'The definition of resilience’: CMSRU graduate Keri Cronin conquers cancer, eyes a future in oncology

When Keri Cronin received a devastating cancer diagnosis during medical school, she didn’t know if she’d survive, much less finish her studies at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.

But after a grueling health journey, Cronin will graduate on Thursday, May 9, fulfilling her longtime dream of becoming a doctor. This fall, Cronin will start an internal medicine residency at Mount Sinai Morningside and West in New York City – with the ultimate goal of becoming an oncologist.

The experience has been “humbling,” says the Chatham, N.J. native. “I have more perspective into what patients and their families are going through, and where their questions or fears are coming from.”

Cronin was diagnosed in spring 2021 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The disease was in stage 4, having spread to her abdomen and bones.

“The weeks and months that followed required strength, the ability to make objective decisions, and a positive attitude – all of which are part of who she is,” remembers faculty member Dr. John McGeehan, one of Keri’s mentors. “She pushed through, always keeping the goal of helping others as her prize.”

Cronin finished her second year of med school in a wheelchair and while starting two months of aggressive chemotherapy, and then took a year-long leave to complete treatment and recover.

“I would study during chemo,” she recalled. “At home, I would sit in my wheelchair with hair falling out of my head as I took my exams.”

Incredibly, this was not the first time Cronin overcame life-altering health problems.

Early determination

From ages 8 to 16, Cronin coped with a severe autoimmune disease. The experience “prepared me with the resilience I needed,” she says.

It also inspired her to become a doctor, so she could ease other people’s suffering.

Cronin’s childhood illness often made her too weak to leave her bed, even on her birthday. Doctors said she had to give up sports, honors classes, and other cherished activities. And it left others in doubt for her future.

“I went on to prove them wrong,” declares Cronin, who regained her active life during high school.  

She even played varsity field hockey at Haverford College.

Returning to CMSRU after her medical leave was “a similar type of experience” to her teenage turnaround, she notes. “No one thought I’d be able to get back to med school in one year.”

Another lesson from childhood also shaped Cronin’s response to having cancer. That is, the importance of giving back to others.  

“My parents taught us, there’s always someone less fortunate than you and there’s always something you can do to help them out,” says Cronin. She and her family volunteered at women’s shelters, among other charitable activities.

At CMSRU, Cronin took part in community service from the start, teaching science in underserved communities and coaching a girls’ running group, among other projects.

As a medical student, Cronin is equally giving, says faculty member Dr. Danielle Nordone, another mentor.

“Keri takes the time to truly understand the concerns and feelings of her patients,” notes Nordone, a family medicine physician. “They appreciate her genuine interest in their well-being.”

Lifting each other

Connecting with other young female cancer patients buoyed Cronin, as well. 

“It was very helpful to have peers to talk to who’d gone through similar things,” she explains. “We talked about wigs, fertility preservation, how to manage side effects, what to do in the hospital when you’re there for a week.”

During her year away from medical school, Cronin also started guiding other cancer patients through their treatment and survivorship, as a volunteer for five different groups.

Moreover, she is grateful for the help she received from her CMSRU “family.”

“Dr. McGeehan and Dr. Nordone were my small group facilitators during my M2 year, and they were very involved in my treatment and recovery,” she states.

Classmates posted encouraging messages on a blog, which Cronin read during chemo sessions. After she completed treatment, a contingent celebrated with Cronin at her family’s home.   

“They supported me through everything,” she says.

When Cronin returned to CMSRU, her new classmates also embraced her.

In class, Cronin introduced herself by discussing her own case (with prior approval), rather than that of another patient.

Afterwards, “I had a line of people waiting to talk to me,” Cronin remembers. “That speaks to the CMSRU community – how open and welcoming everyone is.”

“Keri inspires me and all those around her,” says Nordone. “She is the definition of resilience.”

“At CMSRU, we talk about the role of grit, adaptability, and emotional intelligence in being successful and happy physicians,” explains CMSRU Dean Annette C. Reboli, MD.

“Keri exemplifies these values a million times over. Her unwavering determination, resilience, and compassion not only define her as an exceptional individual, but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for her peers and future generations of physicians. I’m confident she is going to have an amazing career.”

Cancer journey

Cronin began having health issues in early 2021, but doctors couldn’t find a cause for her pain. Her right leg also started to give out sometimes when she ran long distances.

One April morning, Cronin awoke in agony, and discovered raised blue lumps across her middle. An abdominal CT scan revealed bone lesions and “masses everywhere,” she says.

“My primary care provider told me to get to a hospital immediately,” Cronin recalls. “Things had been very slow, and then all of a sudden went catastrophically wrong.”

More tests led to Cronin’s cancer diagnosis. In early May, the then 25-year-old started inpatient chemotherapy at a North Jersey hospital, close to her family.  

The treatments made her weak, destroyed her appetite. Excruciating mouth sores silenced her for days, and even drinking water became intolerable. The emotional impact has been challenging, too.  

Cronin found it hard to watch friends go on with their lives while hers was on hold. She still worries about her future fertility, which likely will be affected.

Preparing to graduate

Cronin, although cancer-free since July 2021, still had constant pain while her bones and muscles regrew. It took more than seven months to receive medical clearance to walk. 

In fall 2022, she returned to CMSRU to complete her third and fourth years of medical school.

“It was difficult, being thrown head-first back in after being away from it,” she says.

Yet, Cronin was undaunted.

“I’m the type of person who tends to do better when juggling a million balls,” she acknowledges. “It was tough, but it was a challenge I didn’t mind.”

For a while, the hardest parts were the physical demands of school. For instance, Cronin had to stand for up to 10 hours observing surgery while her leg was healing.

“I didn’t want to ask for any special treatment. I just pushed through,” she says.

As she prepares to graduate from CMSRU, Cronin is back to her energetic lifestyle. She works as a research assistant on three separate projects and continues as a volunteer mentor for cancer patients. And she has already co-authored six articles in medical journals.

A longtime runner, Cronin logged 54 miles in January to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Last summer, she finished fourth among her age group in a 10-mile race at the Jersey Shore.

Aspirations for the future

As Cronin prepares to step into the next phase of her career, her vision extends far beyond the limits of traditional medicine. While her journey through medical school has been defined by resilience and determination, her aspirations reach beyond personal triumphs to reshape the landscape of cancer care.

"I am passionate about helping patients and their families through the psychosocial stress associated with a cancer diagnosis," Cronin emphasizes. "I feel that my experience has equipped me with the skills to understand this unique challenge and how to guide patients and their families through this emotional journey."

These words echo the depth of insight gained through her own battles, underscoring a commitment to compassion and understanding that extends far beyond the realm of textbooks and clinical rotations.

"It is for this reason that I hope to ultimately end up in a leadership role at a cancer center…to change the approach to navigating the cancer journey, especially in young adults,” Cronin says.

Cronin has the right stuff to do just that, her mentors agree.

“Keri can do anything she puts her mind to,” says Nordone. “She has a combination of academic excellence, adaptability, leadership abilities, altruistic values and a commitment to continuous learning. These qualities collectively make her an exceptional individual.”

“Keri will be an amazing physician,” adds McGeehan, “and will use this part of her journey to motivate others for decades to come.”

Every spring, Rowan University highlights one graduating student from each school and college. Read more stories about this year’s featured graduates.