Shout Outs
By Office of the President | Apr 8, 2025
Downstate Students to Present at the National Kidney Foundation Conference
We’re proud to share that SUNY Downstate medical students will present their original
research at the National Kidney Foundation’s 2025 Spring Clinical Meetings, taking place in Boston from April 9–13. All eight students were mentored by Mariana Markell, M.D., Professor of Medicine, through a program she runs—and self-funds—that offers hands-on
research experience in nephrology. Several students are recipients of the Alumni Research
Award, with travel supported by the Alumni Association.
From left to right: Balkaran Singh, Rose Cytryn, Mariana Markell and Gabriel Cruz
Presenters include second-year College of Medicine students Gabriel Cruz, Rose Cytryn, Sarah Elhage, Ching-Shiuan Fang, Tasneem Ibrahim, Siem Satti, and Balkaran Singh, along with fourth-year student Claire Peabody.
Their projects focus on patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD), particularly those living in underserved urban communities. Topics explore how chronic symptoms like pain, sleep disturbances, dermatologic and gastrointestinal issues, and visual impairments affect quality of life—especially when compounded by social determinants of health. One student examined how spirituality can aid in coping with chronic illness, while another investigated the impact of the possibility of travel on transplant decision-making in underrepresented populations.
These timely and deeply human studies reflect both the conference's goals—"Managing Chronic Kidney Disease: Take Charge of Your Health"—and Downstate’s broader mission to support health equity through research, education, and service.
Money Magazine Names Downstate a Top Nursing Master’s Program
Downstate’s Master’s in Nursing Program was named one of the 47 best in the country by Money, a trusted source for personal finance and education rankings. The list highlights
programs that offer strong value based on quality, affordability, and outcomes. To
be considered, schools had to meet strict criteria, including regional accreditation
and sufficient graduation data. Downstate received 4.5 out of 5 stars.
SOHP Hosts Career Networking Event with Alumni
The School of Health Professions (SOHP) hosted a virtual Career Alumni Networking Event on March 25, with 85 participants across 20 breakout rooms organized by profession. The event brought together students, alumni, and community-based practitioners for an evening of networking, career exploration, and professional development.
Attendees made meaningful connections, exchanged ideas, and explored new opportunities. The event’s interactive format and speakers who shared real-world insights left participants motivated and better equipped to apply what they had learned.
A highlight was a panel discussion on "Navigating the Ever-Changing Healthcare Landscape" moderated by Brigitte C. Desport, DPS, OTR/L, BCP, ATP, Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives. Alumni panelists from the Physician Assistant, Diagnostic Medical Imaging, Health Informatics, and Midwifery programs shared insights on adapting to technology change, building networks, and advancing careers in today’s healthcare environment.
DMI Students Inducted into National Honor Society
Congrats to Diagnostic Medical Imaging students Ruixian Wu, Hana Rajeh, Karen Sun, and Vanna Truong on their induction into Lambda Nu, the national honor society for radiologic and imaging sciences. The March 27 ceremony recognized their academic excellence, leadership, and service. A proud moment for the School of Health Professions and a testament to the strength of DMI’s students and faculty.