Dean Named for Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine-Montana
Founding Dean Dr. Elizabeth A. Palmarozzi to Oversee All Key Facets of the New College's Curriculum and Campus
Dr. Elizabeth A. Palmarozzi, D.O. F.A.C.O.F.P was appointed founding campus dean of the proposed Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine-Montana campus, Touro University President Dr. Alan Kadish announced today.
Dr. Palmarozzi served most recently as founding dean of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine –Auburn, Alabama campus and Clinical Vice-Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.
“Dr. Palmarozzi brings an impressive, three-decades-long record of academic leadership as well as real-world experience in the field of osteopathic medicine. She has a track record of success in establishing new programs, developing strategic partnerships and motivating students We are eager to expand the university’s existing national footprint of five top tier medical school campuses with the proposed Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine-Montana and Dr. Palmarozzi is an ideal choice to lead this new venture,” said President Kadish.
In her new role as founding campus dean, Dr. Palmarozzi will oversee all facets of the curriculum and campus of the proposed Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine-Montana as well as the hiring of faculty and staff, development of local partnerships, recruitment of physicians and students, and research activity.
“I am honored to be selected to serve as founding dean at the proposed Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine-Montana,” said Palmarozzi. “Montana is facing a healthcare crisis, with 93% of its counties experiencing a shortage of medical providers. Bringing a new medical school to Central Montana will address the physician shortage and increase access to health care for the state’s large underserved populations. Currently, 60% of Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine graduates enter the field of primary care, and continuing this trend in Montana will truly make a difference in the lives of so many. I’m excited to be part of a pioneering effort to improve healthcare and access to higher education.”
According to Palmarozzi, the medical school is scheduled to open with 125 students in the fall of 2023 and has already secured clinical rotation sites throughout the state: in Great Falls, through its local hospital partner, Benefis Health, and through other collaborations across Montana.
Kenneth J Steier, DO, Executive Dean of the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, stated that “we are indeed fortunate to have Dr. Palmarozzi as our founding campus dean for our proposed additional site in Great Falls, Montana. I look forwards to working with her and am confident that she will be a great addition to the TouroCOM team.”
Dr. Palmarozzi earned her doctor of Osteopathic Medical Degree from Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Fort Worth, Texas (University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, TCOM). She served in numerous leadership roles including as a member of the Women’s Health Committee of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), Chair of AOA Constitution and Bylaws. Dr. Palmarozzi also served as the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) Constitution and Bylaws Committee Chair, Resolutions Review Committee and Women’s Health and Leadership Committee member, and is on the boards of the Alabama Rural Health Association (ARHA) and Southeast Alabama Area Health Education Center (SEAAHEC). She has also served as president of the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association, and Texas Society of ACOFP. Currently, she serves as Speaker of the Congress of Delegates of ACOFP and is the first female ever elected to that position.
