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The President's Bulletin

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The President’s Bulletin is a bi-weekly publication created to keep students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, friends, and others informed about the latest news at Downstate Health Sciences University. We hope you enjoy reading the articles and find them informative and useful.

Christopher Jimenez and Dr. Lori A. Hoepner

Downstate Study Sheds New Light on Avian Flu Risk Factors

by Office of the President - April 8 , 2025

When highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), known as the H5N1 strain, reached the United States in early 2022, it sparked widespread concern among scientists, farmers and consumers. Millions of poultry birds were culled to contain outbreaks, driving...

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Tags: Research, Study

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Dr. Robin Ovitsh to Receive 2025 NEGEA Distinguished Service & Leadership Award

by Office of the President - April 8 , 2025

Robin K. Ovitsh, M.D., Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and former Associate Dean of Clinical Competencies in the College of Medicine, was named the recipient of the 2025 Northeast Group on Educational Affairs (NEGEA) Distinguished Service...

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Tags: Pediatrics

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Interdisciplinary Collaboration Enhances Patient Care at Case Study Roundtable

by Office of the President - April 8 , 2025

More than 400 students from the School of Health Professions, College of Nursing, and School of Public Health participated in this year’s Interprofessional Case Study Roundtable, a hands-on learning experience designed to reflect the complexity...

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Tags: Patient Care

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In Memoriam: Dr. Hermann Mendez (1949–2025)

by Office of the President - April 8 , 2025

We mourn the passing of Dr. Hermann Mendez, M.D., a trailblazing pediatrician whose work at SUNY Downstate shaped the care of children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Brooklyn and across the nation.

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Shout Outs

Shout Outs

by Office of the President - April 8 , 2025

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In Case You Missed it

In Case You Missed It

by Office of the President - April 8 , 2025

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Dr Riley

A Message from President Riley

by Office of the President - March 25 , 2025

As we begin a new academic year, I am pleased to welcome our returning students, faculty, and staff and warmly welcome the new students joining each of our colleges at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (Downstate).

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Social Workers Month

Lifting Lives, Changing Futures—Celebrating Our Social Workers!

by Office of the President - March 25 , 2025

What does it take to be a social worker? A heart full of compassion, a problem-solving mindset, and a relentless spirit ready to take on life’s toughest challenges. This Social Work Month, we celebrate the everyday heroes who uplift individuals,...

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Tags: Commemorative Months, Social Work

Ernest Barthelmy

From Boston to Brooklyn: Future Healthcare Leaders Meet at Downstate!

by Office of the President - March 25 , 2025

Last October, Ernest J. Barthélemy, M.D., MPH, MA, Chief of the Division of Neurosurgery here at Downstate, delivered a keynote at Emmanuel College to mark the launch of its Global & Public Health major. Since then, a group of 12 Emmanuel College...

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Tags: Neurosurgery

Laura Geer

Lead, Mercury, and Motherhood: Protecting Mothers and Children from Environmental Harm

by Office of the President - March 25 , 2025

Environmental pollution affects everyone, but women—especially during pregnancy—face distinct risks from toxic substances like lead and mercury. Laura Geer, Ph.D., MHS, Chair of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences,...

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Tags: Events

Downstate Guardians of Kidney Health

Downstate Guardians of Kidney Health

by Office of the President - March 25 , 2025

Downstate recently joined institutions around the globe in recognizing World Kidney Day, embracing the theme: “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect for Life.” The day was a powerful reminder of early detection and prevention’s critical...

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Tags: Downstate Health, Kidney

Health Disparities Symposium

Downstate Marks 10 Years of Advancing Cancer Equity with Nationally Recognized Symposium

by Office of the President - March 25 , 2025

Downstate recently hosted the 10th Annual Cancer Health Disparities Symposium, welcoming physicians, scientists, nurses, trainees, students, and community members for a day of learning and collaboration centered on addressing the ongoing disparities...

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Tags: Cancer, Health Disparities

Robert Gore

Treating Violence: Dr. Robert Gore on Medicine, Mentorship, and Community Action

by Office of the President - March 25 , 2025

Robert Gore, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and founder of the Kings Against Violence Initiative (KAVI), recently joined students, faculty, and staff for a Black History Month conversation about his new book, Treating Violence:...

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Tags: Emergency Medicine

Shout Outs

Shout Outs

by Office of the President - March 25 , 2025

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In Case You Missed it

In Case You Missed It

by Office of the President - March 25 , 2025

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Dr Riley

A Message from President Riley

by Office of the President - March 11 , 2025

During this month of March, we celebrate those pushing boundaries in medicine and research, reaffirm our commitment to accessible care, and look ahead with optimism.

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Hands That Heal: The Power of Occupational Therapy

by Office of the President - March 11 , 2025

Occupational therapy (OT) is one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting nearly 12 percent job growth over the next decade. An aging population drives this demand, individuals recovering...

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Tags: Awards, Occupational Therapy

GME Success

Full-Court Press for GME Success: Downstate Scores Big in Nashville

by Office of the President - March 11 , 2025

Downstate scored big at the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Annual Educational Conference in Nashville, delivering a championship-level performance in graduate medical education.

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Donna Mckenzie

From X-Ray to Excellence: Woman of Distinction Donna McKenzie

by Office of the President - March 11 , 2025

Congratulations to Donna McKenzie, MBA, RT, LSSGB, on her well-deserved recognition at the upcoming Dr. Sandra Gould Women of Distinction Awards, hosted by the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) New York Regional Chapter.

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HIV Research

Downstate Leaders Transform HIV Research and Care for Women

by Office of the President - March 11 , 2025

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, observed annually on March 10, highlights the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls, especially in underserved communities. This day underscores the urgency of targeted prevention,...

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Tags: Commemorative Months, HIV

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Justice in Healthcare: Experts Call for Action on Disparities and Accountability

by Office of the President - March 11 , 2025

Downstate hosted a Black History Month discussion on health equity, gathering experts to examine systemic barriers, historical injustices, and strategies for change. Advancing Health Equity Amid Uncertainty explored the root causes of disparities...

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Tags: Health Disparities