New York Medical College
As a member of the Touro University System, New York Medical College (NYMC) has built upon its sterling reputation as a leading health sciences institution and continues its tradition of fostering a culture of inclusivity and bridging the gap in healthcare disparities, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. From serving as a source of reliable information, education and models for mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery to offering COVID-19 vaccination clinics and opening a student-run free clinic for underserved communities, NYMC staff, students and faculty alike joined to not only serve the community, but live by the humanistic ideals that the College has promoted since 1860.
STAYING INFORMED WITH COVID-19 SYMPOSIA In the initial stages of the novel coronavirus outbreak, NYMC and Touro hosted a COVID-19 symposium in January 2020 at Touro’s Midtown Manhattan campus to educate clinical healthcare professionals, healthcare administrators, public health professionals, elected officials and the media, on the latest updates on COVID-19. Since then, these symposia—presented virtually on a regular basis—address pandemic issues from vaccine development and policy to COVID-19 therapies and antibody cocktails, public health and a myriad of medical, psychosocial and research-based insights into the COVID-19 pandemic.
With its three schools—the School of Medicine, the Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences and the School of Health Sciences and Practice—NYMC offers an opportunity for students to treat and work with a variety of populations and pursue a wide range of residency and career options.
KEEPING THE COMMUNITY HEALTHY
COMING TOGETHER AMIDST THE PANDEMIC When the New York State PAUSE executive order necessitated the NYMC campus closure, NYMC leadership quickly implemented plans to transition to remote academic instruction and ensure employees were equipped to work remotely, while maintaining essential biomedical research activities safely. When NYMC reopened in phases, a SARS-CoV-2 pooled screening surveillance program was put in place to ensure the health and safety of the NYMC community. Later NYMC was among the first approximately 50 medical practices in the Hudson Valley to receive COVID-19 vaccines for distribution. In partnership with the New York State Department of Health, a COVID-19 vaccination clinic was set up on campus distributing vaccines to more than 300 individuals. 86 | TOURO UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT’S REPORT
NYMC opened a Family Health Center that provides comprehensive, medical and preventive care, as well as urgent care for patients of all ages including employees and the community at large. The Center is directed by Lori Solomon, M.D. ’99, M.P.H. ’09, clinical associate professor and chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. “The ability to be in close proximity to some of New York State’s leading physicians, allows us to give each individual that walks through our doors the attention and care they need,” says Dr. Solomon. In May, La Casita de la Salud opened a new location at 19 Skyline Drive on the NYMC campus for the Westchester County community. La Casita de la Salud, which is Spanish for ”the little house of health,” is a student-run free clinic which has been located in East Harlem since 2005, where it works to bridge the gap in healthcare disparities by providing culturally competent care regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, nationality or ability to pay. The
