Alumni Notes
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Alumni Updates
Dr. Aaron Pan, (D.C. ’20) found himself very busy in a normally multidoctor practice during October of 2021 when all his colleagues tested positive for COVID-19. Dr. Pan was able to rise to the occasion and took great care of a large volume of patients for two weeks, solo. As a relatively new doctor, Aaron considers this a shining moment in his young career, an excellent learning opportunity, and a huge confidence booster that will serve him well when he opens his own practice in the future. He felt this experience revealed hidden capabilities as well as showing him potential areas for improvement.
Dr. George Scordilis, (D.C. ’77) has been inducted in the USA Karate Hall of Fame. He was the team Chiropractor from 1995-2005 and traveled with the team to Greece, Venezuela and in the USA. He also was inducted as pioneer for his 57 years of involvement in the promotion of karate's entrance into the Olympics, which took place last summer in Tokyo, Japan.
Dr. Eric Chun Pu Chu ('02) and his wife are co-owners (CBO and COO) of EC Healthcare (2138.hk), Hong Kong's largest non-hospital public listed company. EC Healthcare has 2500 employees, 180 medical specialists, 35 chiropractors, and 500 GPs across 23 disciplines. Eric's passion is healthcare M&A and performance transformations and driving the improvement of patient outcomes through insights into consumer behaviors, beliefs, and needs.
Eric is first-author to more than 50 clinical case studies in peer-reviewed journals, including BMJ and Oxford, and was recognized as a top author by Chiropractic & Manual Therapies (2021 April). He is chair of Chiropractic Doctors Association of Hong Kong and the Advisory Peer Group of the Open University of Hong Kong. His clinic, New York Medical Group, was awarded as the 1st prize and 2nd prize World Spine Day Awards from the World Federation of Chiropractic in 2021.
Dr. McKenzie Ellingham, (D.C. ’17) “I've been practicing in Alaska since 2019 after being inspired to do so by my professors at NYCC, now Northeast. I'm also open to talking with others interested in taking the polar plunge as well – I found alumni up here who were able to help me when I first arrived so I'm paying it forward!”
Dr. Jessica Pagan, (D.C. ’14) In 2019, at the age of 36, Dr. Pagan’s life changed completely when she was diagnosed with a vestibular disorder. After suffering with around the clock symptoms for a year, she decided to create a podcast about Vestibular Disorders where she shares her own very difficult experiences with this condition to help others understand and cope with the disorder. Her goal is to help people be their own, best, health advocate
Dr. Robert Konowitz, (D.C. ’81) 68 of Ephrata, PA died from complications of COVID-19 on 12/18/2020. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Martha, and their daughter Josephine, whom he and his wife were proud to adopt 24 years ago. Robert graduated from Penn State University before earning his DC from NYCC in 1981. He ran his own practice for 39 years in Mt. Olive, NJ.
He had a variety of interests and hobbies including collecting Lionel trains, wines, and cigars. He loved traveling and spending time with his family. He had a laid-back sense of humor and never missed a day without a Starbucks. Charitable donations can be made in Bob’s honor to the American Lung Association.
Dr. Richard Robertshaw (D.C. '78), Still in practice after 42 years in San Francisco. Creator of the Spinal-Glide Ergokinetic chair and the Motion-Pro drum throne.
Dr. Sylvie Heyman (D.C. '89), distinguished alumna and former NYCC Board of Trustees member, recently published a book - Beyond the Holocaust: An Immigrant's Search for Identity. This book represents Dr. Heyman's personal narrative as a refugee, with her family, from Europe during World War II. It chronicles their journey to Brazil, the harrowing experiences as they were smuggled to Argentina, the challenges faced in those dictatorship countries and the final immigration to the United States of America when the author was a teenager. In the second part of the book, the author blends her personal experiences with scholarly theories about language, nationality, and identity to better understand the long-term struggles and challenges that immigrants face. Those interested can find this book on Amazon.
Dr. Eric Groteke (D.C. '96) tragically passed away on June 21, 2020, and will be sorely missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and patients. A Go-Fund-Me page has been set up by Eric's family in hopes of supporting the education of his two young children, ages 8 and 9. Click here to help support the Groteke family.
Dr. Annie (Zeigler) Reyes (D.C. '14) opened a practice in 2016 with her husband Dr. Matt Reyes (D.C. '13). They have seen exponential growth and have been able to help many people, as well as perform community service outreach in their area. Annie hopes to someday come back to campus and encourage students by sharing some of the successful professional actions she and her husband have taken over the past 4 years.
Dr. Lisa Cowley (D.C. '87), along with her husband, Victor Westgate, have recently published a book. Developed from more than five years of travel, interviews, research and personal experiences, "Pack Lightly: Making Sense of the Second Half of Your Life" is a practical roadmap for redefining one's purpose. They have assisted thousands of individuals in discovering their full potential as they move forward in the next chapter of their lives. www.joyinaging.com
Cheri White (MSACN '17) recently started working with the Anchorage School District in the role of outreach dietitian. She works closely with other staff in the Nutrition School to improve the school meal programs in accordance with the revised USDA guidelines for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Cheri also works with the staff to implement the new a la carte menu, providing students at all grade levels with healthier school meal options. Cheri works as part of a team to provide ongoing nutrition education to students, staff, and parents alike.
Dr. Carol Ann Malizia (D.C. '89) passed away in April, 2019, and will be sorely missed by her patients, colleagues, friends, and family. She practiced chiropractic for over 25 years in Newburgh, New York, and advanced the profession in many ways, including serving as a mentor to new professionals entering into practice as an associate. Dr. Malizia was a member of NYCC's Legacy Circle, having guided several prospective students to enroll at NYCC, and was a nationally recognized health expert. She appeared on cable news programs, was a featured author and the women's health editor of Chiropractic Fitness and Wellness Magazine, and served as a Board member of The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP), where she traveled and worked closely with chiropractic spokesperson Ret. Brigadier General Becky Halstead.
Dr. Kaitlyn Connors (D.C. '13) recently passed the ICCSP examination becoming a board certified international chiropractic sports physician. She is in private practice in her hometown as well as an on staff physician in a large multidisciplinary practice. She has worked with numerous Olympic and US National team members as a staff chiropractor. She is a certified DOT medical examiner and was recently awarded the 2018 Young Professional of the Year Award for Greater Wilkes Barre.
Dr. Sherry Anne Lints (D.C. '98) recently debuted at #5 on the Billboard Music Video Sales Chart for her latest project Sherry Anne LIVE! This 14-song DVD is closed captioned for the hearing impaired. Sherry Anne continues to maintain a part time practice while making appearances on national television programs, national stages, and other platforms across the country. To see more of what she's up to visit www.sherryanne.com.