Bridging Generations, Building Great Doctors

Kim Campo| April 6, 2026

On March 27, more than 20 students from the College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) spent an afternoon connecting with residents of the Assisted Living Community, located in Commack, N.Y.

NYITCOM students with assisted living resident — Pictured from left: NYITCOM students Jynnie Yang, Maria Katechis, and Iels Aan Jibu pose for a photo with a Gurwin resident.

Organized by the Maimonides Society, NYITCOM鈥檚 Jewish student organization (open to all faiths), and the Morgagni Medical Society, a student organization celebrating Italian heritage, the event featured a 鈥渟peed dating鈥� format, with students rotating between tables and engaging residents in brief but meaningful conversations.

Through these interactions, the future physicians gained more than clinical insight鈥攖hey practiced active listening, empathy, and intergenerational communication, all essential qualities of compassionate care. The informal exchanges offered a valuable balance to traditional medical training, allowing students to step outside the classroom and clinic to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences and holistic needs of older adults. This understanding has become increasingly important in healthcare, especially on Long Island, where the senior population continues to grow.

NYITCOM student speaking at podium while two classmates look on — Pictured from left: Student organization presidents Esther Moshe and Sabrina Paolo join John Mari in welcoming attendees.

Among the key event organizers was John Mari, a member of the Morgagni Medical Society for whom the event was especially meaningful. Mari鈥檚 late grandfather was a Gurwin resident and valued member of the community.

鈥淗onestly, it was humbling for us to hear the stories of the residents鈥攁 centenarian who had wise advice for patient care, a Holocaust survivor who fled without their parents into the countryside of Belgium during World War II, and a 懂色帝 alumnus who taught me some words in Yiddish. These are the stories that we cannot find in a textbook or a lecture slide,鈥� said Mari. 鈥淭hese are the stories that we need to take the time to listen to from real people with real experiences, building rapport as we learn to do in our Doctor-Patient Relations course. These are also the types of stories my colleagues would have heard from my grandpa, John Mari, Jr., a very kind-hearted man who truly enjoyed just sitting down with someone and talking to them, often with a big smile on his face. I know that my grandpa was indeed smiling down on all of us.鈥�

NYITCOM student sitting at a table with assisted living residents — Medical student Charles Tarantino engages with residents.

Mari鈥檚 co-organizers, Esther Moshe and Sabrina Paolo, presidents of the Maimonides Society and Morgagni Medical Society, respectively, agreed that the greatest pleasure was seeing the joy on residents鈥� faces. The group aims to hold similar events in the future.

鈥淐onnecting students with our residents provides so much more than entertainment,鈥� said Gurwin Healthcare System President and Chief Executive Officer Stuart B. Almer. 鈥淚t allows our seniors to share their stories, wisdom, and laughter while giving students a deeper understanding of human connection and care. Everyone benefitted today.鈥