Beyond Science

Third-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine student Arianna Falletta takes a thoughtful approach to the medical field—believing “that beyond science, medicine is really about supporting people and their families through some of life’s most difficult and meaningful moments.”

After earning her bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in mathematics, Falletta enrolled in the College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) to pursue her medical studies. She says NYITCOM’s coursework is teaching her to slow down and think more deliberately, ask better questions, listen more closely, and approach problems with curiosity rather than rush to quick answers—skills she values as she trains to become a compassionate physician.

“What I enjoy most [about medicine] is the balance between careful problem-solving and meaningful patient connection,” says Falletta, who notes how working in the medical field requires paying attention to small details. “It allows you to build relationships with patients over time and see how your care can improve their daily lives.”

Falletta is an aspiring dermatologist and realizes that her chosen medical specialty is one with patients whose conditions are frequently visible. Taking care of individuals with noticeable skin ailments requires thoughtful, long-term management, she asserts, as visible conditions often shape patients’ confidence and quality of life in profound ways. Specifically interested in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, she aims to help patients regain control of their disease and feel more comfortable in their own skin.

“I was drawn to how dermatology brings together diagnostic precision, procedural skill, and genuine human connection, often all within a single visit,” she says. “Realizing that this balance aligned so naturally with how I like to think and work was a defining moment for me.”

As she seeks to develop her skills while “contributing thoughtfully to the field,” Falletta is involved in research with New York University Grossman School of Medicine’s dermatology department. There, she is focused on systematic reviews examining the skin-related side effects of in vitro fertilization. She is also exploring whether common hair loss treatments could affect fertility or cause birth defects. These projects highlight the responsibility dermatologists carry when writing prescriptions and aim to support evidence-based decision-making while improving quality of life across disciplines.

“I’ve become particularly interested in the intersection of dermatology and reproductive medicine, where treatments intended to support one aspect of health can produce visible and sometimes distressing effects elsewhere,” she explains. “Studying these conditions reinforces how often skin findings reflect broader physiologic shifts.”

Prior to her dermatology research, Falletta spent July through September 2025 at Queens Hospital Center in Queens, N.Y., for her internal medicine rotation. There, she worked closely with resident physicians caring for a patient presenting what were thought to be infection-related symptoms. Following the patient’s course each day, Falletta sat in on discussions as the team worked through diagnostic uncertainty, revisited assumptions, and refined workup as new information came in. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma).

That experience eventually developed into a published case report with physicians affiliated with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in Manhattan. Falletta’s role included conducting a literature review, drafting portions of the manuscript, and helping place the patient’s presentation in the context of what was described in medical literature.

The case study alerted Falletta to how serious conditions can sometimes begin with subtle or nonspecific symptoms and reinforced how important careful observation and thoughtful teamwork are in arriving at the right diagnosis.

“Research like this helps physicians stay mindful of the many ways disease can present,” she says. Complex conditions often overlap in ways that aren’t immediately obvious, and experiences like this make me excited to continue asking questions and contributing to clinical research that connects careful observation with real patient care.”

After earning her medical degree, Falletta looks forward to entering dermatology residency training. She hopes to someday open her own dermatology practice where she can develop enduring relationships with patients and provide continuity of care for those with lifelong skin conditions.

“Prioritize building genuine relationships with the people around you,” Falletta advises future medical students. “Medicine is a surprisingly small world. Showing up consistently, being curious, and treating others with respect can open doors in ways you might not expect.”