John Rizzo
John Rizzo earned his BSN and MSN degrees from La Salle University, embarking on an eight-year nursing career that spanned the ED, ICU, and Cardiac Cath/EP Labs. He decided to go back to school for his PhD to help improve health disparities within hospitals in urban areas through research and serve as a leader and mentor for future nurses. John realized the best opportunity he had to achieve these goals was by continuing his education at Penn Nursing.
What's your favorite place to eat on campus or in the city?
City: Saloon, Campus: Greek Lady
What's your favorite non-required or elective class?
HCMG8500: Health Care Reform and the Future of the American Health Care System
What's your favorite Penn perk (e.g. access to museum, ICA, athletics, Arboretum, etc)?
Athletics events
What's your favorite place on campus?
The Palestra
What's your favorite Penn activity / hobby outside of class (e.g. on-campus groups, clubs, athletics, volunteering, etc)?
Going to athletics events, especially baseball and basketball.
The most memorable moment I've had at Penn Nursing so far is...?
Becoming friends with my PhD cohort and meeting and getting to know other students in the program and my mentors and professors.
Is there anything that you wish you knew before coming to Penn?
I am a Philadelphia native and was pretty familiar with Penn prior to enrolling. I also work at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.
What is something that you really like about your program of study?
PhD classes force you to think in ways you have never thought before. I enjoy the every day stimulation and critical thinking that goes into the reading and writing assignments.
What's your favorite thing about your cohort and/or the community at Penn?
The friendships and bonds we made in just one month. I love how we all have a common goal and are helping each other stay motivated. I also like how we all come from different backgrounds and experiences.
What or who has inspired you the most while pursuing your degree, and why?
My fiancé. She has consistently motivated me to become the best person I can be for the past 4 years and a prime example of being with someone who lifts you up.
