Inaugural Awards Ceremony Recognizes NYITCOM Alumni

Pictured from left: Jason Golbin, Lawrence Cresswell, Daniel Ferrara, Dean Nicole Wadsworth, and Alexander Nello

On May 2, the College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) hosted its first-ever Alumni Awards Dinner. The inaugural event celebrated several of the medical school’s illustrious graduates as well as NYITCOM faculty and staff for their service and dedication to students.

The celebration, which took place at NYIT de Seversky Mansion, featured a special guest appearance from the world-renowned celebrity chef Lidia Matticchio Bastianich, who also helped create the evening’s sit-down dinner menu with Director of Dining Services Robert Rizzuto.

Since its inception in 1977, NYITCOM has made an indelible impact on the osteopathic profession and the health and well-being of the communities it serves. When it opened, NYITCOM became the first osteopathic medical school in New York State, with just 38 students. In 2016, on the eve of its 40th anniversary, NYITCOM achieved another key milestone by opening NYITCOM-Arkansas, which welcomed the first osteopathic medical students in Arkansas.

Today, NYITCOM is a global force in medical education and innovation, with nearly 8,000 alumni in all 50 states and 18 countries. As poignantly noted by NYITCOM Dean Nicole Wadsworth, D.O., these feats would not be possible without the success of the medical school’s graduates.

Celebrity chef Lidia Matticchio Bastianich, who helped create the evening’s sit-down dinner menu, addresses the attendees.

“Strong relationships with our clinical partners provide opportunities and connections for our students for training, mentoring, and research. None of these things would be possible if not for our incredible alumni and for the commitment you make each day to improve the lives of your patients and communities,” said Wadsworth. “Your work inspires and supports each class of osteopathic medical students that come after you. Your commitment to those future physicians and to NYITCOM has helped shape our past, and I look forward to working with each of you to shape our future.”

Learn more about the evening’s impressive alumni honorees:

Distinguished Alumnus

Daniel Ferrara (D.O. ’86)
Ferrara currently serves as northeast regional president for Alteon Health, a physician-led organization that supports some of the most respected health systems in the United States. He also serves as co-vice chairman of the New York Institute of Technology Board of Trustees and as a member of the NYITCOM Dean’s Advisory Board. In addition, Ferrara has embarked on several projects for NYITCOM, including the Healing Path, helping to promote the restructuring and expansion of the Institute for Clinical Competence, and stethoscope distribution for first-year medical students, among others.

Alumnus of the Year

Jason Golbin (D.O. ’00)
Golbin is chief medical officer and executive vice president of Catholic Health in Rockville Centre, N.Y. He is also a member of the NYITCOM Dean’s Advisory Board and is board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, critical care, sleep medicine, neurocritical care, health care quality and management, and medical quality.

Young Alumnus Award

Alexander Nello (D.O. ’18)
Nello is an emergency medicine attending physician and emergency ultrasound fellow at Northwell Health North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y. During his time at NYITCOM, he was one of several students who played an instrumental role in creating the Healing Path.

Young Alumna Award

Samantha Gottlieb (D.O. ’20)
Gottlieb is an anesthesiology resident at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, N.J., and is set to complete her training in June 2024. While at NYITCOM, Gottlieb was a founding member of the Healing Path and served as Student Government Association (SGA) president.

Excellence in Medicine

Lawrence Cresswell (D.O. ’06)
Cresswell is board certified in emergency medicine and currently serves as the director of investigations for the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. In addition to being a full-time emergency physician, Cresswell holds a law degree from Loyola University.

NYITCOM’s SGA also recognized several medical school faculty and staff for their commitment to students:

Class of 2022-2023 Mentor Award

Associate Professor of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine To Shan Li, D.O.

Class of 2024-2025 Mentor Award

Associate Professor and Chair of Clinical Specialties Thomas Chan, D.O.

Outstanding Staff Member

Director of Student Life Linda Darroch-Short, M.S.

Outstanding Faculty Member, Class of 2025

Associate Professor of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Jordan Keys, D.O.

Outstanding Faculty Member, Class of 2024

Assistant Professor of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Bianca Lee, D.O.