The President's Bulletin
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.
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.
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...
Tags: Awards, Occupational Therapy
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.
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.
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,...
Tags: Commemorative Months, HIV
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...
Tags: Health Disparities
Breaking Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening in Central Brooklyn
by Office of the President - March 11 , 2025
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer poses a significant health risk to African American men, who are about 20 percent more likely to develop the disease and approximately 40 percent more likely to die from it compared to other...
Tags: Cancer
Marching Forward: Celebrating Match Day, Women’s History, and Healthcare Awareness
by Office of the President - February 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).
Bold New Partnership for Emerging Healthcare Leaders
by Office of the President - February 25 , 2025
Congratulations to the Downstate TRANSPORT II team, who announced an exciting new partnership to advance health equity research and expand opportunities for emerging healthcare leaders.
Tags: Health Equity, TRANSPORT
Preparations for Middle States Reaffirmation of Accreditation
by Office of the President - February 25 , 2025
Institutional accreditation is essential to Downstate’s ability to provide students with financial aid, secure research funding, and uphold the highest standards of academic excellence. Downstate maintains accreditation with the Middle States Commission...
Insights from the U.S. News Healthcare of Tomorrow Conference
by Office of the President - February 25 , 2025
Tags: Conference
Dr. Samuel Márquez Receives Jeffrey T. Laitman Award
by Office of the President - February 25 , 2025
Congratulations to Samuel Márquez, Ph.D., Professor in the Departments of Cell Biology and Otolaryngology. He was recognized by the Alumni Association of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai for his outstanding contributions to medical educat...
Newly-Pinned Nurses Strengthen NYC’s Healthcare Workforce
by Office of the President - February 25 , 2025
Alumni Auditorium brimmed with excitement as the College of Nursing celebrated nearly 200 graduates in a special Convocation and Pinning Ceremony, marking the culmination of years of rigorous study, hands-on training, and commitment for students...
New Study Identifies Aggressive Leukemia in Caribbean Populations
by Office of the President - February 25 , 2025
Congratulations to Hagar Attia, M.D., PGY3 and Pathology Chief Resident, who earned national recognition at CAP24 in Las Vegas, securing third place in the prestigious Top 5 Junior Member Abstract Program at the College of American Pathologists (CAP)...
Mind Games: Your Brain is Easier to Trick Than You Think
by Office of the President - February 25 , 2025
Magic and neuroscience may seem like an unlikely pair, but they share more in common than one might expect. Susana Martinez-Conde, Ph.D., professor of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Physiology & Pharmacology, recently joined Neil deGrasse Tyson, Ph.D.,...
Taking Health to Heart
by Office of the President - February 25 , 2025
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States, affecting millions every year. In recognition of American Heart Month, Downstate and Medgar Evers College joined forces for a Go Red community outreach event.