Wolfgang Gilliar
Professor and Chair

Department: Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
School: College of Osteopathic Medicine
Campus: Old Westbury

Member of NYIT Since: NA

Why did you decide to join NYIT?
NYIT's College of Osteopathic Medicine has a great tradition of educating excellent osteopathic physicians; that clearly was a big attraction for me. As a specialist in both physical medicine and rehabilitation and osteopathic manual medicine, the invitation to join NYIT seemed to me the perfect opportunity to further develop and maintain this high level. Serving as chair of the Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) was especially attractive since I could use my clinical experience in private practice and teaching at Stanford University.

What are your responsibilities at NYIT?
In addition to giving lectures and hands-on practical laboratory sessions, I see patients in the clinic and act as a listener and supporter of our faculty and students. We are engaging in new research activities. I try to keep the department strong and motivated by focusing on open communication, exchange, and successful teamwork.

Why do you like working here?
I enjoy the direct dialog and exchange with students, faculty, and the administration. New ideas are welcome and received as part of moving forward rather than relying on the status quo. As NYIT supports my work with state-of-the art technology, we are in a position to develop new education models for the physician of the future ... models of knowing and hands-on doing. Also, NYIT gives me the opportunity to work on a global level with other physician groups from abroad.

What has been your favorite NYIT experience?
There are actually two. Graduation is the real reward for teaching, and I enjoy seeing the excitement of our students and their families. Secondly, the positive feedback I received in response to my newly published medical textbook on musculoskeletal manual medicine was palpable and much appreciated.