New healers

The incoming class at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine enters Florida Tech’s Clemente Center for the official White Coat Ceremony, which signals the official start of their training as future osteopaths. TOM WILBY

Burrell College is here to cure shortage of physician

Burrell College classes meet in the L3Harris Commons Building on Babcock Street through a lease agreement with Florida Tech that compensates Florida Tech for Burrell students’ use of Florida Tech labs, housing, dining and other facilities. FLORIDA TECH

A sea of white washed over the Florida Institute of Technology’s Clemente Center July 16. The White Coat Ceremony officially welcomes new medical students, eager to start the next chapter of their lives at the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in Melbourne.

The four-year medical school launched its Melbourne campus in 2024, through an affiliation agreement between the school and Florida Tech. The agreement delivers significant advantages for both institutions during challenging times for academia. 

“It’s a win-win for both,” said Burrell College president John Hummer.

“We’re bringing a proven medical education model to Florida while helping Florida Tech amplify its own mission to educate the next generation of leaders. Together, we’re building a collaborative, student-first experience that strengthens both institutions. We’re not just coexisting, we’re growing together.”

The medical school operates from Florida Tech’s L3Harris Commons Building on Babcock Street via a sub-lease agreement that compensates Florida Tech for Burrell students’ use of Florida Tech labs, housing, dining and other facilities. 

“Florida Tech and Burrell are proud partners guided by passion for student success and a shared belief in the power and impact of hands-on learning,” said Florida Tech President John Nicklow, who was appointed to Burrell’s Board of Trustees in July 2024. “I am very excited about the future for both of our institutions.”

The agreement also allows for collaborative research and teaching opportunities between the faculties of both schools, which have also established a Pathway Program that ensures Florida Tech students admission into Burrell College, as long as all necessary admission requirements are met. The program could be just what the doctor ordered for students dreading the intense competition to enter medical schools.

“They know they have a guaranteed seat,” Hummer said.

“That kind of assurance means everything to a student who is passionate about becoming a doctor but might be daunted by the uncertainty of the traditional application process. We’re proud to offer that kind of clarity and support. And we’re excited to welcome some of Florida Tech’s brightest into our ranks.”

The new class of medical students at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine recite the Osteopathic Oath.

Florida Institute of Technology President Dr. John Nicklow visits Burrell College during a hard hat tour before the college opened at Florida Tech’s Harris Commons. FLORIDA TECH

CRITICAL NEED

Burrell College President John Hummer addresses the incoming class. TOM WILBY

Melbourne is the second campus for Burrell College, a young school established in 2013 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Choosing Florida as the expansion site was a no-brainer since, based on a 2021 study by The Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida and the Florida Hospital Association, Florida will have a shortage of as many as 19,000 physicians by the end of this year.

“The development, education and training of future physicians is a critical need across the United States, perhaps especially here in Florida,” said Mike Seeley, Health First Foundation president and a Burrell College board member. “Burrell’s presence here on the Space Coast will strengthen and extend the delivery of health care in Brevard County and across the entire country.”

Health First has partnered with Burrell College to provide hands-on training and mentorship to Burrell students. Health First physicians serve as preceptors and mentors for Burrell’s third and fourth-year student doctors, providing them with invaluable real-world experience

“There is no better laboratory or classroom to train future physicians than within a true healthcare setting, in concert with practicing physicians as their guides. In fact, those academic medical centers — those that not only provide care, but train future healthcare professionals — consistently rank highest in quality, safety and patient satisfaction,” Seeley added.

As part of this initiative, Health First doctors guide Burrell College student doctors such as William Haff — currently under the mentorship of Health First gynecologist Dr. Scott Bovelsky — as they go through clinical rotations that equip them with the practical skills necessary to excel in today’s complex healthcare environment. Haff has gained not only technical skills — he has also learned how to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care.

“The opportunities I’ve had to observe and assist in patient care have been invaluable in my growth as a future doctor,” Haff said.

Burrell College Melbourne Campus Dean Dr. Doris Newman, Dean and Academic Chief Officer Dr. William Pieratt, President and CEO Hummer and Burrell College’s Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Denise Gonzales joined students at the 2025 White Coat Ceremony. TOM WILBY PHOTOS

LAUNCH PAD

Burrell Foundation members Gene Cavallucci, Kathy Ford and Bill Potter were part of the audience at the 2025 White Coat Ceremony. TOM WILBY

By helping to further medical education in the county, Health First also hopes to reduce physician shortages. According to the Association of American College’s 2021 Workforce Report, approximately 79 percent of physicians who completed both medical school and residency in Florida remained in the state to practice. 

For first-year medical student Sara Sornat, Burrell College offers the opportunity to launch her career in the place where she grew up. The Viera High School graduate chose Florida Tech over out-of-area schools for her undergraduate degree. 

“I like the Melbourne area,” said Sornat, who hopes to specialize in emergency medicine. “Ever since I heard that Burrell would open here, I was excited. I grew up here and would love to stay here.”

Also a Brevard resident, Synclair Baker graduated from Melbourne High School. Unlike Sornat, however, she attended the University of Florida as an undergrad and earned her master’s degree at University of South Florida before entering the workforce in dermatology. A tour of the Burrell campus sold her on returning to school and to her home. “It’s a very welcoming campus,” she said.

Amani Watson grew up in Georgia, but she loves the Space Coast. In fact, family members of the Florida Tech graduate are now living here. She realizes that future opportunities may take her away from Brevard — but she sure hopes they don’t. “I love this area,” Watson said.

One of the reasons Watson was interested in Burrell College is the diversity of the student body and faculty. The college is ranked second in the nation among all osteopathic medical schools for the percentage of underrepresented minority medical students.

Choosing the Space Coast for the new campus was probably just meant to be: Burrell’s original campus in Las Cruces, like Melbourne and the Space Coast, boasts a deep connection with space, thanks to its proximity to the White Sands Missile Range, a major base for many military and space projects, and to Spaceport America, just 45 miles away. In both campuses, high-flying medical careers are launched, just like the rockets nearby. 

Dr. Brett Picciotti, interim chair of osteopathic manipulative medicine at Burrell College, greets incoming student Amani Watson. TOM WILBY

WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?

Dr. Brett Picciotti, interim chair of osteopathic manipulative medicine at Burrell College, discussed the similarities between osteopathic physicians [DOs] and MDs. 

“DOs are licensed physicians who have the ability to practice medicine in all scopes of training alongside MDs,” he explained. “We diagnose and treat conditions, prescribe medicine, deliver babies and we perform surgeries.”

While in school, DOs receive training on the hands-on techniques of osteopathic manipulative therapy. 

“The benefit of having that additional hands-on training is that we are able to treat patients without necessarily leaning on medication or surgery,” Picciotti said. 

DOs also receive training in a holistic approach to medicine, so they are particularly mindful of how a patient’s environment, nutrition and mental health can impact their wellbeing. The osteopathic field is passionate about whole patient care and preventative medicine. DOs consider all the stressors in a patient’s life, in order to mitigate things that are negatively impacting quality of life while enhancing those that are beneficial. Osteopathic physicians also emphasize preventative care.

Like MDs, DOs go to medical school, complete internships, residencies and fellowship training, and are board certified in specialties.