Current Position 
Assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine at NYIT’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYCOM) as well as a faculty associate to the NYIT Center for Global Health.

Blazing the Fast Track 
Just a few years after earning his medical degree, Blazey helped to develop NYIT’s Accelerated D.O./Family Medicine Residency Continuum Program, which allows students specializing in family medicine to complete osteopathic medical school in three years instead of four. “I created a new, 10-week course that covers the scope of care and skills that a family medicine physician encounters as well as directed the collaboration between residency programs and multiple departments.” His efforts led to approval of the new curriculum by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation and the New York State Education Department as well as a five-year grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration.

A Family Calling 
Blazey’s path to becoming a doctor began when his younger sister was born with severe mental and physical disabilities. “I was exposed to health care throughout my life as my family and I spent most of my childhood traveling to and from hospitals to care for her.” Years later, Blazey met a family doctor—Richard Terry (D.O. ’88)—who said if he was serious about being a doctor, then NYCOM was the best place to learn.  
The Power of Teaching—and Learning—from NYIT Students
“Our students are an amazingly diverse group. Each year, I learn more about the world we live in by my relationships with them. They have an idealism that is contagious and pushes me to reach out to the communities I serve. The entire experience makes me a better doctor and teacher.”  

A Hairy Situation 
In October 2011, one of Blazey’s students asked him to participate in the Movember Foundation’s annual moustache-growing event to raise awareness for men’s health and cancer prevention. The experience led to one of his patients urging her husband to undergo an examination. Blazey found a prostate nodule that signaled early-stage prostate cancer. Thankfully, the woman’s husband received treatment in time and has been focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

More Alumni Notes

Vol. 10 No. 2 Table of Contents