Shout Outs
By Office of the President | Feb 25, 2025
Emergency Department’s Dr. Rob Gore Discusses Violence and Trauma
Robert Gore, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and founder of the Kings Against
Violence Initiative (KAVI), spoke at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine on Beyond
the Visible: Unveiling the Hidden Dimensions of Violence and Trauma.
Dr. Gore discussed the more profound, often overlooked psychological, societal, and systemic factors that fuel violence and trauma, shedding light on the urgent need for holistic intervention and prevention strategies.
Thank you, Dr. Gore, for reminding us about the significant impact of these factors on the healthcare landscape.
HEAT Program Joins Caribbean Equality Project to Celebrate Black Queer Excellence
Downstate’s Health and Education Alternatives for Teens (HEAT) program joined forces
with the Caribbean Equality Project for the fourth annual Black Future Tings: Honoring
Black Queer Excellence on February 22 in Brooklyn. Held during Black History Month,
the event brought together artists, activists, and community leaders to uplift Black
LGBTQ+ voices and strengthen community connections.
HEAT was on-site, providing free HIV testing and helping expand healthcare access for LGBTQ+ youth. As part of Downstate, HEAT remains committed to making sure HIV-positive and at-risk young people—especially those in underserved communities—get the care, resources, and support they need. Events like this highlight the power of community partnerships in creating safe, affirming spaces and improving health outcomes for all.
Nursing Grad Hits All the Right Notes!
Talk about a mic-drop moment! Recent College of Nursing grad Michael Cooperstein didn’t just sing The Star Spangled Banner at the 2024 Convocation and Pinning Ceremony—he brought the house down!
His powerhouse vocals had the audience on their feet, and his fellow grads couldn’t contain their excitement, breaking into a full-blown “Michael! Michael! Michael!” chant.
Bravo, Michael!