Shout Outs
By Office of the President | Mar 17, 2026
New Research Highlights Variability in Key IBD Test
Shoutout to Thomas Wallach, M.D., Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology, for his featured research in Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News on the clinical impact of fecal calprotectin testing.
The article shows that variability across assays—a widely used, noninvasive test for intestinal inflammation—may lead to unnecessary colonoscopies, particularly in patients with borderline results. Dr. Wallach’s work identifies meaningful differences in test performance, including sensitivity, specificity, and false-positive rates.
These findings underscore the need for greater consistency in testing to support more reliable clinical decisions and reduce unnecessary procedures. This work reflects Downstate’s commitment to advancing research that enhances diagnostic precision and improves patient care for those with inflammatory bowel disease.
Downstate Faculty Lead Global Study on Childhood Stunting
Shout-out to Janet E. Rosenbaum, Ph.D., AM, Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Thomas Wallach, M.D., pediatric gastroenterologist and faculty member in the Department of Pediatrics,
College of Medicine, on their co-authored publication, An ecological study of the association between childhood stunting, water, sanitation,
and protein access, 2000–20, in BMC Public Health.
Their study analyzes data from 94 countries over two decades and shows that childhood stunting reflects both infrastructure and nutrition. While safe water and sanitation remain essential, the research identifies limited access to animal protein and essential amino acids as a critical, often overlooked driver of poor growth outcomes.
These findings strengthen the case for more integrated global health strategies that align nutrition, infrastructure, and equity-focused policy to improve child development and long-term health outcomes.
We recognize Drs. Rosenbaum and Wallach for their authorship on this important publication, reflecting Downstate’s commitment to research that informs and advances global health practice and policy.
FDA Approves Therapy Based on Downstate Folate Deficiency Research
Congratulations to Edward Quadros, Ph.D., Research Professor in the Department of Cell Biology, whose research helped define the biological cause of cerebral folate deficiency (CFD). This disorder disrupts folate transport to the brain and can lead to neurological and developmental
problems.
On March 10, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved leucovorin (folinic acid) as the first therapy specifically indicated for cerebral folate deficiency caused by mutations in the FOLR1 gene. This milestone highlights foundational research conducted by Edward Quadros, Ph.D., Professor of Medicine.
More than two decades ago, Dr. Quadros and his collaborators began studying a pattern observed in some children with neurological and developmental disorders: normal blood folate levels but low cerebrospinal fluid folate levels. Their research showed that the cause was autoantibodies that block folate receptor alpha, a protein that carries folate from the bloodstream into the brain.
This research helped clarify the biological mechanism underlying what is now recognized as cerebral folate deficiency (CFD). Recognizing the need for a practical diagnostic tool, Dr. Quadros developed the Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test (FRAT). This blood test detects these blocking antibodies and helps physicians identify patients whose brains cannot properly absorb folate.
The FDA’s approval of leucovorin formally recognizes a treatment pathway that emerged from this body of research into how folate reaches the brain—and what happens when that transport system fails. Dr. Quadros’ early investigations helped define the disorder and provided clinicians with a diagnostic tool for affected patients, illustrating how sustained laboratory research can lead to advances in patient care.
A Standout Year for Downstate Psychiatry
Congratulations to our Adult Psychiatry Residency Program on matching all 12 positions in this year’s Match.
As the largest and only university-based psychiatry training program in Brooklyn, Downstate offers a comprehensive four-year curriculum grounded in real-world, community-based care. Residents train across University Hospital at Downstate, NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, and the Brooklyn VA, gaining experience across the full spectrum of psychiatric care, from acute emergencies to long-term treatment.
With a strong emphasis on hands-on training, early responsibility, and disciplines ranging from addiction to geriatric and forensic psychiatry, the program prepares physicians to meet the complex mental health needs of one of the most diverse patient populations in the country.
This full Match reflects the program’s excellence, the commitment of its faculty and staff, and its critical role in advancing mental health care in Central Brooklyn.
A Strong Endorsement of Downstate’s GME Excellence
Congratulations to our Graduate Medical Education team on achieving Continued Accreditation
from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), effective January
12, 2026.
The Institutional Review Committee found that Downstate was in substantial compliance with Institutional Requirements. It issued no new citations—a clear reflection of the strength, rigor, and integrity of our training programs.
This milestone speaks directly to the leadership of Lisa Dresner, M.D., Designated Institutional Official, Associate Professor of Surgery, and Vice Chair for Education, whose commitment to excellence continues to elevate graduate medical education across the institution.
Thank you to our faculty, program directors, coordinators, and staff for your dedication to preparing physicians who serve our communities with skill and purpose.
60th Anniversary Celebration Planning Begins for Three Schools
A huge shoutout to the university-wide planning group leading the charge to celebrate
the 60th anniversaries of the School of Health Professions, College of Nursing, and
School of Graduate Studies.
This cross-institutional team is setting the stage for a year of celebration to honor six decades of academic excellence, innovation, and community impact; elevating visibility across Downstate and the broader community; and engaging students, alumni, faculty, and staff in meaningful ways.
The group will help drive events, storytelling, and partnerships throughout 2026, recognizing faculty and staff contributions, strengthening alumni connections, and advancing interprofessional collaboration across our schools.
Thank you to everyone helping bring this milestone celebration to life.