*The 3-year first-time residency attainment rate is the weighted average of the 2023-24, through 2025-26 academic years. For each year, the rate is the percent of students attaining a residency out of all graduates or expected graduates in the year who were active applicants in the NRMP match in that year or who attained a residency outside the NRMP match in that year. For 2025-26, the first-time residency attainment rate is over 98%.
Our Community Vision
The AUC Office of Alumni Engagement seeks to develop a dedicated and proud, global alumni community whose members are committed to each other, devoted to AUC’s mission, and invested in its future.
As graduates, you are at the center of this vision, and together we honor and celebrate our dynamic alumni community and make a positive impact. The Office of Alumni Engagement offers:
- Events, from receptions at major medical conferences to family-friendly gatherings and networking nights.
- Opportunities to share your news and get the latest classmate updates.
- Meaningful alumni ways to volunteer and support the next generation of graduates.
Awards & Criteria
Alumni Achievement Award
(1 award per year)
The Alumni Achievement Award recognizes the success of an alumnus/a who has made significant contributions to his/her profession and industry while embodying the university's purpose, vision, and values.
The award recognizes those who have had extraordinary success in the following areas: professional achievement, community involvement, advancement of AUC and its mission, giving back of time, talent, and/or capital, and encouraging and inspiring future leaders as well as contributions that have benefited the healthcare community and/or profession.
Award Criteria:
- Must be a graduate of AUC.
- Display excellence in the healthcare field: clinical, diagnostic, public health, regulatory, and/or military service, etc.
- Attained professional, societal, or communal recognition.
- Be a strong advocate for AUC.
Alumni Resident Star Award (1 award per year)
The Alumni Resident Star Award recognizes a recent graduate of AUC who has achieved early career success while embodying the university’s purpose, vision, and values.
Award Criteria:
- Must be a graduate of AUC within the last 0 – 6 years.
- Display accelerated career progression and advancement.
- Meaningfully contributed to the medical field: clinical, diagnostic, public health, regulatory, and/or military service.
- Attained professional, societal, or communal recognition.
- Be a strong advocate for AUC.
Alumni Ambassador Award
(1 award per year)
AUC alumni play a critical role in the University’s continued success. From supporting admissions activities to engaging with students to rallying alumni support, our alumni impact all aspects of the student life cycle. We are proud to recognize those true ambassadors of AUC and give back to their alma mater in meaningful ways.
Award Criteria:
- Must be a graduate of AUC.
- Support and advocate on behalf of the University
Be highly engaged in AUC admissions, student life, and or and alumni programming
Events and Opportunities
Exceptional Leaders and Caring Volunteers
Welcome Back Alumni
AUC alumni planning to visit St. Maarten are always welcome to stop by the campus. If you are planning a visit within the next six months, please fill out this form and we will aim to accommodate special activities during your time on campus.*
The 2026 Alumni Award Winners
Three remarkable alumni making a positive impact
Our alumni are active, engaged, demonstrate career excellence, and uplift a caring culture through volunteerism. Each year, the AUC Alumni Awards provide us with the opportunity to showcase the tremendous impact of three extraordinary graduates. The Office of Alumni Engagement is pleased to announce the 2026 AUC Alumni Award winners!
Learn more about these distinguished alumni below and through our upcoming alumni spotlight series.
Alumni Legacy Award Recipient:
Richard Peterson, MD ’00
Dr. Peterson is a Professor and Division Chief of General and Minimally Invasive Surgery at UT Health San Antonio and currently serves as President of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. A combat veteran, he led development of the first Focus Practice Designation exam for bariatric surgery — a landmark achievement in the field. Throughout his career, he has actively mentored AUC students during clinical rotations and remains a tireless champion for graduates from non-traditional pathways, embodying the spirit of service and excellence that defines the AUC legacy.
Early Distinguished Career Award Recipient:
Adrianna Gatt, MD ’19
Dr. Gatt is a Pediatric Anesthesiologist at Vanderbilt University, where she completed an anesthesiology residency followed by a pediatric anesthesiology fellowship. As faculty lead for the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia and American Academy of Pediatrics joint Pediatric Anesthesiology Society, she has distinguished herself through exceptional leadership, championing interdisciplinary collaboration, trainee education, and patient safety. A dedicated mentor to medical students and residents, Dr. Gatt has already made a remarkable impact on the future of her specialty, and we are honored to celebrate her contributions with this award.
Alumni Ambassador Award Recipient:
Laura Pickett, MD ’11
Dr. Pickett is a Dermatologist and founder of Quinte Dermatology in Stirling, Ontario, bringing specialized care to an underserved community. An Adjunct Professor at Queen's University and newly elected Regional Director of the Canadian Dermatology Association, she is a recognized educator, mentor, and advocate for rural medicine. Equally devoted to her alma mater, Dr. Pickett has been a tireless AUC champion — actively mentoring prospective students and embodying the ambassador spirit this award celebrates.
Featured Alumni News
Talking with Adam Stivala, MD '16
Before he was a medical student, Dr. Stivala worked as a physical therapist and a teaching assistant while also volunteering in a number of ways. We reached out to Dr. Stivala to learn more about his fascinating and varied history.
Alumni Engagement FAQ
How can I stay engaged with AUC as a recent graduate?
You can stay engaged by attending alumni events at upcoming industry conferences, volunteering for AUC Connect, providing your updated contact information via this form, and keeping in touch with your classmates.
What are the benefits of being involved in alumni activities?
Being involved in alumni activities can help you expand your professional network, gain access to career opportunities, access continued learning opportunities, and contribute to the growth and success of your alma mater.
Contact Alumni Engagement
Gustavo Galue
Manager of Alumni Engagement
alumni@aucmed.edu
Gustavo Galue joined AUC in 2010 and has worked in higher education since 2006. Gustavo leads all university initiatives related to alumni, including alumni engagement activities and the mentoring program. Prior to his current role, Gustavo worked as a manager in the admissions department at AUC.
With almost two decades of higher education experience, Gustavo relies on his knowledge and skills to create, develop, and manage new ways to engage with AUC alumni in an authentic and meaningful way. His leisure activities include photography, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and loved ones.