NYITCOM American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) 2026 Highlights
NYITCOM students, alumni, and faculty were strongly represented at the 2026 American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) Convocation. A major highlight of the event was the formal installation of Dr. Sheldon Yao, DO, FAAO, as President of the Academy—an important milestone for both NYITCOM and the broader osteopathic community.
Ten NYITCOM students presented research posters, with Student Doctors Andrew Abdelmalak, OMS 3, and Giovanni Fardella, OMS3, Academic Scholar, each earning 3rd place honors in their respective categories. In addition, Catherine Chin, OMS3, ACE, received 3rd place in the A. Hollis Wolf Case Competition for her presentation, “Small Patients: Big Principles – Osteopathy Through a Pediatric Lens.”
NYITCOM faculty and alumni played a significant role in the academic and educational programming throughout the conference. Dr. Hugh Ettlinger delivered a lecture on osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) and lymphatics and led workshops for both physician and student tracks.
Within the student track, Dr. Sheldon Yao led the workshop “Balancing with Precision: Building Confidence in Balanced Ligamentous Tension (BLT),” while Dr. Michael Terzella presented “FPR: Thoracic Cage, Extremities, and Beyond.” Additional contributions were made by Drs. Ventimiglia, To Shan Li, and Kooyman, along with academic scholars and OMM concentration faculty who supported hands-on teaching and table training sessions.
Notably, the Jonesboro SAAO chapter was awarded the AAO Presidential Accolade, recognizing chapters in the top 25% of total VIP points across all categories for the academic year. This achievement reflects the dedication of the chapter’s student leaders and faculty advisors.
NYITCOM’s presence at AAO 2026 highlights its continued leadership and commitment to advancing osteopathic education, research, and clinical practice.
LBORC 2026 NYITCOM student poster presenters
Case study category:
Awarded 3rd place: Cyclical Reduction of Off-Time in Advanced Parkinson’s Disease Using Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment. Andrew Abdelmalak, OMS III; Adena Leder, DO, Patricia Kooyman, DO, Sheldon Yao, DO, FAAO
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in the Management of Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Case Report. Catherine Chin, OMS-III, Priya Bhushan, DO
A Radical Response to OMT post Root-Canal Procedure: A Case Report - Grace Durbin, OMS-III; Sahar Alsaidi, OMS-III, Reem Abu-Sbaih D.O.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for a Patient with Adult-Onset Still's Disease with Chronic Multi-Regional Pain: A Case Study. Lea Dalco, OMS III, Ian Nevers OMS III, Sheldon Yao, DO, FAAO, Reem Abu-Sbaih, DO
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Leading to Functional Improvement in Cervical Dystonia. Ian Nevers OMS III, Lea Dalco OMS III, To Shan Li DO.
Osteopathic Approach to Restoring Function After Post-Surgical and Post-Radiation Cervical Fibrosis: The Tongue as a Body Diaphragm. Elianna Sanchez, OMS IV; Andrew Abdelmalak, OMS III; Sheldon Yao, DO, FAAO, Dr. Denice Burns, DO
The Effect of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment versus Sham on Rapid Eye Movement Sleep in a Medical Student: A Case Study - Samantha Tola, OMS II, MS, Rachel Radigan, MPH, OMS IV, Alexa Finkelstein, BS, OMS IV, Sheldon Yao, DO
Original Research Category:
Awarded 3rd place: Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Protocol Demonstrates Improved Sleep Quality, Cognition, and Oxygen Saturation in a Cohort of Medical Students. Giovanni Fardella, OMS-III; Rachel Radigan, OMS IV, Alexa Finklestein, OMS IV, Samantha Tola, OMS-II; Nikhila Indukuri, OMS-II; Michael Terzella, DO; Elizabeth George, DO; Priya Bhushan, DO; Amber Sousa, PhD; Sheldon Yao, DO
Mobilizing Parkinson’s: A Randomized Controlled Trial on Improving Lower Extremity Muscle Mechanics, Gait, and Mobility with Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) Rachel Radigan, OMS IV, Alexa Finkelstein, OMS IV, Moksha Mehra, BA, OMS IV, Elianna Sanchez, BS, OMS IV, Priya Bhushan, DO, Sheldon Yao, DO, FAAO
Educational research category:
Quantitative Muscle Feedback as a Catalyst for Osteopathic Skill Mastery and Learner Confidence. Nikhila Indukuri, OMSII, Rachel Radigan, OMS IV, Elianna Sanchez, OMS IV, Sheldon Yao, DO, FAAO, Patricia Kooyman, DO
