News & Events

Congrats to Touro's School of Health Sciences (SHS) physical therapy professor Joseph Hayes on receiving Touro’s 2023 Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching! Hayes, pictured at this year’s SHS commencement ceremony, has been in the Touro University family for over 30 years, beginning as a student then transitioning to lab assistant and finally professor. “I absolutely love being in the classroom with students who are dedicated to learning and passionate about becoming expert clinicians. Our Doctor of Physical Therapy program encourages and challenges our students to be caring, professional, and expert healthcare providers. To best help my students, I always prepare tirelessly for my classes to ensure that I’m up to date with evidence-based practices and can guide students in better understanding and applying the information. I’m fortunate to teach and maintain an active clinical practice as students particularly appreciate the ‘real world’ cases I’m able to share in the classroom."

Alum spotlight! Stephanie Smiley, a Touro Graduate School of Social Work alum, goes above and beyond for her students--and her efforts helped to save a struggling NYC high school. “I strongly believe social workers must be positive disrupters,” she says. “A failing school affects the entire community." Thanks to Smiley's efforts enrollment and attendance are up, and the graduation rate last June stood at 98 percent. Smiley completed her MSW degree at Touro Graduate School of Social Work in 2022, and credits Touro with building her confidence to apply for the social worker position and believing that her degree—coupled with experience—would meet the challenge. “I’m grateful for the opportunities afforded to me by Touro and the amazing professors who reinforced my longing to advocate not just for others, but for myself,” she says. “The professors taught me to add value to the work we do, and I’m doing that by applying theories and critical thinking strategies.”

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Congrats to the class of 2023! The School of Health Sciences of Touro College celebrated their incredible achievements at commencement this past week. @tourohealthsciences ✨

Congrats to third year Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Harlem student Brianna Mosley, who was elected as the Region IX Director for the Student National Medical Association (SNMA)! Founded in 1964, SNMA is the nation’s oldest and largest independent student-run organization focused on the needs and concerns of medical students of color. “One of my goals is to bring the region together and foster community. I’d like to develop a safe space where members can share their grievances about the rigors of medical school as well as have fun and get to know each other,” said Mosley whose region is New York and New Jersey and who served as the TouroCOM-Harlem chapter president of the organization last year.

Student Spotlight: Meet Matan Schiller! Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, Matan Schiller is a biology major who’s planning for a future career in medicine or dentistry. At Touro's Lander College for Men, he’s found the perfect mix, a place where intense learning meets personal growth. "Lander lets me balance both aspects of life that are so important to me. I can immerse myself in Talmud study, nurturing my spiritual growth, while simultaneously gearing up for a promising career.” Matan has built a solid network with fellow bio majors who have become both friends and study partners. “I love meeting like-minded people with similar interests who want to grow in learning and as professionals, people with whom you might continue on to grad school. These are relationships you take with you for the rest of your life.” The Lander career services has been invaluable as well, “They’re helping us line up internships, figure out how to do resumes, interview and present ourselves in the best light possible,” says Matan. Over the summer, Matan secured a coveted position as a research intern at the prestigious John's Hopkins psychiatric facility. The future medical professional is well on his way!

Wishing you a sweet New Year.

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