Shout Outs
By Office of the President | Oct 1, 2024
Healthcare Heroes Wanted: Build a Rewarding Career with Impact
On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University proudly
took part in a bustling community job fair, thanks to the collaborative efforts of
our Department of Human Resources, Department of Nursing Services, and the New York
State Department of Labor.
Healthcare professionals directly impact the lives of others every day, providing essential care, support, and innovation to improve patient outcomes. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects healthcare employment to grow 13 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for other industries, adding about two million new jobs. An aging population, advancements in medical technology, and a growing focus on preventive care continue to drive this growth.
Healthcare careers also offer stability and fulfillment. There is something for everyone, with opportunities ranging from nursing and administration to specialized medical roles. The sense of purpose that comes with working in healthcare is something many describe as a “calling,” making a real difference in people’s lives, whether on the frontlines caring for patients or behind the scenes, ensuring the system runs smoothly.
The job fair connected us with individuals eager to answer the call and pursue meaningful careers in healthcare administration and clinical care. Downstate is excited to continue building a passionate group of professionals dedicated to advancing healthcare and serving our community with compassion and excellence.
Aimed at prospective employees and sponsored by The Flatbush Clergy and local leaders, including NYS Senators Zellnor Myrie and Kevin Parker, NYC Councilmember Rita Joseph, and Assembly Members Monique Chandler-Waterman and Brian Cunningham, the job fair created an opportunity for Downstate to connect with talented individuals from the community.
Special thank you to the leadership of Andrea Henry, Human Resources staff assistant, and Caroll Moreira Ponce, MBA, LSSGB staff associate Nursing/Hospital Administration, for representing us at the job fair where they screened over 120 enthusiastic candidates, with great leads for exciting new prospects for potential roles at SUNY Downstate.
Healthy Vision, Healthy Living: Wellness in the Community
On Saturday, September 14, 2024, students from the Downstate Ophthalmology Student Club and the Latino Medical Student Association came together to provide vital outreach services at Kingsboro Temple SDA. Ophthalmology Student Club members Hadar Shimshon, Nicholas Stratigakis, Dan Kamen, Ching-Shiuan Fang, and Nayda Paz Duany from the Latino Medical Student Association conducted vision screenings for event participants. These screenings included tests for visual acuity, confrontational visual fields, color blindness, macular degeneration using the Amsler grid, and glaucoma.
Vision screenings quickly became one of the most popular services. Betty Jung, RN, was crucial in coordinating the Ophthalmology Club setup and supervising MPH students Omita Girdhan and Christine Sajous, who managed the lines and helped attendees with screening intake forms.
The event gave students invaluable hands-on ophthalmology experience and a deeper
understanding of the barriers to healthcare that many in the community face. In addition
to enhancing their clinical skills, they learned how to advocate for and better serve
diverse populations. They also connected individuals to ophthalmologists at University
Ophthalmic Consultants’ locations in Flatbush and Brooklyn Heights and Kings County
Hospital’s Ophthalmology department.
The STAR Center also contributed to the event, offering education on healthy living. Eusica Edmond, MPH, CHES, a Prevention Navigator, spoke with attendees about HIV, hepatitis C, PrEP/PEP, substance use, harm reduction, nutrition, asthma, and hypertension, broadening the health education offerings.
A special thank you to everyone who contributed to making this community outreach event successful, providing crucial services and education to the local population.
Anika Daniels-Osaze, Ed.D., MPH, honored by the Power Women of Brooklyn
Anika Daniels-Osaze, Ed.D., MPH, Associate Dean for Education in the School of Public Health, was honored by the Power
Women of Brooklyn. This year marked the 30th anniversary of this event, which recognizes the borough’s most influential women
and is hosted by Schneps Media. The event brought together women who are leaders
in government, business, healthcare, technology, and other key sectors.
Medical Student Highlights Pediatric Spine Tumor Research at NASS
College of Medicine student Pemla Jagtiani presented several posters, “Pediatric Vertebral and Sacropelvic Osteosarcomas: A
National Cancer Database Analysis,” and “An NCDB Analysis of Pediatric Intramedullary
Spinal Cord Tumors” at the 2024 North American Spine Society (NASS) annual meeting,
held on September 25. In August, she co-authored a paper in Neuro-Oncology Advances
on using machine learning to generate personalized survival prediction for glioblastoma
patients.
Anatomy Leader Receives Award for Medical Education Excellence
Samuel Marquez, Ph.D., FAAA, Co-Discipline Director of Anatomy in the College of Medicine and Director of Gross
Anatomy for the School of Health Professions, was honored at the Mount Sinai Alumni
Awards Ceremony. Dr. Marques received the Jeffrey T. Laitman Ward for Achievement
in Medical Education.