A Message from President Riley
by Office of the President - September 23 , 2025
This October, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University reflects on the challenges and progress shaping our service, education, and care mission.
Tags: Presidents Office
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.
From Equity to AI Innovation: Dr. Vikram Pagpatan Named SUNY Fellow
by Office of the President - September 23 , 2025
Downstate proudly congratulates Vikram Pagpatan, Ed.D., OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA, ATP, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy and Admissions Coordinator, on being named to the inaugural class of SUNY’s AI for the Public Good Fellows.
Wearable Imaging Innovation Brings New Hope for Breast Cancer Detection
by Office of the President - September 23 , 2025
Research at Downstate is propelling fNIRS toward use as a widely accessible diagnostic technology. Led by Randall Barbour, Ph.D., professor of pathology and principal investigator of the Optical Tomography Group.
Tags: Research
Downstate Faculty Lead Landmark National Study on Amputation Trends
by Office of the President - September 23 , 2025
Congratulations to Panos Kougias, M.D., MSc, FACS, Chair of the Department of Surgery and Clarence and Mary Dennis Professor of Surgery, Sherene Sharath Ph.D., MPH, Director of Research for the Department of Surgery, and their colleagues on the publication...
Tags: Keep Care Close, Research
Breathing New Life Into Patient Care with $10M Air Quality Upgrade
by Office of the President - September 23 , 2025
We celebrate the completion of a four-year, $10 million investment to modernize the air handling systems at University Hospital at Downstate (UHD), an achievement that enhances patient safety, strengthens staff well-being, and positions the hospital...
Tags: Capital Improvements
Wellness Meets Family Fun at Downstate’s Signature Health Fair
by Office of the President - September 23 , 2025
University Hospital Physicians teamed up with NY State Senator Zellnor Myrie to transform the campus into a lively hub of health, wellness, and fun at the fourth annual Healthy Lifestyle Fair and Family Day, drawing families together–from kids...
Tags: Health Fair, Keep Care Close
The First Coat, The First Step: Welcoming the College of Medicine Class of 2029
by Office of the President - September 23 , 2025
Last Friday, more than 200 new students in the College of Medicine’s Class of 2029 donned their first white coats during Downstate’s 31st Annual White Coat Ceremony. Standing with them in the moment was a reminder that the White Coat is more...
Tags: Events, White Coat Ceremony
Tackling Climate Change Through Public Health
by Office of the President - September 23 , 2025
Climate change is more than an environmental crisis; it is a critical public health emergency. Rising heat, worsening air quality, and frequent floods fuel higher asthma rates, increasing heat-related illnesses, and straining hospital systems. Beyond...
Tags: Research, School of Public Health
A Message from President Riley
by Office of the President - September 9 , 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).
New Faculty Enhance Downstate’s Research Leadership
by Office of the President - September 9 , 2025
We are proud to welcome an inspiring group of new faculty members whose expertise and vision will enrich our institution and expand our impact. Their arrival signals more than just individual appointments; it reflects Downstate’s ability to attract...
UHD Debuts Hugs Security System for Infants
by Office of the President - September 9 , 2025
There is nothing more important than the safety of our youngest patients. Downstate is proud to announce the successful launch of its new Hugs Infant & Pediatric Security System across the Women’s and Children’s Nursing Units, reflecting our...
Downstate Earns Prestigious CARE-Q Certification
by Office of the President - September 9 , 2025
In a trailblazing achievement, the Downstate Institutional Review Board (IRB) earned CARE-Q certification, becoming the first institution outside California to achieve this distinction since CARE-Q opened the process outside the University of California...
Generous Gift to Launch Gernsheimer Lecture Series
by Office of the President - September 9 , 2025
Congratulations to the Department of Emergency Medicine on the news of a wonderful surprise! A former Lincoln Hospital resident, Joel Gernsheimer, M.D., our beloved senior education faculty member, made a generous donation in his honor. This acknowledgement...
CGAIMH Summit Elevates Innovation in AI Mental Healthcare
by Office of the President - September 9 , 2025
The Global Center for AI in Mental Health (GCAIMH), founded by Downstate Health Sciences University, UAlbany, and the Health Innovation Exchange (HiEX), will host its 2025 Annual Summit on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the...
PA White Coat Ceremony Wrap-up
by Office of the President - September 9 , 2025
On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Alumni Auditorium at Downstate Health Sciences University was filled with applause, cheers, and pride as the Physician Assistant Class of 2025 stepped onto the stage to receive their white coats. The 17th Annual White...
Tags: White Coat Ceremony
CVD Summer Institute Showcases Downstate Faculty
by Office of the President - September 9 , 2025
Downstate proudly hosted the NIH-funded CVD Summer Institute, welcoming early-career researchers dedicated to advancing equity in cardiovascular health. From a national pool of candidates, just ten were selected; two were our own: Dr. Filippa Juul...