At Bryant University’s 2025 Physician Assistant Studies Commencement, Jay Schachne, MD, FACC, a Southcoast Heath System Trustee, professor and esteemed cardiologist, was presented with the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, formally recognizing his contributions to advancing healthcare across the region. 

Dr. Schachne has more than 35 years of experience practicing cardiology in the Greater Fall River community, and throughout his career played an influential role in the development and advancement of the Southcoast Health Heart & Vascular program at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Speaking at the ceremony, he shared three key pieces of advice with the graduating class as they embark on their professional journey:

1. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, work together and remember that medicine is a team sport.
2. When you see something clinically new, read about it at the end of the day to prepare yourself for the future. Never stop learning.
3. Make sure you care for yourself and include balance in your life. This is not an easy profession, but it is rewarding. 

“In my experience, working in medicine never felt like a job, and it is the biggest honor for people to put their trust in you.” Dr. Schachne shared with the graduates. “Being able to change the trajectory of someone’s illness and not only prolong but improve the quality of their life is extremely rewarding. In this role, you must really dedicate yourself and it is a humbling responsibility when a patient turns to you during their most vulnerable time.”

On a personal note, he also recognized his daughter Elana, who is a member of the second graduating class of the Bryant Physician Assistant Studies program. “After receiving a strong foundation right here, I couldn’t be prouder or more impressed with her,” he said. Elana now works in critical care in the ICU at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford.

After retiring from practicing cardiology at Southcoast Health three years ago, Dr. Schachne continues to serve southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island through teaching cardiology at Bryant University and cardiology and doctoring at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. He also established two cardiology clinics in Providence that mostly serve Spanish-speaking patients and is an active member on the Southcoast Health System Board of Trustees. In each of these roles he enjoys working with his colleagues to help address the health needs and challenges of the community.  

To learn more about this recognition, please visit PA Commencement 2025: ‘You’ve become not only capable providers, but extraordinary people’ | Bryant News.