1. Cohen Center for Recovery from Complex Chronic Illness
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Research

RESEARCH

At the Cohen Center for Recovery from Complex Chronic Illness, we do not just treat chronic illness; we advance the science behind it via rigorous research and technology innovation. We conceptualize novel clinical trials to rapidly identify new, effective treatments. These trials prioritize targeting root cause drivers of disease, with therapeutic and biomarker use informed by the latest scientific discoveries in the field. By participating in this research, our patients and partners help deepen the understanding of complex chronic conditions, ultimately benefiting the entire medical community.

We are always looking to partner with researchers to produce high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary research to advance the understanding and treatment of infection associated chronic conditions. If you are interested in collaborating, you can email us at core@mountsinai.org. If you are interested in joining a clinical trial, please email coreresearch@mountsinai.org.

Our research program encompasses multiple collaborative studies investigating the underlying mechanisms of infection-associated chronic conditions. Through partnerships with other leading institutions, we are working to uncover new insights into these complex conditions. Our current research initiatives include:

Vector-Borne Pathogen Investigation
We are conducting blood analysis using digital polymerase chain reaction to examine whether patients with complex chronic illnesses—including long COVID, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes—carry tick-borne or vector-borne pathogens.

Immunological Biomarkers
We are identifying distinct immunological signatures in long COVID and pre-2020 myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients compared to healthy controls. This research aims to explain the mechanisms behind persistent symptoms in these conditions.

Hormonal Regulation in Long COVID
Through our at-home saliva collection program, we are studying the impact of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome on hormonal regulation. This study focuses particularly on cortisol and other hormone level changes and their relationship to ongoing symptoms.

Gastrointestinal Tract Viral Persistence
We have partnered with Mount Sinai's gastrointestinal specialists to investigate SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence in long COVID patients through comprehensive colonoscopy and endoscopy assessments.

Join a Clinical Trial

Meet the Nash Family Director

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David F Putrino, PhD
PROFESSOR | Rehabilitation and Human Performance

Dr. David Putrino is an Official Medical Provider for Red Bull’s Sponsored Athletes in North America.

David is physical...

David F Putrino headshot

David F Putrino, PhD

“Listen to your patients and believe them. In a world where so few people understand post-acute infection syndromes, your patients are the experts. Let the experts lead.”

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David F Putrino, PhD

“Listen to your patients and believe them. In a world where so few people understand post-acute infection syndromes, your patients are the experts. Let the experts lead.”

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Jenna Tosto-Mancuso PT, DPT, NCS

“I believe that through innovation and scientific breakthrough, we can continue to evolve as clinicians and as a field. No patient should be told that they are out of options, but rather, we as a field should continue to seek answers for our patients in order to maximize care and improve quality of life.”

David F Putrino headshot

David F Putrino, PhD

“Listen to your patients and believe them. In a world where so few people understand post-acute infection syndromes, your patients are the experts. Let the experts lead.”

Jenna Tosto-Mancuso headshot

Jenna Tosto-Mancuso PT, DPT, NCS

“I believe that through innovation and scientific breakthrough, we can continue to evolve as clinicians and as a field. No patient should be told that they are out of options, but rather, we as a field should continue to seek answers for our patients in order to maximize care and improve quality of life.”

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Abbey Sawyer, PT, PhD

“My hope for the patients at the Cohen Center is that they feel supported in their journey with us and are able to find the answers that they have been searching for to improve the quality of their life. These answers will be based on high quality research led by experts in the field.”