No Place Like Home

NYU has been Frank Baez’s home since he was a teenage janitor at NYU Langone Health. More than a decade later, he’s a senior nurse clinician there, his journey making headlines when he graduated from the Meyers accelerated program in 2019. 

In October, Baez, who’s an ambassador for FIGS, returned to Meyers to help May 2024 graduates start their journey right by outfitting them with new scrubs donated by the company. In 2023, FIGS donated more than 280,000 products to 24 organizations in 30 countries. Baez became an ambassador for FIGS shortly after he graduated, and was featured on billboards across New York City during the pandemic, including one in Times Square. “It’s such a meaningful experience to see these nurses, who are about to embark on their own journeys, and to provide them with a small bit of encouragement and support,” said Baez, as he handed out scrubs and advice to graduates. “It feels like giving them a headstart in their transition from school to practice, helping them step into their new roles with confidence and style.”

Like Baez, Maheenul Burhan graduated from the accelerated program. He walked away with a new pair of scrubs, and Baez’s email address, so the two could stay in touch. “I was a little starstruck meeting him just now,” Burhan said. “His story inspires me, coming from humble beginnings to the life trajectory he’s had,” said Burhan, who planned to take the NCLEX in November. “He’s an example of how patience and perseverance and resilience can go a long way for any nurse.”