Overview of the NYMC SOM Strategic Plan (2022-2027)
In spring 2021, the SOM embarked on a comprehensive and collaborative planning process to evaluate key performance indicators and set priorities for the next five years. The dean appointed a Strategic Planning Executive Team to oversee the process and formed seven multidisciplinary Strategic Planning Working Groups, consisting of foundational and clinical faculty, SOM department chairs, medical students, staff and other key constituents, including representatives from alumni, the Board of Trustees and affiliate partners.
Building on the goals of the NYMC Strategic Plan (2021-2026), the team members used a crosswalk approach, referencing essential documents and regulatory standards to highlight areas of focus and align resource allocation to strategic priorities. These included:
• College and school-specific mission, vision, and value statements
• A survey was distributed to the NYMC community to evaluate the SOM mission and vision, with results indicating strong support to retain current statements
• College and school-specific strategic plans and assessment reports
• College Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) dashboard
• Institutional and programmatic accreditation criteria and compliance reports In addition, each Working Group conducted a focused and data-driven SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis to evaluate the SOM’s competitive position and support the strategic planning effort.
Guiding Statements
The NYMC SOM mission and vision statements reinforce our purpose. They help us to communicate “who we are” and set the direction that we aim to pursue. Our shared values continue to guide our journey and reinforce the SOM’s goals to be inclusive and to address health inequalities, racism and bias in medicine.
Mission Statement
The NYMC SOM improves health through medical education, biomedical research and service to patients, their families and the community. This is accomplished through the skill and dedication of faculty, learners and staff in partnership with stakeholders and supporters.
Vision Statement
The NYMC SOM will be the flagship academic unit of a leading national health sciences college and international university system. We will positively impact our communities by continuously advancing educational excellence and scientific innovation while improving health care.
Values
At NYMC, we teach that while being educated and skilled is critical to success, to truly make a difference and fulfill the duties and responsibilities that the medical and health service professions require, our students must also be compassionate. They must perform ethically and with empathy, delivering patient-centered care that provides emotional as well as physical benefits. To that end, we emphasize the following values that are infused throughout the curriculum and are an integral part of the overall culture at NYMC.
• Humanism – At the most basic level, our students must see their patients as people first. Though there may be a presenting illness or infirmity, focusing solely on the flaw can be dehumanizing and can distance the care provider from the person they are treating. By learning early on that patients are more than just their problems, our students are able to provide compassionate care while engaging with and treating the whole person.
• Cultural Competency – Our community and the communities in which our students will learn to practice are diverse. Yet cultural competency is more than merely being respectful and accepting of difference. It’s also about being attuned to cultural values and cues. Language differences, beliefs about the body and medicine, varying socioeconomic and educational levels and feelings of pride and shame relating to gender and ethnicity are present in every interaction. Being mindful–if not fluent–in these cultural issues can make all the difference in the world.
• Intellectual Curiosity and Scientific Inquiry – In their educations and in their careers, students are expected to seek out, master and respond to the latest advances in their fields of study. At NYMC, we also educate students to be active participants and pioneers. Whether by conducting basic, clinical or translational research, or simply challenging assumptions and testing established practices in their work, our students are never satisfied with pat answers and the status quo.
• Professionalism – At all times–in thought, speech and action; in presentation and in performance; with peers, colleagues and patients–our students are expected to act professionally from day one. In other words, they must always be ethical, respectful, conscientious, prepared and accountable. Everywhere they go, in everything they do, our students understand that they represent NYMC and their own personal and professional integrity.
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• Multiple Modes of Learning – There are more ways to learn than simply through classroom and lab work. NYMC offers numerous opportunities for our students to enhance their curricular lessons, such as through student organizations, community service, research projects and internships. These activities help to build leadership skills, offer access to new knowledge and information and enable students to broaden their perspectives and make friends and future professional contacts.
• Aptitude for Patient Care – A strong desire to help people and the ability to provide exceptional care comprise the key traits every medical and health service professional should possess. Some of these things can be taught, but we find that NYMC students self-select our school because they truly wish to make a difference in people’s lives.
• Interpersonal Skills – In dealing with peers, faculty and especially patients, it is essential to be an effective communicator. We expect our students to say what they mean, mean what they say and be gracious, respectful and flexible at all times. Strong interpersonal skills make students better able to work as part of a team and to engender support from fellow students and faculty.
Operating under Jewish auspices and consistent with diverse cultural traditions, the SOM has a strong commitment to academic excellence and community service. Our values are illustrated in the word cloud, which reflects the SOM’s and our affiliates’ joint commitment to an optimal learning environment.
