Dr. Joseph Faiella-Tommasino graduated from Long Island University’s Physician Assistant program and attended Montefiore Hospital and Medical Center’s postgraduate surgical residency program. He went on to earn a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Health Science.
With more than three decades of experience as a medical professional, Dr. Tommasino has worked clinically in cardiac surgery, cardiology, and emergency medicine. His academic career began at Touro University in 1984, where he ultimately became the fourth Program Director in 1999. Today, he serves as Vice President of PA Program Development and Operations at the Touro School of Health Sciences and as Department Chair for six Physician Assistant programs across the country. In this dual role, he oversees more than 750 students and approximately 80 faculty and instructors, balancing both academic and administrative responsibilities.
Dr. Tommasino is a retired Army Reserve Colonel who dedicated 34 years of service to the military. During his career, he trained soldiers for combat deployment, equipping them with advanced combat lifesaving skills. He was honored as the only reserve officer to receive a faculty appointment at the prestigious United States Army Medical Research Institutes for Infectious Disease (USAMRIID).
Dr. Tommasino served in various leadership roles during his military career, including S3 Training Officer for several reserve units, Executive Officer for a U.S. Reserve Hospital Unit, and ultimately as Hospital Commander of the 4220th United States Army Reserve Hospital. He began his military journey as a young medic with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. His numerous military honors include the Meritorious Service Medal for his heroic actions during the 9/11 attacks as Battalion Surgeon for the Fighting 69th Infantry in the NY National Guard. He also earned Army Achievement and Army Commendation Medals, with his career culminating in the Legion of Merit in 2018, presented by Major General Lucky, recognizing his selfless service and outstanding achievements.
Within the Physician Assistant profession, Dr. Tommasino has held numerous leadership positions, including President of the New York State Society of Physician Assistants and President of the Association of Physician Associates. He served multiple terms in the American Academy of Physician Associates and received the Association of Physician Associates in Cardiology Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Tommasino was among the first Physician Assistants to be named a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.
In recognition of his dedication and impact, Dr. Tommasino was recently named a VIP of the Year by Cambridge Who's Who, honoring his exceptional commitment to personal and professional excellence. He credits his success to the mentorship and work ethic instilled by his father.
Touro University - School of Health Sciences is proud to honor Dr. Joseph Faiella-Tommasino with the Outstanding Leadership Award. His remarkable contributions to healthcare, education, and military service embody the values of excellence, compassion, and dedication that Touro strives to instill in its students and community. His leadership has shaped generations of Physician Assistants, and his legacy continues to inspire all who have the privilege of working with him and learning from him.
CEO, Thriveworks
Corporate Partners in Care Award
Celebrating Dr. Dan Frogel: A Visionary Leader in Healthcare and Mental Health
Touro University is honored to recognize Dr. Dan Frogel, CEO of Thriveworks, with the Corporate Partners in Care Award at this year’s Inaugural School of Health Sciences Scholarship Gala. A dynamic healthcare leader and physician, Dr. Frogel has dedicated his career to transforming access to care—bridging the worlds of urgent care, primary care, and mental health to create a more holistic healthcare system.
As the CEO of Thriveworks, Dr. Frogel leads one of the nation’s most innovative mental health providers, offering personalized therapy and psychiatry services through a network of over 340 locations and 2,200+ clinicians nationwide. Thriveworks has redefined modern mental health care by integrating in-person and online therapy, making expert support more accessible than ever. Under his leadership, Thriveworks is eliminating barriers to care and ensuring that individuals receive high-quality, evidence-based mental health treatment when and where they need it.
Before joining Thriveworks, Dr. Frogel played a pivotal role in transforming urgent care as a senior executive at CityMD, one of the country’s largest and most trusted urgent care networks. His leadership at CityMD helped expand access to fast, reliable, and patient-centered care, creating a model that has reshaped how millions receive medical treatment. His work at CityMD reinforced his commitment to bridging gaps in the healthcare system, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care that integrates both physical and mental health.
For Dr. Frogel, this mission is deeply personal. A lifelong advocate for whole-person care, he believes that mental and physical health must be treated as one, and that every individual deserves access to compassionate, high-quality care. His dedication to innovation, education, and patient advocacy continues to shape the future of healthcare.
"This partnership between Thriveworks and Touro highlights our shared dedication to advancing holistic care and preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders," said Dr. Dan Frogel. "By combining Thriveworks’ expertise in mental health with Touro’s commitment to training physician assistants and other healthcare professionals, we are working together to bridge the gap between mental and physical health care, ensuring communities receive comprehensive and compassionate support."
This partnership is particularly meaningful as it introduces the Joseph R. Tommasino Memorial Behavioral Health Scholarship, honoring Joseph R. Tommasino and inspiring future physician assistants specializing in addiction counseling. Thriveworks’ leadership in mental health, particularly in addiction recovery and behavioral health, aligns with Touro’s mission to educate and empower the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Through Dr. Frogel’s leadership, Thriveworks continues to redefine mental health care, ensuring that compassionate, high-quality support is accessible to all. His vision, integrity, and dedication to advancing healthcare make him not only a trailblazer in his field but also an inspiring partner in Touro’s mission. Touro University is proud to celebrate Dr. Dan Frogel and Thriveworks as true Partners in Care, honoring their shared commitment to transforming lives through innovation, education, and unwavering compassion.
