1. Research
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Cohen Center for Recovery from Complex Chronic Illness

Millions of people worldwide survive acute viral or bacterial infections only to face a new challenge: debilitating chronic symptoms that persist long after the initial illness. These infection-associated chronic conditions can fundamentally alter people's lives, requiring specialized care and understanding. At the Cohen Center for Recovery from Complex Chronic Illness at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, we are dedicated to treating, studying, and advancing care for infection-associated chronic conditions through evidence-based medicine and innovative clinical research.

Our approach integrates cutting-edge clinical care with rapid, action-oriented research, creating a unique environment where treatment innovations emerge from direct patient care. By examining diverse patient groups collectively, we identify crucial patterns that advance treatment for all who suffer from infection-associated chronic conditions.

Conditions We Treat   

The Center began as a specialized clinic for long COVID treatment, but our understanding of infection-associated chronic conditions quickly expanded. Today, we treat a range of conditions that can develop infections, including Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, tick-borne/vector-borne illnesses, and connective tissue disorders. Our practitioners combine state-of-the-art medical practices with a profound sensitivity to the emotional and psychological challenges of chronic illness. Our holistic approach seeks to address not just the symptoms but also the root causes of conditions, empowering patients to achieve their best possible quality of life. In addition to our robust testing and assessments, patients benefit from:

  • Neuropsychology and psychological support
  • Remote monitoring and telehealth services
  • Personalized treatment plans

Testing and Assessments

All participants undergo a variety of routine testing and individualized assessments before treatment. Our routine testing and sample collection include, but are not limited to, validated measures of:

  • Autonomic nervous system
  • Cognitive testing
  • Hormonal health and regulation
  • Immune function
  • Metabolic health
  • Tick-borne/vector-borne testing
  • Vascular/endothelial function
  • Viral activity and reactivation

Rehabilitation

We pride ourselves on providing personalized care for each patient. After our initial testing and assessment, we offer advanced rehabilitation options, including:

  • Autonomic rehabilitation
  • Breathwork
  • Electrophysical interventions
  • Musculoskeletal rehabilitation for hypermobile joint disorders
  • Non-invasive brain stimulation for pain and cognition
  • Virtual reality/augmented reality therapy for chronic pain

Meet the Nash Family Director

Our Team

David F Putrino, PhD
David F Putrino, PhD

Nash Family Director

Joseph Herrera, DO
Joseph Herrera, DO

Scientific Director

RAVEN PATRICIA BAXTER-CHRISTIAN
RAVEN PATRICIA BAXTER-CHRISTIAN

Director of Science Communication

MACKENZIE DOERSTLING
MACKENZIE DOERSTLING

Program Manager I

VALERIE IOVINE ROGERS
VALERIE IOVINE ROGERS

Hypermobility Program Manager

AIDAN ARJUN ROGERS
AIDAN ARJUN ROGERS

Programmer Analyst I

ARIANNA FIORENTINO
ARIANNA FIORENTINO

Clinical Research Coordinator I

LILY ANN COOKE
LILY ANN COOKE

Clinical Research Coordinator I

ABBEY SAWYER
ABBEY SAWYER

Postdoctoral Fellow

Explore Our Work

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Chronic Illness