Shout Outs
By Office of the President | Jan 6, 2026
Dr. Jeff Birnbaum Shares Expertise at World AIDS Day Panel
A warm congratulations to Jeff Birnbaum, M.D., executive director of Downstate’s HEAT Program, for serving as a featured panelist
at this year’s World AIDS Day event at New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender
Community Center. The discussion focused on HIV prevention, health equity, and access
to affirming care.
Dr. Birnbaum has provided care to LGBTQ+ youth and transgender patients at Downstate since 1992. His decades of affirming, lifesaving work were recognized last year in The New York Times, highlighting his lasting impact on patients and the broader community.
Dr. Marie-Claire Roberts Elected to New York Academy of Medicine
The College of Nursing congratulates Marie-Claire Roberts, Ph.D., RN, Nursing Executive Vice Dean, on her induction as a Fellow of the New York Academy
of Medicine. She was recognized during the Academy’s 178th Anniversary Discourse,
Annual Awards, and Meeting of the Fellows before a record audience of more than 400
guests.
Election to Fellowship honors distinguished leaders whose sustained contributions have advanced health, medicine, and education. As a Fellow, Dr. Roberts joins a distinguished community working collaboratively to address critical health challenges. The College of Nursing proudly recognizes this milestone and Dr. Roberts’s continued commitment to academic excellence and the nursing profession.
Wrap Party Magic & Community Love
A huge thank you and post-holiday shout-out to our partners at the NYPD 63rd Precinct for their annual Christmas gift-giving and for consistently showing up to support our community and our kids year after year. Your generosity brought smiles, joy, and a whole lot of holiday spirit to University Hospital of Brooklyn.
And to the Downstate staff who answered the Pediatrics Wrap Party call, you turned rolls of paper, tape, and teamwork into pure magic for our most precious young patients. The laughter, the wrapping, and the care behind every bow made all the difference. Plus, it didn’t hurt to have some snacks along with the fun!
Special thanks to Lisa Smith, Child Life Center Director, and Jimmy Doyle, Cable Installer, Information Services, for organizing a joyful and seamless effort that truly embodied the spirit of the holiday season. And heartfelt gratitude to Jared Carmel of the MVP Foundation, whose eight years of continuous generosity to Downstate have helped ensure that our children feel seen, celebrated, and cared for, especially during the holidays.
