Osteopathic medical pioneer and former dean of NYIT's College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYCOM) Stanley Schiowitz passed away on June 27. He was 88.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and inspired as a teenager by a local physician, Schiowitz attended St. John's University and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy (now known as the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine). He practiced in Brooklyn for more than 30 years and also served at Interboro General Hospital in Brooklyn.

Schiowitz later worked with NYIT leaders Alexander Schure, Ph.D., David G. Salten, Ph.D., and W. Kenneth Riland, D.O., to launch the osteopathic college in 1977 with help from U.S. Vice President and New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller.

Throughout his quarter-century of service to NYIT, Schiowitz held numerous positions, including director of its family practice centers, chair of the osteopathic manipulative medicine department, provost for medical affairs, and dean of allied health. He retired in 2002, but remained active as dean emeritus and a part-time consultant for curriculum development.

In addition to numerous journal articles, Schiowitz co-authored the book, An Osteopathic Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment. He was also widely recognized for developing "facilitated positional release" treatment techniques.

From 1995 to 2000, as dean of allied health, he oversaw the development of programs in nursing, physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and nutrition.

During Schiowitz's tenure, NYIT's College of Osteopathic Medicine grew from a college with an inaugural class of 36 to an institution with enrollment of more than 1,100 students. In 2007, he received the American Academy of Osteopathy's Distinguished Service Certificate, recognizing his dedication and role in creating the osteopathic school.

"As an institution, we are much stronger and better for all that he brought to NYIT," said President Guiliano. "He was a friend to many and one who made a difference in all of our lives."

"Dr. Schiowitz was a physician, educator, leader, and mentor," said Associate Dean David Broder. "He did not lead from a distance." 

"The students learned about him, his techniques, and his love of teaching long after he retired," Dean Thomas Scandalis (D.O. '87) told Newsday. "They never lost touch with his guidance and his presence in the profession."  

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