Strategic Pathways
With extensive input from our Working Groups, the SOM developed a plan founded on four strategic pathways required for sustainable growth and vitality – Organizational Culture, Dynamic People, Learning Community and Research and Discovery. NYMC SOM will pursue these pathways in a positive learning and work environment, equipped with the resources and infrastructure necessary to enable their successful implementation.
Strategic Priorities, Assessment and Reporting
The resulting strategic plan serves as a framework for determining the direction the SOM will take to achieve its desired future in alignment with institutional priorities. For each objective, the SOM has identified appropriate tactics to emphasize achievable actions. In addition, expected outcomes for each tactic have been projected and described in tangible terms that reflect accountability, with responsible parties, timelines and budgets identified. These details, as they relate to implementation and assessment of the SOM Strategic Plan (2022-2027), are documented and managed internally by the SOM Dean with the support of the Strategic Planning Executive Team.
Measuring is a critical step in monitoring systems-based changes and in determining whether changes lead to improvement. The SOM applies a variety of measures and collects information from multiple sources to create a comprehensive approach to assessment that informs our continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiatives and strategic planning processes. Using Cascade Software, a cloud-based platform, the Strategic Planning Executive Team will work closely with the Dean to routinely monitor and track progress for each tactic. Annual assessment data will be collected and reported to further recognize achievements, identify challenges and consider next steps in fulfilling our strategic priorities.
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Overview
Strategic Plan | 7
Strategic Pathways
Organizational Culture
An effective organizational culture promotes a positive, structured work environment that helps organizations achieve success. At NYMC SOM, our mission, objectives, expectations and values guide our employees and our relationships with students and partners. By having systems in place that promote performance, productivity and engagement, the organizational culture can motivate everyone to do their best work.
Goal 1: Foster an organizational culture that supports well-being, embraces diversity, and actively demonstrates equity, inclusion and transparency as an integral aspect of everything we do.
Objectives:
A. Expand opportunities for collaborative learning and shared experiences.
B. Ensure sufficient organizational infrastructure and resources are available to effectively achieve the SOM mission.
C. Promote mechanisms that encourage stakeholder engagement in institutional planning and processes.
D. Apply a communications framework that aligns with the organizational culture and supports the mission and vision of the SOM.
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Dynamic People
NYMC SOM recognizes that our people are the most important asset. Our key constituents, including faculty, students and staff, work within all three areas of our tripartite mission of education, research and service to patients. While the aspirations and needs of each constituent group and each individual are varied and require flexibility for customization, the strategic objectives of this pathway provide a foundation in the areas of professional development, retention and recruitment. NYMC SOM aims to provide a framework that further recognizes and develops our people, while maintaining our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Goal 2: Recruit, develop and retain outstanding students, residents, fellows, staff and faculty who are committed to the SOM mission and values and who contribute to making NYMC a more diverse, equitable and inclusive community.
Objectives:
A. Bolster the holistic review in medical school admissions and residency selection processes that are grounded in our mission and promote diversity and inclusion.
B. Maintain and grow faculty and staff who support diversity, equity and inclusion, have appropriate expertise and achieve quality outcomes.
C. Ensure faculty and staff are supported to successfully teach, mentor, conduct research, advance scholarship and effectively administer the medical education program.
D. Provide exceptional resources to support diverse learner needs and promote success across the medical education continuum.
E. Reduce medical student indebtedness through targeted fundraising and growth in student scholarships.
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Learning Community
The environment in which learning takes place is recognized as an essential contributor to effective learning in the health professions. At NYMC SOM, we pursue our mission in a vibrant and inclusive community which encompasses our offices, classrooms and educational facilities, as well as our clinics, teaching hospitals and research laboratories. Across our campus and throughout our network of academic affiliates and research partners, there are opportunities for everyone to learn, every day. Expanding beyond our facilities, a healthy learning community is a place where each of us can meet our greatest potential. To further promote an inclusive environment, NYMC SOM must ensure that individuals can thrive and that we insist on respect of each and every person, as demonstrated through professionalism and civility.
Goal 3: Cultivate a learning community that engages all in innovative education for the advancement of science, health and health care delivery.
Objectives:
A. Promote innovation and integration in the M.D. Program curriculum to maximize value to learners and educators and ensure that NYMC SOM graduates are exceptional, selfdirected and compassionate physician leaders.
B. Optimize engagement with the SOM’s network of clinical, graduate medical education (GME) and research-affiliated partners.
C. Expand the capacity and programming within the Clinical Skills and Simulation Center (CSSC) to foster innovation and support curricular integration.
D. Targeted increase in residency and fellowship positions throughout NYMC’s institutionally sponsored graduate medical education (GME) programs.
E. Leverage NYMC’s continuing medical education (CME) program to offer value-added programming for community partners, including interprofessional and team-based learning opportunities.
