School of Health Sciences of Touro University

There’s more to caring for patients than what happens in the clinic. 💙

Second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student Rebecca Donnelly is helping make care more accessible, one ride at a time. Through Transportation Resources Access (TRA), Rebecca provides free transportation to older adults and people with visual impairments, helping them get to medical appointments and other essential destinations.

Her volunteer work is also giving her valuable opportunities to connect with people living with conditions and mobility challenges she is learning about in the classroom.

Read “The Road to Care” to learn more about Rebecca’s commitment to service and how she’s making a difference in her community.

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The Road to Care Second-Year Touro Physical Therapy Student Rebecca Donnelly Provides Free Transportation to Older Adults and People with Visual Impairments

⛳ Get ready to tee off for a great cause at the SHS Fall Classic Golf Tournament on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Engineers Country Club in Roslyn, NY! 🏌️

Come enjoy a day of golf, connection, great food, premium gifts, and an evening cocktail reception—all while supporting students pursuing careers in behavioral health and addiction treatment. 💙

Proceeds benefit the Tommasino Family Scholarship Fund, helping provide scholarships to students committed to making a difference.

📅 October 13, 2026
📍 Engineers Country Club | Roslyn, NY

Changing lives, one swing at a time. ⛳💙

👉 Learn more and register: shs.touro.edu/golf

Central Islip OT students have been busy both in and out of the classroom this summer. This week, they will have the opportunity to attend a special Pelvic Floor workshop planned by students with the help of Debra Cullinane and next week they'll wind down with a movie meeting. 🎬

🌻Sunflower Celebrations!

Last week, Brooklyn students planted their own pots of sunshine. Thanks Schneider Jason!

EDIT - the Central Islip Sunflower Fest will now be in October. Stay tuned

Happy

Celebrating the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) for collecting 198 bags of clothing for Go Green Clothing Drives! 👕♻️ Through this fundraiser, students support SOTA initiatives, including attending state and national OT conferences, while clothing is donated or recycled based on condition. 🎉

Last week, the Manhattan OT Class of 2027 participated in Simulation Day PreFresher! Students practiced clinical skills through three high-fidelity case studies with actors serving as standardized patients, helping prepare them for their upcoming fieldwork experiences. 💙👏

A little sunshine can go a long way—just ask a sunflower. 🌻 As our summer gets hotter and hotter, we're getting ready in Central Islip to cool off and have some fun for National Sunflower Day. The Department of Student life is inviting you to snack, craft and win your way through sunflowers.

A little knowledge can go a long way. As Cyclospora cases increase, understanding safe food handling practices is more important than ever. In this timely article, Professor Emeritus Michael Kossove shares practical advice on protecting yourself and your loved ones from this foodborne parasite. Read the full article:

Cyclospora - The River Reporter If you've been watching the news lately, you've probably seen reports about an increase in stomach illnesses in our area. While many people immediately assume it's a case of "food poisoning" or a …

Congratulations to Jason Vega, a graduate of Touro University School of Health Sciences' Manhattan Doctor of Physical Therapy program, on receiving the prestigious Maimonides Award.

The award honors the most outstanding student in each full-time professional program for excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and a commitment to the highest ideals of the health professions.

Read SI Live's feature to learn more about Jason's inspiring journey, his future in physical therapy, and what this recognition means.

Staten Island PT graduate earns prestigious award from Touro University | Inside Out The highly competitive award is presented to the most outstanding student in each full-time professional program.

Long Island OT students had the privilege of learning from Heather Auer, MS, OTR/L, CLT, CCST, Occupational Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, and Oncology Rehabilitation Specialist with Northwell Health STARS. Heather shared her expertise in oncology rehabilitation, lymphedema management, and the expanding opportunities for occupational therapists in specialized and emerging practice areas.

We are especially grateful to Heather for generously bringing her own clients to participate in live demonstrations. Their willingness to share their experiences provided our students with an invaluable opportunity to observe assessment and intervention techniques firsthand while gaining a deeper appreciation for client-centered care.

Thank you to our faculty Drs. Narain and Collins, Heather, and her clients for making this an unforgettable learning experience and for inspiring the next generation of occupational therapy practitioners!