Dr. Oren Berkowitz, PhD, MS, PA-C
Trailblazer Alumni Award
Dr. Berkowitz exemplifies everything that Touro University stands for: academic excellence, commitment to healthcare innovation, and a dedication to improving lives globally. A proud graduate of the Touro College School of Health Sciences, where he completed his Physician Assistant education and earned a Master of Science in Public Health, Dr. Berkowitz has carried on Touro’s mission to advance knowledge and serve humanity throughout his illustrious career.
Dr. Berkowitz began his clinical career at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY, working in the Critical Care Department with a focus on neurosurgical and surgical critical care. This foundational experience, coupled with his time at Touro, shaped his passion for bridging patient care and research. After moving to Pittsburgh in 2008, he joined the Gamma Knife Radiosurgery team at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center while pursuing a doctorate in epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health.
In 2012, Dr. Berkowitz co-founded the Boston University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program, serving as its Director of Research and playing a pivotal role in shaping its curriculum. His research and leadership contributed to the program’s rapid success, culminating in its first graduating class in 2016.
Since 2013, Dr. Berkowitz has been at the forefront of Israel’s development of the Physician Assistant profession, working in a consulting capacity with the Ministry of Health. Dr. Berkowitz relocated to Israel in 2017 to serve as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Health Systems Management at Ariel University, where he continued to advance the field through education and research. Notably, he organized the first Israeli PA conference in collaboration with Ariel University and Sheba Hospital in 2019, a milestone event that reflects his commitment to fostering global collaboration in healthcare education. In the summer of 2023, Dr. Berkowitz presented the case for the PA profession in Israel with a speech to the Knesset in a meeting of the Health Committee, when the law was presented. That summer, the Knesset ultimately voted to ratify the PA law. The Ministry of Health is now working on finalizing regulations to bring the new law into action with a committee where Dr. Berkowitz continues to be a member.
Dr. Berkowitz has been deeply involved in global PA scholarship and his extensive contributions to research also include his role as Feature Editor of Global Perspectives for the Journal of Physician Assistant Education. He developed and supported research and education bridges between other countries developing PA professions. His work continues to influence health services, medical education, and health policy, reinforcing Touro’s enduring legacy of impactful scholarship.
Currently, Dr. Berkowitz serves as the Medical Director at Clexio Biosciences Ltd. (Petah Tikva, Israel), where he has worked since 2020. He began to lead Phase-1 and Phase-2 clinical trials to develop novel therapeutics in psychiatry and neurology, further solidifying his expertise at the intersection of research and patient care. The clinical development program that he is currently leading brought him and his family back to the Boston, MA area where he is remotely based and can travel extensively across the US in order to advance his project to treat Major Depressive Disorder in people who do not achieve adequate response with standard antidepressants.
In recognition of his exceptional career and unwavering dedication to the advancement of healthcare, Touro University is honored to present Dr. Berkowitz with the Trailblazer Alumni Award at the SHS Gala. His career stands as a testament to the transformative power of a Touro education, inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Christopher Anderson, PA-C, MBA
Outstanding Alumni Leadership Award
Touro University is proud to recognize Christopher Anderson, PA-C, MBA, with the Outstanding Alumni Award for his leadership, dedication to advancing the physician assistant profession, and commitment to high-quality patient care. A proud graduate of the Touro College School of Health Sciences PA Program, Chris has continuously embodied the values of excellence, innovation, and mentorship that define a Touro education.
Chris’s journey in healthcare leadership began with a strong foundation in clinical practice, developed through his training at Touro’s PA Program and honed through years of hands-on experience in critical care and surgery. His career trajectory reflects an unwavering commitment to patient care, professional development, and operational excellence.
Currently serving as Principal, Business Strategy for Northwell Orthopedics – Western Region, Chris plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction and operational growth of orthopedic services across the health system. His expertise in clinical operations, workforce development, and business strategy ensures that Northwell’s orthopedic programs continue to deliver innovative, patient-centered care while optimizing efficiency and collaboration across specialties.
Previously, Chris served as the Senior Administrative Director of Advanced Clinical Providers (ACP) at Lenox Hill Hospital, where he oversaw and optimized the work of physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) across inpatient and ambulatory settings. His leadership ensured that these essential healthcare professionals were well-trained, well-supported, and fully integrated into interdisciplinary teams to provide exceptional patient care.
Chris’s impact extends beyond hospital walls. He has been a featured speaker at the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) Executive Leadership Conference, where he shared insights on fostering collaboration between physicians and ACPs in his lecture, "NP/PA and Physician Leadership Team: It Takes Two to Tango." His expertise in building interdisciplinary teams reinforces Touro’s mission of equipping healthcare professionals with the skills to lead and innovate in their fields.
Throughout his career, Chris has remained deeply invested in mentorship and education, mirroring the values instilled in him at Touro. At Northwell Health, he has championed ACP training and fellowship programs to help PAs and NPs advance in their careers. His efforts have not only strengthened Northwell’s professional development initiatives but have also helped shape the future of the PA profession.
Chris’s leadership was particularly vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he played a critical role in developing new care models, staffing over 150 new inpatient beds at Lenox Hill Hospital, and transitioning recovering patients to alternative care facilities like the Javits Center and USNS Comfort. His ability to rapidly adapt and lead during a healthcare crisis exemplifies the resilience and problem-solving skills that define Touro alumni.
