A Message from President Riley

By Office of the President | Apr 14, 2026

Showing Up in the Moments That Matter

Dear Downstate Community,

This week’s issue reflects the many ways Downstate continues to show up for our patients, students, community, and our ongoing commitment to keeping care close to home.

We see that promise in our ongoing efforts to address health disparities. The 11th Annual Cancer Health Promotion Symposium brought together clinicians, researchers, and community partners to examine the biological and social drivers of cancer, with a clear focus on the realities facing Brooklyn. It is a reminder that improving outcomes requires scientific progress, as well as sustained collaboration and community engagement.

We also see it in how we continue to advance care. The expansion of laser-based dermatology at Downstate reflects a broader effort to bring more precise, effective treatments closer to home. These approaches improve outcomes while ensuring care remains appropriate for the diverse populations we serve.

Our research enterprise continues to contribute at the highest levels. Downstate investigators played a key role in a major international study examining addiction risk across a universe of over 2.2 million individuals. This work strengthens our understanding of how biological and behavioral factors intersect and points the way toward more targeted approaches to prevention and treatment.

Across our academic units, we continue to prepare students not only for clinical and public health practice, but for leadership. From hands-on communication training in the School of Public Health to immersive, real-world experiences like Career Discovery Week, our students are building the confidence and skills needed to engage, communicate, and lead. This work is strengthened by the leadership of Dr. Jeffrey Putman and his team, whose steady presence and focus on student development help ensure that students are supported, seen, and guided at every stage of their journey.

As workforce needs evolve, we are also taking practical steps to respond. The transition of our Diagnostic Medical Imaging program to a certificate model creates a more direct pathway into sonography, a field with growing demand. It reflects a focused approach to preparing the workforce our healthcare system needs.

This is the work that defines us: grounded in service, driven by purpose, and focused on impact.

Thank you for all you do to keep elevating Downstate.