Columbia University’s College of Dental Medicine punished senior administrator Dr. James Fine for helping former Jeffrey Epstein partner Karyna Shuliak enter a 2023 residency program. The demotion follows earlier sanctions on two dentists tied to Shuliak’s 2012 school admission. The university cites an “irregular process” that violated its own standards in its annual review.

Fine, a periodontist, first met Shuliak through Epstein connections and treated him at a Columbia‑affiliated private practice. In 2012 Epstein requested Dr. Thomas Magnani to secure a spot for Shuliak, who had been rejected. Texts reveal Fine introduced her to college officials and supplied exam details to ensure a smooth transition into practice.

In 2023, Fine arranged an unorthodox faculty internship for Shuliak at his shared office, while overseeing her residency application. Both Fine and Magnani gave her top recommendations for the tuition‑free Advanced Education in General Dentistry program, which includes a stipend. Columbia’s investigation found no improper admission but raised concerns about Fine’s dual role within the department.

Fine will stay on faculty as director of dental practices, a role excluding student interaction. Columbia says its review ended with no admission misconduct. The case underscores how Epstein’s legacy continues to expose governance gaps in academia, prompting universities to tighten oversight of admissions and faculty influence to protect institutional integrity for future generations and.