Shout Outs
By Office of the President | Jan 28, 2025
Recognizing Leadership in Action
Anika Daniels-Osaze, Ed.D., MPH, Associate Dean for Education in the School of Public Health and Clinical Associate
Professor of Health Policy and Management, has been selected as a Fellow in the 2025
SUNY Black Leadership Institute (BLI) cohort. This prestigious program underscores SUNY’s dedication to fostering emerging, diverse
leaders and cultivating a collaborative, supportive environment for professional growth.
Dr. Daniels-Osaze is one of only eight students in the cohort.
Spanning nine months, the BLI offers a mix of in-person, virtual, and independent learning experiences tailored to participants at various stages of their leadership journeys. Read more on the SUNY LinkedIn page.
Dr. Abdallah Saudi Promotes Community Health Through Pre-Diabetes Education
Abdallah Saudi, M.D., MPH, Assistant Professor in the Physician Assistant Program, School of Health Professions,
delivered a lecture for seniors, “Understanding Pre-Diabetes,” at the An-Noor Social
Center. Hosted by the Bay Ridge Community Center, Inc., the event reflected the Center’s
dedication to engaging the community and raising awareness about available health
resources. The Center ensures that vital health education reaches diverse populations,
fostering better access to care by offering services and programs in English and Arabic.
Dr. Michael Myers Tackles Physician Suicide Awareness at ACP NY Chapter Event
Michael F. Myers, M.D., professor of Clinical Psychiatry, delivered an impactful lecture titled “Breaking Stigma, Building Support—Join the Conversation About Physician Suicide” on January 21 at a meeting hosted by the American College of Physicians New York
Chapter. The session highlighted the importance of identifying risk factors for physician
suicide and promoting resilience and wellness among healthcare professionals. Recognized
as one of the nation’s leading experts on physician suicide, Dr. Myers continues to
drive critical conversations aimed at breaking the stigma and supporting the well-being
of healthcare providers.
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, help is available. You don’t have to face this alone. Please contact a trusted person or a crisis hotline for immediate support. In the U.S., you can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for free, confidential support 24/7. For additional resources, visit 988lifeline.org.
SPH Faculty Secure Pilot Grant to Tackle Vaccine Hesitancy and Build Trust
Congratulations to School of Public Health’s Sharifa Nasreen, M.D., Ph.D., MPH, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Victor Puac-Polanco, M.D, DrPH, MSCE, Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Management, on receiving a pilot grant
from the University of Michigan’s Social, Behavioral, & Economic COVID Coordinating
Center (SBE CCC). Their innovative research will examine trust in the health system
and hesitancy related to COVID-19 vaccines among U.S. adults to inform impactful programs
to increase vaccine uptake.
The SBE CCC pilot grants foster innovative approaches to understanding the social, behavioral, and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on addressing health disparities and supporting vulnerable populations by leading this critical project, Drs. Nasreen and Puac-Polanco will help advance public health research and make meaningful strides toward equity in healthcare. We are proud of their efforts and excited to see the positive outcomes their work will bring!
Mudar Dalloul M.D., FACOG, Appointed Interim Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Mudar Dalloul, MD, FACOG, has accepted the role of Interim Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
following Dr. Camille Clare’s recent departure. A Clinical Professor and board-certified
obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. Dalloul brings extensive experience and a distinguished
record of leadership and academic contributions to this position.
Dr. Dalloul completed his medical education at the University of Damascus School of Medicine and his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Staten Island University Hospital. He has held several key positions at Downstate, including Vice Chair for Education, Vice Chair for Obstetrics, and Director of Faculty Development. His expertise spans preeclampsia, high-risk pregnancies, prenatal ultrasound, and the impact of obesity and environmental factors on pregnancy and health.
Dr. Dalloul’s contributions to academic medicine include authoring more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, which have been cited over 750 times. He is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the New York Obstetrical Society (NYOS).
We look forward to Dr. Dalloul’s leadership as Interim Chair and his continued commitment to advancing excellence in obstetrics and gynecology at Downstate.