Abbey Santanello, D.O., ’15, ’16 M.S.

B.A. in Economics & Pre-Professional Studies; M.S. in Science, Engineering, Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Excellence

Blending medicine, wellness, and innovation to help children and families lead active, healthy lives

A proud University of Notre Dame alumna, Abbey Santanello, D.O., ’15, ’16 M.S., is dedicated to helping children and families lead active, healthy lives. As a pediatrician and current Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellow at NYU, Santanello’s career blends medicine, wellness, and innovation. During her residency, Dr. Santanello served on a global health rotation in Kenya — caring for children with limited resources and collaborating with local clinicians to strengthen pediatric care systems. She has since made it her mission to stay engaged through fundraising, teaching, and raising awareness of challenges in these healthcare systems.

Integrating her career with her love of innovation, Dr. Santanello partnered with Complete Sports in Kenya, a faith-based organization that uses running to help underserved youth access scholarships and job opportunities. Additionally, she is co-founder and director of operations at Vampiro Inc., a medical device company, where she secured grants and coordinated a national product launch in 2023 of their first minimally invasive surgical instrument. She also serves as a junior board member at GallopNYC, a therapeutic riding organization for children with autism.

Dr. Santanello earned her undergraduate degree in economics and pre-professional studies and her master’s of science through Notre Dame’s Engineering, Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Excellence Master’s Program. She received her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2022 and completed her residency at Staten Island University Hospital, earning SIUH Pediatric Residency Intern of the Year in May 2023. In her free time, she enjoys running, traveling and spending time with her St. Bernard, Eloise, who is a certified therapy dog.