Research and Discovery
At NYMC SOM, our research drives our progress. We are steadfast in our commitment to enhancing the translation of research and discovery into tangible patient benefit. The strategic objectives of this pathway are designed to maximize collaboration with the NYMC Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and other colleges within Touro University and NYMC clinical affiliates; leverage our collective strengths; and continue to provide stateof-the-art core research facilities that benefit the community at large through advances in medical research.
Goal 4: Generate transformative knowledge that advances science and improves health.
Objectives:
A. Improve and expand infrastructure to accelerate research efforts and foster collaboration of SOM investigators with other members of Touro University and NYMC clinical affiliate networks.
B. Concentrate research efforts in several core areas of strength among NYMC basic science and clinical faculty.
C. Enhance training and mentoring initiatives to further develop research and scholarship competencies among students, residents, fellows and junior faculty.
D. Augment opportunities for philanthropy and funding of established and developing research programs.
E. Build strategic partnerships with industry and foundations to enhance research activities for faculty, residents, fellows and students.
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Executive Team
LEADERSHIP
Jerry L. Nadler, M.D., MACP, FAHA, FACE
Dean, SOM
Professor of Pharmacology and of Medicine
CO-CHAIRS
Jennifer L. Koestler, M.D.
Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education, SOM
Celia S. Freeman, M.B.A.
Assistant Dean for Continuous Quality Improvement and Strategic Planning, SOM
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Mill Etienne, M.D. ’02, M.P.H., FAAN, FAES
Vice Chancellor of Diversity and Inclusion and Associate Dean for Student Affairs, SOM
Jennifer Riekert, M.B.A.
Vice President of Communications and Strategic Initiatives
Kathryn Spanknebel, M.D., FACS
Vice Chancellor of Student Mental Health and Wellness and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs, SOM
Jane Ponterio, M.D. ’81
Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs, SOM
Pamela Lucchesi, Ph.D.
Former Associate Dean for Faculty Development, SOM
Pamela Ludmer, M.D., M.S.
Associate Dean for Curriculum Integration, SOM
Karen M. Murray, M.D. ’99
Associate Dean for Admissions, SOM
Padraic B. Reynolds, M.P.H. ’14
Associate Dean for Academic Administration, SOM
Michal L. Schwartzman, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair of Department of Pharmacology and Professor of Medicine
Carl Thompson, Ph.D.
Professor of Physiology and President of NYMC Faculty Senate
Dana G. Mordue, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Secretary of the NYMC Faculty Senate and Vice Chancellor of Accreditation and Student Support
Daniel Catano
Former Data Analyst, SOM
Lenore Carpinelli
Executive Assistant for Special Projects, SOM
Kelsey O’Hagan, M.D. ’22
Student Representative
Sarah Smith, SOM Class of 2023
Student Representative
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NYMC SOM Strategic Planning Working Groups Members
Apolonia E. Abramowicz, M.D.
Clinical Professor of Anesthesiology
Salomon Amar, D.D.S., Ph.D. Vice President for Research
Amy Ansehl, D.N.P., R.N., FNP-BC
Associate Dean, Student Experience and Director, APE - School of Health Sciences and Practice and Co-Director, Area of Concentration in Children’s Environmental Health, SOM
Paul M. Arnaboldi, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology
Marie T. Ascher, M.S., M.P.H.
The Lillian Hetrick Huber Endowed Director of the Phillip Capozzi, M.D., Library
Aviva C. Berkowitz, M.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor of Radiation Medicine
Frederick Z. Bierman, M.D.
Senior Associate Dean at NYMC and Director of Graduate Medical Education at Westchester Medical Center
Alexandra Brenin, SOM Class of 2024
Student Representative
Michael A. Brinton, M.D. ’22 Student Representative
Diana M. Bryk, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology
Mitchell S. Cairo, M.D.
Professor of Pediatrics, Medicine, Cell Biology and Anatomy and of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology
Tetyana Cheairs, M.D., M.S.P.H.
Assistant Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology
James Curran
Director of Information Technology and Services
Paul T. Diamond, M.D. Professor and Chair of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
Jason DiNardi
Director of Educational Technology, SOM Barbara Donnadio
Director of Office of Faculty and Academic Affairs
Elizabeth D. Drugge, Ph.D. Adjunct Professor of Pharmacology, SOM, and Assistant Professor of Public Health, SHSP
Jonathan Fisher, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Physiology
Mariah J. Fontanez-Lutsky, SOM Class of 2023
Student Representative
Chirag D. Gandhi, M.D., M.S.
