical interviewing process. 

Dr. Prystowsky finds the time to serve on many New Jersey Government Boards and Committees including the NJ State Senate Health Committee Advisory Board, NJ State Department of Health Clinical Advisory Council and Emergency Disaster Advisory Council.  He is currently the Vice President for the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey and recently started a new charity, Partners in Community Outreach.  Dr. Prystowsky has a strong interest in producing movies about medical history in his spare time.  He is also a firm spokesman for children with legislation and insurance boards.  Dr. Prystowsky is well recognized for his achievements and continued service with New Jersey Medical School.