Ribbon-Cutting Marks Official Opening of Converted Instrument Shop Classroom
NYMC Celebrates New Multi-Functional Classroom with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
The New York Medical College (NYMC) community and local officials gathered on September 3 to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated, Converted Instrument Shop Classroom with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This multi-functional space is designed to function as both a classroom and laboratory for physical therapy and biomedical science students.
“This teaching space, marvelously designed and appointed, will train our students in real hands-on assessments from microscopic dimensions to the macro-physical. The renovation embodies a gradual transition in supportive learning aids from hand-crafted gadgets to digitally mastered systems,” said Robert W. Amler, M.D., M.B.A., right, dean of the School of Health Sciences and Practice and vice president for government affairs, who served as the master of ceremony.
Speakers who lauded the concept and hard work and dedication to bring the project to fruition included: Rabbi Baruch Fogel, M.A., Campus Rabbi, Touro University (TU), Alan Kadish, M.D., center, president of TU and NYMC, Richard Wishnie, second from left, Westchester Deputy County Executive, MaryJane Shimsky, third from left, New York State Assemblymember, Margaret Cunzio, fourth from left, Westchester County Legislator, Marina Holz, Ph.D., M.P.H. ‘23, Dr.P.H. ‘24, dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Robert Lancia, M.A., third from right, director of campus operations and office of public safety, Scott Edelman, C.P.A., M.B.A., C.F.E., left, executive director, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, Janet Herbold, P.T., M.P.H. ‘09, Ph.D., senior vice president of post-acute operations, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, Edward C. Halperin, M.D., M.A., second from right, chancellor and chief executive officer, NYMC.
Michelle Novotny, M.A., fourth from right, senior associate dean for admissions and administration, who spearheaded this project, said, “It was an incredible privilege to design and help oversee the transformation of the Instrument Shop. For decades, the shop symbolized innovation and problem-solving on our campus, and our goal was to honor that legacy while reimagining the space for the next generation of learners. With its flexible design and modern features, the new Instrument Shop will once again be a place where ideas come to life—this time as a hub for hands-on education in physical therapy and microbiology.”
Designed to accommodate up to 60 students, the renovation features convertible plinths to allow for smooth transitions between labs, lectures, and hands-on demonstrations. Additional features include an outdoor courtyard and bocce court next to the classroom to provide students with a space for relaxation. The new facility continues the tradition of innovation, learning and exploration at NYMC.
The original instrument shop, which served as NYMC’s machine shop for more than 50 years, was a place where creativity met craftsmanship. Researchers from across campus brought their concepts, including a rough sketch, and left with custom-built tools and devices, handcrafted to support their research projects. As time passed and technology evolved, the need for a traditional machine shop gradually declined. After standing vacant for nearly a decade, the former machine shop was cleared, its equipment auctioned, and the space transformed into a dynamic, state-of-the-art learning environment.
