From Boston to Brooklyn: Future Healthcare Leaders Meet at Downstate!
By Office of the President | Mar 25, 2025
Last October, Ernest J. Barthélemy, M.D., MPH, MA, Chief of the Division of Neurosurgery here at Downstate, delivered a keynote at Emmanuel College to mark the launch of its Global & Public Health major. Speaking to a packed lecture hall, he shared his journey—from his Haitian roots and early experiences as a translator for doctors in post-earthquake Haiti to his work advocating for equitable access to neurosurgical care in Haiti, Africa, and underserved communities in Brooklyn.
“The field of global health equity is meant to mitigate and ultimately eliminate health disparities,” Dr. Barthélemy told the students. “This is exactly the kind of major that prepares leaders to respond effectively to the challenges we face today.”
Following this inspiring lecture, Emmanuel students and faculty were eager to explore real-world applications of health equity and public health leadership—which led them to visit Downstate a few weeks ago.
A group of 12 students and four faculty members, led by Lenore Martin, Ph.D., MA, visited Downstate’s campus for an immersive look into careers in healthcare. The visit showcased the diverse pathways available at Downstate’s Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Health Professions, and the School of Public Health, all deeply committed to training healthcare professionals who serve communities in greatest need.
The day featured a campus tour led by medical students Leah Strahs and Sabina Kubayeva, interactive panel discussions with faculty and students, and meaningful conversations about public health, global medicine, and career aspirations.
To further immerse the group in Brooklyn’s rich cultural and medical landscape, Dr. Barthélemy took them to Djon Djon. In this local Haitian restaurant, they discussed the intersections of global health, medical equity, and leadership over a meal inspired by his heritage.
This collaboration with Downstate underscores the power of mentorship and cultural identity. It provides young leaders the tools and inspiration to drive real impact locally and globally in public health and medicine. Emmanuel College, a Boston institution known for integrating liberal arts with experiential learning, fosters academic programs designed to shape the next generation of changemakers in healthcare.
We look forward to inspiring these young leaders on their public health journey and thank them for the impact they will have on lives everywhere.
Tags: Neurosurgery