Shout Outs
By Office of the President | Jan 20, 2026
Institute for Genomics in Health Receives $1M National Institute of Mental Health Grant
Congratulations to Tim Bigdeli, Ph.D., Co-Director of the Institute for Genomics in Health, on receiving a $1 million award
from the National Institute of Mental Health.
This prestigious grant recognizes Dr. Bigdeli’s impactful research and advances SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University’s contributions to genomic science and mental health research. The Research Foundation for SUNY proudly supports this work, which underscores Downstate’s commitment to innovation, discovery, and improving health outcomes through cutting-edge research.
Dr. Viswanathan honored by American College of Lifestyle Medicine
Dr. Ramaswamy Viswanathan, MD, DrMedSc, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, received a Special Recognition Award at the Annual Meeting of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine on November 17, 2025, in recognition of his leadership in embedding lifestyle medicine into psychiatric care.
Dr. Viswanathan was also invited to serve as a plenary speaker on November 19, 2025, participating in a distinguished panel alongside presidents of six national medical organizations, including the American Medical Association (AMA). The plenary session highlighted national leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing lifestyle medicine across clinical practice.
Congratulations to Dr. Viswanathan on this well-deserved national recognition.
Dr. Beth R. Steinfeld Elected President of the National Certification Corporation Board
Beth R. Steinfeld, DNP, WHNP-BC, FNYAM, has been elected President of the National Certification Corporation (NCC) Board
of Directors and Officers, following her prior service as Vice President. The NCC
is nationally recognized for its certification programs serving nurses, physicians,
and other licensed healthcare professionals.
Dr. Steinfeld has served as a member of the NCC Board since 2021. At SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, she is Assistant Professor and Chair of Advanced Level Nursing Programs and serves as Program Director for the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program.
SUNY Downstate Welcomes the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Class of 2028
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is proud to welcome the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Class of 2028, a group of dedicated physicians committed to advancing mental health care for children, adolescents, and families in Brooklyn and beyond.
The fellowship program provides comprehensive, hands-on training across inpatient, outpatient, community, and academic settings, preparing future leaders in child and adolescent psychiatry to serve diverse populations with excellence and compassion.
Under the collaborative leadership of Program Director Dr. Nasreen Akbar, alongside the dedicated administrative support team—Program Administrator Dr. Kino Williams, Interim Program Coordinator Tennelle Barthlett, and Chief Resident Dr. Mary Johnson—the program worked seamlessly to ensure a successful Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship match. Their combined expertise, communication, and shared commitment allowed them to coordinate recruitment efforts, support applicants, and uphold the program’s values of clinical excellence, mentorship, advocacy, and culturally responsive care.
Meet the Incoming Fellows
Yazan Nagi, MD
Dr. Nagi completed his psychiatry residency at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
and earned his medical degree from New York Medical College. His interests include
community-based psychiatry, sociocultural and socioeconomic research factors related
to immigrant and refugee health and academic leadership.
Aashna Patel, DO
Dr. Patel trained with the University of Florida/HCA Greater Orlando GME Consortium in Psychiatry and earned her medical degree from the Rowan–Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine. She is drawn to child and adolescent psychiatry by a deep belief in the power of early intervention, family-centered care, and creating spaces where young people feel heard, safe, and supported.
Ananya Sri Thiriveedhi, DO
Dr. Thiriveedhi completed residency at HCA JFK North Hospital and earned her degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her professional interests in child and adolescent psychiatry encompass early-onset psychosis and eating disorders.
As SUNY Downstate continues its mission to educate tomorrow’s physicians, the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship remains committed to innovation, service, and excellence in youth mental health care.
Please join us in welcoming the Class of 2028 to the Downstate community.