Professor and Chair of Department of Neurosurgery, Professor of Neurology and of Radiology
Victor G. Garcia, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Pharmacology
Renee Garrick, M.D.
Vice Dean of the SOM and Professor of Clinical Medicine and Chief Medical Officer at Westchester Medical Center
Jan Geliebter, Ph.D.
Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology
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Robin Hershkowitz, LCSW-R
Director of Student Mental Health and Wellness
Matthew Holstein, M.D. ’22
Student Representative
Mark D. Hurwitz, M.D. Professor and Chair of Department of Radiation Medicine
Stella Iskandarian, SOM Class of 2023
Student Representative
Humayun K. Islam, M.D., Ph.D. Clinical Professor and Chair of Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology
Eliana Jacobson, SOM Class of 2023
Student Representative
Juliet Jacobson, M.D. ’22
Student Representative
Supriya Jain, M.D. Clinical Liaison and Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Nicholas S. Janiga, J.D. Vice President, Chief Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary
Kenneth Janowski, D.O.
Former Chief Medical Officer at Bon Secours Charity Health System and Instructor of Medicine, SOM
Lila Kagedan, M.Ed. Assistant Professor of Medicine
Robert L. Kane, M.D. ’22 Student Representative
Matthew J. Kapklein, M.D., M.P.H. Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Lidia Klepacz, M.D. Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Sankaran S. Krishnan, M.D., M.P.H. Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Robert Lancia, M.A. Director of Public Safety
Edmund F. LaGamma, M.D. ’76
Professor of Pediatrics and of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Christopher S. Leonard, Ph.D. Professor and Interim Chair of Department of Physiology
Zvi Lefkovitz, M.D. Professor and Chair of Department of Radiology
Patrick A. Lento, M.D. Phase One SOM Curriculum Director and Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology and of Medicine
Erica M. Levy, M.S.Ed., Ed.M Assistant Director of Academic Support Programs
Yocheved S. Lindenbaum, M.D. Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Abigail Marriott, SOM Class of 2023
Student Representative
Joseph J. Mattana, M.D.
Professor of Medicine, SOM and Chair of Department of Medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan
Ronald Matten, M.P.A. Associate Vice President of Facilities Management and Capital Planning
Tory McKnight, M.D. ’22
Student Representative
Christopher M. McNeil, SOM Class of 2023
Student Representative
Roy Miller, SOM Class of 2024
Student Representative
Marisa Montecalvo, M.D. Director of Health Services
Joseph F. Morales, D.D.S.
Professor and Chair of Department of Dental Medicine
Anandhini Narayanan, SOM Class of 2023
Student Representative
Ojiugo F. Onwumere, M.D. ’22 Student Representative
Rajkumar Pammal, SOM Class of 2023 Student Representative
Peter J. Panzica, M.D.
Clinical Associate Professor and Chair of Department of Anesthesiology
Joanna Pessolano, M.D. ’81
Associate Dean of Student Affairs, SOM
Mary Petzke, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean for Medical Student Research, SOM
Ronald F. Poe
Member of the Board of Trustees
Sulli J. Popilskis, D.V.M., DACLAM
Research Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Assistant Professor of Physiology
Heena P. Rajdeo, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Mitra Rezvani, M.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine
Eileen Romero, M.B.A. Registrar
Neil Schluger, M.D. The Barbara and William Rosenthal Chair of the Department of Medicine and Professor of Medicine
Sarah S. Smith, SOM Class of 2024 Student Representative
Lori Solomon, M.D. ’99, M.P.H. ’09 Professor and Chair of Department of Family and Community Medicine and Director of Family Health Center
Anthony M. Sozzo, M.S.Ed., M.A. Director of Student Financial Planning and Student Activities and Associate Dean of Student Affairs, SOM
Anitha Srinivasan, M.D., M.P.H. Associate Professor of Surgery
Gary W. Stallings, II, M.D., M.P.H. Former Assistant Dean for Clinical Sciences and Associate Professor of Medicine
Patric K. Stanton, Ph.D. Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy and of Neurology
Galadu Subah, SOM Class of 2023 Student Representative
Timothy Sullivan, SOM Class of 2024 Student Representative
Sean S. Tedjarati, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A. Clinical Professor and Chair of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Lisa Tronzano
Former Director of Human Resources
Libor Velisek, M.D., Ph.D. Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Pediatrics and of Neurology
Vincent Vigorita, M.D. ’76 Alumni Representative
Ray T. Whitt, M.D. Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Katharine Yamulla, M.A.
Senior Director of Competency Based Assessment and Clinical Skills Education and Director of Clinical Skills and Simulation Center
(914) 594-4000 www.nymc.edu School of Medicine New York Medical College 40 Sunshine Cottage Road Valhalla, NY 10595
