Honorees
Distinguished Leadership Award: Dr. Kenneth Steier, DO, MBA, MPH, MHA, MGH
Executive Dean, Chief Academic Officer, and Professor of Medicine
Touro School of Osteopathic Medicine – Harlem, Middletown, Great Falls
Touro School of Osteopathic Medicine – Harlem, Middletown, Great Falls
Medical Director, Touro School of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program – Middletown
Dr. Kenneth J. Steier is a distinguished leader in medical education, serving as the Executive Dean and Chief Academic Officer of Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM). Since joining TouroCOM, Dr. Steier has significantly expanded the institution's reach and impact, overseeing campuses in Harlem, Middletown, and Great Falls, MT. His strategic leadership has consistently advanced TouroCOM's mission of delivering high-quality osteopathic medical education and healthcare services to underserved communities.
Dr. Steier is board certified in internal, pulmonary, and critical care medicine and holds multiple master’s degrees in business administration, public health, geriatric health, and health administration. His scholarly work has been published in leading journals such as the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association and Postgraduate Medicine. Throughout his career, he has held significant roles, including Associate Dean and Chair of the Department of Medicine at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, and Clinical Assistant Dean at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. Additionally, he serves as an accreditation surveyor for the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), a grant reviewer for the Health Resources Services Administration, and a consultant for the Food and Drug Administration.
Touro is proud to recognize Dr. Steier's visionary leadership, contributions and unwavering commitment to advancing osteopathic education at Touro College for Osteopathic Medicine.
Community Impact Awardee: Dr. John Palmer, M.A, Ph.D.
Dr. John Palmer is a seasoned healthcare executive with over three decades of leadership in the industry. He was one of the founders of Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harlem, serving as Director of Community Affairs and Diversity from 2012 until his retirement in 2019.
His career includes key roles at the New York State Office of Mental Health and the New York City Department of Mental Health. From 1998 to 2011, Palmer served as Executive Director of Harlem Hospital Center, where he led major initiatives, including a $350 million modernization project and programs for underserved populations. He has also been an influential board member for several organizations, including Gotham FQHC, Inc., and the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce.
Since 2012, he has consulted through John Palmer & Associates, Inc. Known for his strategic vision and operational excellence, Palmer has made significant contributions to healthcare policy and community health programs. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology from Roosevelt University and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Adelphi University.
A true champion for Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Harlem and underrepresented communities, Dr. Palmer's leadership and dedication have profoundly impacted both Touro and the Harlem community, and his influence extends far beyond. He is truly deserving of this recognition.
Alumni Awardee: Dr. Sowmya Gadey, DO
Dr. Sowmya Gadey is an accomplished internist in Connecticut with a devotion to serving underrepresented communities. She currently practices at the Norwalk Community Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) founded to serve those with limited access to healthcare. Her care at the clinic is community-based and patient directed, and focuses on chronic disease prevention.
Dr. Gadey is the founding Chair of the Alumni Board of Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM). A graduate of TouroCOM's pioneer class of 2011, she has played a pivotal role in fostering alumni engagement, mentoring students, and supporting the school’s students and mission. As Chair of the Alumni Board, she leads initiatives aimed at strengthening connections between alumni and current students, including mentoring events, CME lectures, reunions and efforts to establish a student-run clinic.
Dr. Gadey's leadership and service exemplify the values of Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, reflecting her deep commitment to TouroCOM's core principles of community service, diversity, and mentorship.
Dr. Gadey's leadership and service exemplify the values of Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, reflecting her deep commitment to TouroCOM's core principles of community service, diversity, and mentorship.