Graduation amid Controversy
Karina Shuliak, Jeffrey Epstein’s former girlfriend, recently completed her doctoral program in dentistry at Columbia University, graduating in May. She secured her New York dental license a few months back, as confirmed by The Post.
In a recently released graduation video, Shuliak can be seen making her way across the Columbia stage, although there’s an undeniable scent of scandal that seems to follow her, even as she smiles. In a light-hearted moment, she even laughed after an awkward scene at the ceremony.
However, her past is complicated. Shuliak, who is originally from Belarus, was closely linked to Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Reports indicate she was loyal to him and was the last person he called from prison. At 36, she was poised to receive a significant portion of Epstein’s estate, which reportedly included $100 million, a lavish engagement ring, and the controversial “Ped Island,” all outlined in a will signed just before his death.
Her story gained attention recently after it was revealed that she had once been denied admission to dental school following allegations that she donated $100,000 to an Ivy League dean in 2012 to facilitate her transfer to Columbia’s dental program. Subsequently, the university let go of two dental staff members connected to this incident.
After starting dental school in 2015, Shuliak continued her education at another program in Morningside Heights. Last spring, she completed an advanced residency in general dentistry, a program aimed at preparing dentists for independent practice, according to Columbia.
During her residency, she likely had extensive opportunities to care for a diverse patient base, handling various integrated care issues.
A YouTube video from Columbia’s Dental College showed Professor Thomas Magnani, who had ties to Epstein, on stage. Magnani was involved in both Shuliak’s hospital care and soliciting donations from Epstein, as indicated in Justice Department documents.
In the graduation video, Shuliak appears cheerful as she interacts with school officials. An awkward moment arises when officials struggle to find her diploma, leading Dr. Vicki Evangelidis-Sakelson to ask, “Where’s Karina?”
Shuliak responds with a casual, “That’s fine,” and laughs, seemingly unbothered by the mix-up.
“What do you mean by okay?” Evangelidis-Sakelson replies, concerned. Another official chimes in, insisting, “Give her everything.” Amidst the chaos, Shuliak gestures toward a pile of diplomas, and eventually, she receives hers. The moment concludes with hugs and a group photo.
