Episode 75: Dr. Philip Nizza D.O. Infectious Disease & Loss - The Natalie Assalone Nizza Memorial Award

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In today’s episode, we interview Dr. Philip Nizza, D.O., a board-certified infectious disease physician. Dr. Nizza went to medical school at NYITCOM, followed by a three-year internal medicine residency at North Shore University Hospital and ultimately a two-year infectious disease fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York, arguably the most prestigious cancer center in the world. Dr. Nizza discusses with us his responsibilities as an ID physician as well as how his D.O. degree shaped his experience and perspective on medicine and patient care.

Dr. Nizza goes on to share with us how he met his wife, Dr. Natalie Assalone, during medical school at NYITCOM and how they built their life together through residency and raising children in a “two-physician household.” He ultimately relates Natalie’s battle with a rare type of cancer and her tragic death. He touches on the unique experience of love and loss made more difficult through the lens of a skilled physician.

This episode touches on heavy topics and difficult experiences that many of us do not expect to encounter in our lives. However, Dr. Nizza’s story is an inspiring one and teaches us the many valuable lessons he has learned despite the hardships he has faced.

Dr. Nizza and his family have created the Natalie Assalone Nizza Memorial Award in her honor, which gives $5,000 annually to a graduating student who demonstrates dedication as a parent while simultaneously balancing their passion for medicine.

Last year, the award was given to Dr. Larysa Aheyeva, who grew up in Belarus and moved to America to better her daughter's life. She is training to become an OB/GYN.

This year, the award went to Dr. Yisroel Grabie, a father of three who matched at Staten Island Hospital for internal medicine.

Dr. Nizza has asked that anyone moved by Natalie’s story consider a donation, no matter how large or small, to the scholarship fund. Donations can be made through the NYIT.edu website by clicking in the right upper quadrant on the “give” icon, choosing "other," and typing in "Nizza Memorial." You can also use the following link https://alumni.nyit.edu/giving/nyitcom and then select Natalie Assalone Scholarship from the dropdown menu.

We hope you are moved by this episode.