Meet Dr. Thomas Ventimiglia

Dr. Thomas R. Ventimiglia (D.C. ’80) once called Northeast College of Health Sciences a “pillar” in the chiropractic profession. Clearly, the Northeast community feels the same way about him. 

A staunch advocate and exemplary representative of chiropractic, the College and its students and community, Ventimiglia has spent more than four decades devoted to the healthcare professions and the education of future leaders. 

A Meaningful History at Northeast

Six years after graduating from the College, Ventimiglia joined its faculty as a clinical instructor in 1986. Thirty-three years later, he retired as the Dean of the Postgraduate and Continuing Education Department, a role in which he helped the College become a regional leader in providing postgraduate classes by expanding the department’s scope and offerings. 

Ventimiglia’s legacy at the College also includes being a mentor and friend to many. In 2006, he hired Katrina Andre as a part-time administrative assistant in the Postgraduate Department. In the 13 years she worked with him, Andre said his knowledge, unique perspectives and love for chiropractic were captivating and the catalyst for her developing her own passion for the profession.

 “It is evident in everything Dr. Ventimiglia does how much joy chiropractic has brought to his life. It is part of who he is as an individual, and his appreciation and devotion to the College and chiropractic are inspirational,” said Andre, who is now the associate program director for the College’s Frank J. Nicchi School of Continuing Education.

When Ventimiglia retired, Andre spoke at his retirement celebration. “I will take the invaluable lessons I have learned from him with me throughout my personal life and professional career. He has been an amazing mentor to me,” she said. 

Full Chiropractic Career, Lifetime Achievements

Graduating from the College in 1980, Ventimiglia grew to become president of the Northeast Council on Chiropractic and chair of the Association of Chiropractic College’s subcommittee on postgraduate and continuing education. Ventimiglia also received an honorary degree as a fellow of the American College of Chiropractors (ACC).

He was president of the New York State Chiropractic Association (NYSCA)’s Queens District, where he was presented with the association’s Lifetime Achievement Award during the Spring 2022 convention and had a career at Northeast College that spanned more than 30 years. 

Retired in 2019 from his private chiropractic practice after 40 years, Ventimiglia remains active in the profession as a member of the NCMIC Speakers Bureau, the American Public Health Association's Chiropractic Health Care section and the Federation of International Chiropractic Sports.

“Dr. Ventimiglia’s career and dedication to our profession is one that should be celebrated and emulated,” said Northeast College President Dr. Michael Mestan. “He has had an important role in so many of the chiropractic industry’s influential organizations while also becoming a friend, mentor and inspiration to so many in the chiropractic community.”