Shout Outs
By Office of the President | Apr 2, 2024
Dr. Jacquelyn Meyers Spotlighted as SUNY #WomensHistoryMonth Profile!
Congratulations to Jacquelyn Meyers, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry, a SUNY #WomensHistoryMonth profile. Dr. Meyers has been an integral part of Downstate’s diverse community for
nearly a decade, pioneering research in psychiatric epidemiology and molecular genetics.
Her innovative work on mental health and substance abuse disorders, coupled with genetic
analysis, has propelled the interdisciplinary program she leads at SUNY Downstate.
Dr. Meyers is Co-Director of the Henri Begleiter Neurodynamics Institute, where she oversees various grants and projects focused on neurocognitive markers. Beyond research, she is committed to mentorship, guiding Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. candidates and psychiatry residents.
Dr. Meyers also shares her expertise through teaching courses and lectures across campus. Her unwavering dedication to unraveling the complexities of the human brain underscores her commitment to community welfare. Read Dr. Meyers’s profile here.
Dr. Caroline Rochon Nominated for the Felix A. Fishman Award
We extend heartfelt congratulations to Caroline Rochon, M.D., FACS, Chief of Transplantation Surgery, for being nominated for the prestigious Felix
A. Fishman Award this year. The Felix A. Fishman Awards, created in 2003, are bestowed
annually to honor community advocates dedicated to broadening access to justice.
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Offers Hope to Sleep Apnea Patients
During Sleep Awareness Week last month, Downstate Health’s Department of Otolaryngology celebrated the profound impact of sleep health and introduced a groundbreaking solution for individuals grappling with sleep apnea.
The hypoglossal nerve stimulator implantation, spearheaded by Ofer Azoulay, M.D., Assistant Professor and Chief of Robotic and Microvascular Head and Neck Reconstruction,
represents a pioneering procedure. This innovative treatment offers renewed vitality
to patients challenged by CPAP, enhancing sleep quality sans the nightly mask.
Dr. Azoulay’s dedication to advancing sleep health through state-of-the-art surgical interventions underscores the significance of Sleep Awareness Week and SUNY Downstate’s commitment to enhancing patient well-being.
Congratulations to Dr. Azoulay and the Department of Otolaryngology. Click here to see how the hypoglossal nerve stimulator implantation has helped patient Matthew Raices and his obstructive sleep apnea.
EAP Resource Fair at Downstate Garners Commendation
Magda Alliancin, Ed.D., CEAP, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) team are commended for orchestrating a
highly successful recent EAP Resource Fair at Downstate. The event provided employees
with a comprehensive overview of available resources and support systems, ranging
from mental health services to financial counseling. The fair’s success is attributed
to the dedication and hard work of the EAP team and volunteers who contributed their
time and expertise. The success of events like the EAP Resource Fair reaffirms our
commitment to fostering a culture of support and empowerment within our organization.
Dr. Janice Brissette’s “Flash Forward Genetics” Technique Featured in SUNY RF News
The pioneering “flash forward genetics” technique, devised by Janice L. Brissette, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Cell Biology, was featured in the March edition of SUNY Research
Foundation News.
Dr. Brissette’s method targets the explanation of elusive molecular mechanisms underlying biological traits that defy conventional genetic analysis. Dr. Brissette’s research focuses on delving into the complex regulatory mechanisms within the skin, brain, and intestines, offering the potential for revolutionary advancements in treatments and therapies. Read the article here.
Dr. Camacho-Rivera Co-Authors Influential American Heart Association Statement on Neighborhoods and Cardiovascular Health
School of Public Health Assistant Dean for Student Engagement and Success Marlene Camacho-Rivera, Sc.D., MS, MPH recently co-authored a significant publication titled ‘Neighborhoods and Cardiovascular Health: A Scientific Statement from the American
Heart Association.’
The statement examines the intricate relationship between neighborhoods and cardiovascular well-being, reviewing the impact of environmental factors, resource accessibility, and opportunities on health outcomes. It sheds light on the disproportionate distribution of resources and opportunities, exacerbating existing cardiovascular health disparities. The statement explains the profound effect of neighborhoods on cardiovascular disease. It proposes a comprehensive framework for the development and implementation of targeted interventions across various levels, encompassing population, health system, community, and individual dimensions. Read the complete statement here.
Dr. Christina Guillen Featured on SUNY’s Women’s History Month Panel
Christina Guillen, M.D., FAAP, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Pediatric Residency Program,
participated as a panelist in SUNY’s event titled ‘Celebrating Women’s History Month with Senior Women Leadership Across SUNY.’ Joining a diverse cohort of women leaders hailing from the University at Albany,
Broome Community College, Cobleskill, and New Paltz, Dr. Guillen shared insights into
her professional journey and the path leading to her current position. Cheryl Hamilton, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Life, Opportunity Programs, and Student Advocate,
moderated the panel discussion.
Edeline Mitton Delivers Address on Inclusion and Equity in Medical Education
Director of Continuing Medical Education Edeline Mitton, M.Ed., MPH, recently presented at the 2024 Society for Academic Continuing Medical Education
Annual Meeting on “Advancing Inclusion in Continuing Professional Development (CPD).”
Her presentation delved into the pivotal role played by a lack of awareness and understanding surrounding equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism (EDIA) in perpetuating exclusion and inequality within medical education. Ms. Mitton led an interactive workshop aimed at refining a culture of mutual respect and inclusivity while exploring strategies for integrating EDIA principles into CPD curricula.