San Diego, CA | September 9, 2026

Please join us in congratulating the outstanding NYITCOM faculty and student presenters who represented the College at the 2026 Conference on Osteopathic Research and Knowledge (CORK) in San Diego, California.

CORK is an important national and international forum for advancing osteopathic research and knowledge. The conference brings together osteopathic physicians, researchers, educators, residents, and students to share new research, foster collaboration, and explore innovative approaches to understanding and advancing osteopathic medicine.

NYITCOM Students Earn Top Honors

NYITCOM students had an exceptional showing at CORK 2026, with multiple research projects presented and two students earning top honors in the Student Poster Competition.

🏆 1st Place – Student Poster Competition
Hetvi Patel, OMS II

Patel received 1st Place for her research, “Effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) Protocol on Executive Function Using the Stroop Test in Medical Students.”

🥈 2nd Place – Student Poster Competition
Rajiv Rao, OMS II

Rao received 2nd Place for his research, “Feasibility of Wearable-Derived Heart Rate Variability Assessment Following Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study.”

We also congratulate Catherine Chin, OMS III, ACE, whose abstract, “The Effect of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on Post-Concussive Headache Symptoms,” was one of only three student abstracts selected for an oral stage presentation at the conference.

Catherine’s research was conducted with Rosemary Yadgarov, OMS I; Dr. Jung; and Dr. Yao.

Additional Student Research

NYITCOM students presented additional research demonstrating the breadth of student scholarship and innovation in OMM:

• Lea Dalco, OMS III, ACE, and Ian Nevers, OMS III, ACE — “Deep Learning-Enhanced Motion Analysis for Automated Assessment of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Techniques.” Faculty mentors: Dr. Toma and Dr. Yao.
• Ian Nevers, OMS III, ACE, and Lea Dalco, OMS III, ACE — “Advancing Objective Assessment in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Education Through Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies.”
• Randy Ramsuchit, OMS II — “Enhancing Sleep in Parkinson’s Disease Through Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: A Pilot Feasibility Trial.”

These projects span a wide range of innovative research areas, including OMT, Parkinson’s disease, concussion, sleep, wearable technology, artificial intelligence, and objective assessment of OMM techniques.

NYITCOM Faculty Contribute to CORK Program

NYITCOM faculty were also highly active throughout the conference, contributing to lectures, workshops, research presentations, and poster judging.

Francesco Cerritelli, MSc, DO, PhD, Assistant Professor at NYITCOM, is a European neuroscientist and osteopathic physician, internationally recognized researcher and speaker in osteopathy and osteopathic research. Dr. Cerritelli has been an important collaborator in NYITCOM’s OMM research program, including ongoing functional MRI (fMRI) studies investigating the neurophysiological effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment.

Dr. Cerritelli was prominently involved throughout CORK 2026 and participated in multiple conference events. He also co-presented with Dr. Sheldon Yao on “Understanding Shams, Placebos, and Control Groups in Manual Therapy Research.”

Dr. Joanne Donoghue presented “From LLM to AI Agent: Integrating Artificial Intelligence into OMM Research,”exploring the potential of artificial intelligence to advance osteopathic research.

Dr. Jennifer Xie co-presented “From Mechanisms to Medicine: OMM Research Workshop.”

Additional NYITCOM faculty attending the conference included Dr. Gabriel Gelves, Director of MRI; Dr. Patricia Kooyman, who assisted with poster judging; and Dr. Hugh Ettlinger.

Advancing the Future of Osteopathic Medicine

The strong NYITCOM presence at CORK 2026 highlights the College’s continued commitment to research, innovation, student scholarship, and faculty mentorship. From traditional clinical research to fMRI, wearable technology, and artificial intelligence, NYITCOM faculty and students continue to explore new ways to understand the mechanisms and clinical applications of osteopathic medicine.

Congratulations to Hetvi Patel, Rajiv Rao, Catherine Chin, and all of our student and faculty presenters for their outstanding accomplishments and for representing NYITCOM at CORK 2026.

We are proud of their contributions to advancing osteopathic research and knowledge!

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 3^rd 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 3^rd 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

The Conference on Osteopathic Research and Knowledge (CORK) 2026 will take place September 9–10, 2026, at the Scripps Seaside Forum in La Jolla, California. CORK brings together clinicians, researchers, educators, students, and scientists who are advancing evidence-based osteopathic research, with a strong focus on osteopathic manipulative medicine.

