Lander College for Men Announces Moshe Ostreicher as 2026 Valedictorian

Biology honors major combines emergency care, research, and Torah values on path to medical school

May 13, 2026
Headshot of Lander College for Men valedictorian Moshe Ostreicher
Moshe Ostreicher

Moshe Ostreicher, an honors biology major, has been named the 2026 valedictorian of Touro University’s Lander College for Men (LCM) in Kew Gardens Hills. A Cedarhurst native, Moshe has long been drawn to both science and helping others, a combination that has shaped his academic journey and future goals.

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a physician,” he said. “Over time, that childhood aspiration has only grown stronger.”

That sense of direction was reinforced through hands-on experiences, including his work as a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT), a role he has held for more than two years with the Woodmere Fire Department. Responding to emergencies and caring for patients in critical moments deepened his commitment to medicine and gave him a clearer understanding of the responsibility that comes with it. His work with the Woodmere Fire Department earned him its 2025 EMS Provider of the Year award.

Finding the right environment

Moshe chose LCM for its unique combination of academic opportunity and a supportive, values-based environment.

“I chose Touro for the academic pathways it offered, the Jewish environment, and, perhaps most importantly, the small class sizes,” he said. “That personal connection is invaluable.”

At LCM, those small classes translated into meaningful relationships with faculty and peers. Moshe credits members of the faculty and administration with playing a significant role in his development, both academically and personally.

“Moshe Ostreicher is a great example of the academic values we seek to inculcate in our students,” said Dr. Henry Abramson, dean of Touro’s Lander College for Men. “Not only did he earn a perfect score of 528 on his MCAT—an achievement that is met by only .01 to .02 percent of students who take this rigorous standardized test for admission to medical school—he also volunteered many hours of his own time to tutoring his peers in organized study groups, bringing the rest of the class closer to its potential. He’s a remarkable young man, and we are proud to honor him as our valedictorian.”

From the field to the lab

Moshe’s academic curiosity led him to pursue several research projects with Northwell Health and the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. His work has included analyzing CT scan usage in emergency medicine, studying how cardiac arrest cases are reviewed, and conducting laboratory research related to mitochondrial function and recovery after cardiac arrest. One of his projects earned him an invitation to present his findings at the American College of Emergency Physicians’ 2025 Scientific Convention in Salt Lake City.

His experiences with direct patient care and scientific inquiry helped shape his understanding of medicine as both a human and intellectual pursuit. Whether responding to emergency calls or exploring complex medical questions, Moshe has consistently sought to deepen his knowledge and skills.

Rooted in learning and growth

Moshe’s path to LCM included studies at Yeshiva Darchei Torah in high school, followed by time learning in Israel at Toras Moshe in Israel and Sh’or Yoshuv. He credits that background with helping him develop the discipline and perspective needed to balance rigorous academics with personal growth.

“I love all forms of learning,” he said, noting interests that range from medical science to coding, which he taught himself and has applied in research settings.

Moshe plans to apply to medical school in the upcoming cycle, with the goal of beginning his training in the near future. During his upcoming gap year, Moshe will continue his work as an EMT and return to the Feinstein Institutes to continue research involving mitochondrial transplantation and critical care physiology. While expanding his research experience, attending med school, and beyond, he plans to continue building on the foundation he developed at LCM.

“My goal is to have a career that combines scientific knowledge with meaningful patient care and makes a real difference in people’s lives.”