By Michael Schiavetta (M.A. '07)

In medical parlance, one may consider it an “unexpected outcome.”

Kerry Agnello (D.O. ’02) enrolled at NYIT to become a doctor; as a bonus, she ended up with a husband. 

It was during student orientation in 1997 when she met a second-year student, Robert (D.O. ’01), who had been representing the Undergraduate American Academy of Osteopathy club at an Old Westbury campus fair. Immediately, the pair became friends and, as their friendship grew, so did the realization that the two were perhaps meant to find each other.

“We frequently found ourselves in workshops and treatment classes together,” says Robert. “There was something amazing that blossomed between us.”

During their first date at La Ginestra Restaurant in Glen Cove, N.Y., they learned that Robert’s grandfather grew up only two miles from Kerry’s home in Kingston, N.Y. The couple also shared a love of medicine; Kerry’s admiration sprang from her parents, both pharmacists, who kept her grounded in the world of medicine, while Robert’s fascination went back to his childhood days of visiting the ophthalmologist.

Best of all, they were both diehard New York Yankees and Giants fans.

“We were at first being a little flirtatious,” says Robert, a native of Staten Island, N.Y. “Then I realized this was a woman who’s gorgeous and smart and loves sports. After you have that kind of matchup, fuhgettaboutit.”

Robert and Kerry were engaged six months later. On April 21, 2001, just weeks before Robert earned his NYIT degree, they tied the knot.

Since earning their degrees, the couple has led busy careers. Both performed their residencies in family practice at Warren Hospital in Phillipsburg, N.J. Robert joined the U.S. Army as a reservist in 2001 and practiced medicine at the Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point. After 9/11, he began treating soldiers and their families at various medical facilities, including Fort Drum in Jefferson County, N.Y., and Berwick Clinic in Pennsylvania. 

Kerry served as a faculty member at Warren Hospital, where she worked in geriatrics and coordinated osteopathic training programs. She says there is a distinct advantage to being an osteopathic physician. 

“I truly believe it is the best of both worlds,” she says. “Not only do I have the tools in my medical bag of being a traditional physician—the type people think I am—to prescribe, diagnose, and treat ailments. But I can also use my hands to heal, and I have a broader understanding of the musculoskeletal system.” The experience, she adds, gives her the ability “to treat patients from so many angles.”

In 2010, the couple finally decided to settle down after Robert completed his service in the Army with the rank of major. His experiences at West Point and other military posts, however, instilled him with pride as he treated soldiers and families. Today, both husband and wife treat patients at Clark Clinic in Fort Bragg, N.C., where they practice family medicine on active duty personnel, spouses, and children.

“We plan to stay here for the long run,” says Kerry. “So we bought a home.”

It was a milestone in their marriage soon to be overshadowed by another. On Feb. 3, 2012, the couple welcomed their first child, Claire, into their lives.

Still adjusting to her new role as a parent, Kerry notes how North Carolina has already made an impact on her husband.

 “I like the warm weather here and friendliness,” says Robert. “I walk out of work in the middle of February and it’s 70 degrees. It puts a smile on my face. And now with a beautiful baby, too, that gives me an even bigger smile. I think it’s worked out.” 

Adds Kerry: “He thinks he was always meant to be a Southerner.” 

More Alumni Notes

Vol. 10 No. 2 Table of Contents