CORK 2026 offers faculty, students, residents, fellows, and researchers meaningful opportunities to present their work, receive feedback from leading experts, and engage in interdisciplinary dialogue. The conference includes a dedicated poster session for sharing research and connecting with others in the osteopathic research community.

Students and early-career physicians may also apply for tuition support toward conference registration through the Osteopathic Cranial Academy Foundation. Top-rated abstracts may receive travel support grants to help presenters attend the conference in San Diego.

NYITCOM OMC is proud to sponsor CORK 2026.

Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Learn more, register, submit an abstract, and view tuition support information:

The NYIT Osteopathic Medicine Center was proud to help host the “Rule of the Artery” Course at NYITCOM Old Westbury from May 1–3, 2026.

This dynamic educational experience explored cardiovascular function, fluid dynamics, and the integrative role of the heart within osteopathic medicine through hands-on learning and collaborative discussion.

A special thank you to the outstanding faculty—Michael Solano, Alistair C. Moresi, Prue Catherine Eddie, Paul Lee, Maria Coffman, David Spencer and Jose Camacho—for sharing their expertise and passion for osteopathic education.

We also extend our appreciation to our hosts and collaborators at the NYIT Osteopathic Medicine Center and Stony Brook Southampton Hospital for helping make this course a success.

Congratulations to OMM Added Concentration Educators (ACE) students Lea Dalco, OMS III, and Ian Nevers, OMS III, on their poster presentation at AACOM Educating Leaders 2026, held April 22–24 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their poster, Enhancing Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Education Through Automated Video‑Based Technique Assessment, co‑authored with Sheldon Yao, DO, FAAO, and Milan Toma, PhD, SMIEEE, highlights the use of automated video motion analysis to provide objective, standardized feedback for Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) education, supporting student learning, independent practice, and competency‑based assessment.

At the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Osteopathic Medicine Center (OMC) is passionately devoted to advancing osteopathic medicine through patient care, education, research, and service. Led by Interim Director Sheldon Yao, DO, FAAO the Center combines hands-on clinical expertise, cutting-edge scholarship, and community engagement to shape the future of osteopathic care.

Our Mission

To be pioneering leaders in osteopathic medicine by delivering:

• Innovative Education: Offering engaging virtual and in-person events, speaker series, and training opportunities for both students and practicing clinicians.
• Research Excellence: Advancing clinical and educational research in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), encompassing fields like Parkinson’s, concussion, pediatric, gastrointestinal, neurological, respiratory, and dermatologic care.
• Exceptional Patient Care: Providing OMM-informed treatment across the lifespan—from newborns to seniors—at NYIT’s Campus Health Center sites in Old Westbury, Central Islip, and in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
• Community Service: Engaging with the institution, local community, and osteopathic network through free clinics, outreach, and event-based service initiatives.

What We Do

Education & Professional Growth

• Regular virtual events and in-person learning.
• Speaker series featuring leaders in osteopathic medicine.
• CME workshops.

Research & Innovation

• OMM research.
• Focus areas include Parkinson’s, migraine, concussion, constipation, skin conditions, and more.
• Emerging resources like the Biomedical Research Innovation and Imaging Center (BRIIC), featuring MRI/fMRI technology for clinical research.

Patient Care

• Comprehensive OMM services for all age groups.
• Expertise in areas like Parkinson’s disease, sports injuries, concussion, and musculoskeletal recovery.

Community Engagement

• Student-run free clinics, outreach at events, and partnerships with local food banks and organizations.
• Educational outreach at local schools to promote healthcare professions and raise awareness of osteopathic medicine training pathways. 

OMC Highlights & Upcoming Events

• CORK (Conference on Osteopathic Research and Knowledge): A landmark biennial conference (next held April 26–27, 2025) offering lectures, mentoring, hands-on OMT workshops, and a student research poster session—open to both in-person and virtual participation.
• Student Poster Presentations: OMC students actively participate in national conferences like OMED and AAO, showcasing research through poster competitions and other venues.
• BRIIC Launch: A pioneering structural and functional MRI facility at NYIT placed to elevate clinical research in OMM.

Join Us & Stay Connected

Whether you're a student, clinician, researcher, or member of the community, the OMC invites you to participate in our mission. We welcome your feedback, ideas, and involvement in service, education, or research. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on events, opportunities, and breakthroughs in OMM.

Why OMC Matters

We stand at the forefront of osteopathic medicine with a holistic approach that integrates thought leadership, research innovations, and compassionate care. By uniting experts, students, and the community, the NYIT OMC champions a future where osteopathic principles drive health, learning, and discovery.