Vice President, System Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Services (STARS)
North Shore-LIJ Health System

With the health system for almost 25 years, Ms. DePaola oversees the orthopaedics and rehabilitation service lines throughout the North Shore-LIJ Health System. She works with more than 300 orthopaedic physicians and 800 physical and occupational therapists to build centers and programs of distinction. Ms. DePaola has served in a variety of positions including physical therapist, rehabilitation director, and administrator for the nationally known Bioskills Education Center. She also worked clinically as a physical therapist in several orthopaedic sports private practices on
Long Island and in Boca Raton, Florida.

In 1995, Ms. DePaola pioneered the creation of North Shore-LIJ’s Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation Services (STARS) whose outpatient centers continue to grow. STARS offers specialty care and therapy for those with sports, spine, hand, orthopaedic, neurological, and rheumatologic disorders. STARS works closely with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Titleist Golf Performance, Arthritis Foundation and “Strength for Life” oncology wellness programs to offer both wellness and fitness to community residents.

Ms. DePaola has received many honors and recognition in her field and has initiated processes
which have enhanced care, improved financial margins, and brought increased programs and services to patients and the community. She has participated in more than 100 advanced continuing education seminars and has presented at both local and national conferences.

Ms. DePaola obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy, with honors, from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1987. She also holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Long Island University, and was elected into the National Honor Society for public affairs and administration.