April 2024 Announcements
By Office of Communications & Marketing | Apr 1, 2024
Arab American Heritage Month
To the Downstate Community:
It has come to my attention that the Office of Communications & Marketing neglected to send out a message commemorating April as Arab American Heritage Month, an occasion of great importance that celebrates the invaluable contributions of Arab Americans to our society.
I deeply regret this oversight and recognize the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Arab Americans. Their resilience, achievements, and contributions are integral to the fabric of American society, and we must honor and recognize them.
I understand that not sending a message may have caused disappointment, and I am genuinely sorry about that. We do attempt to stay on top of recognition and celebration months as best as possible, and sometimes we miss the mark.
Moving forward, I am committed to ensuring that we uphold our values of inclusivity and diversity and that all cultural observances are appropriately recognized and celebrated within our community.
Once again, I apologize for this oversight, and I thank you for your understanding and patience. Please see our message of celebration and recognition below.
Sincerely,
Dawn S. Walker, MPA
Vice President
Communications & Marketing
Arab American Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the significant contributions of Arab Americans to the fabric of American society. It provides an opportunity to showcase the diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Arab Americans. The month serves as a reminder of the shared values and aspirations that bind us together, underscores the importance of embracing diversity as a strength, and encourages us to strive for a more inclusive society where every Arab American Heritage Month commemorates the impactful contributions of Arab Americans to American society, emphasizing their cultural richness and diversity.
It serves as a platform to honor their resilience and achievements while celebrating their unique traditions and histories. By recognizing Arab American heritage, we reaffirm the value of diversity and promote inclusivity, fostering a society where every individual’s heritage is appreciated and respected. Let us celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Arab American culture and acknowledge its integral role in shaping our communities and the American mosaic.
We are proud to commemorate the outstanding achievements of three prominent Arab Americans who have left an indelible mark in science and healthcare.
- Lebanese-born Michel Dabaghi, whose last name was later anglicized, was better known as Michael DeBakey, M.D., the father of modern cardiac surgery. He developed a variety of surgical techniques and medical devices, including the DeBakey artificial heart.
- Algerian-born American scientist, radiologist, and biomedical engineer Elias A. Zerhouni, D., served as director of the National Institutes of Health from 2002 to 2008, where he prioritized initiatives to advance medical research and improve healthcare outcomes, leaving a lasting impact on the medical community.
- Lebanese-born Huda Yahya Zoghbi, M.D., is a neuroscientist renowned for her groundbreaking discoveries in genetics and neurology. She is best known for identifying the genetic basis of several neurological disorders, including Rett syndrome, shedding light on their underlying mechanisms and paving the way for potential treatments.
Their outstanding achievements underscore the importance of diverse perspectives and talents in driving scientific progress and improving patient care.
We celebrate all Arab American Americans and honor the vibrant culture, resilience, and contributions they bring to our communities and nation!
The Passing of Dr. Carl Cohen
We regret to inform you that our esteemed colleague, Dr. Carl Cohen, passed away on
April 27 from leukemia.
This is a shattering loss to many of us, to Downstate, and to the broader community. Dr. Cohen was a SUNY Distinguished Service Professor of Psychiatry at Downstate. He had founded our Geriatric Psychiatry Division and built it into a world-renowned center of excellence. Dr. Cohen was also the founding Director of the Brooklyn Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Center and the Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship Program. He has been the recipient of over 50 research, training, and service grants. He has received numerous awards and honors including Educator of the Year (American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry), Psychiatrist of the Year (American Association of Community Psychiatry), the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award (NAMI), "Best Doctors in America," "Best Doctors in New York," "Who's Who in the World," and "Who's Who in America." He was also a recipient of a "Geriatric Mental Health Academic Award" from the National Institute of Mental Health.
He was a brilliant, compassionate person who mentored so many people into scholarly clinical careers while providing comprehensive, outstanding service to the needy. His service is known for providing state of the art service to the community, educating residents, fellows, medical students, and students from other disciplines, providing inter-professional geriatric education to community clinicians, doing clinical research, and obtaining grants to support many of its operations.
Dr. Cohen will be missed by all of us. The family will let us know if there is any funeral service that is open to people outside the family. If we learn of it, we will let you know. Our department will be organizing a memorial service at Downstate in a few weeks. We will let you know when it is arranged.
Carl's wife Katie wrote as follows:
For those interested in making donations in Carl's memory we have chosen the fund of the Oncologist who took such good care of him and continues to support us.
The Columbia Giving site is givenow.columbia.edu
And the fund is:
Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
Lamanna Research Fund
Submit Documentation for the Bivalent COVID Vaccine to EHS by 5/10/2024
This is a time sensitive hospital-wide campaign to obtain documentation of receipt or declination of the most recent Bivalent COVID Vaccine from October 2023 to present. Although COVID immunization is no longer mandatory, healthcare facilities are required to provide this information to regulatory health authorities such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
To submit proof of the vaccination or declination to Employee Health Service, simply attach the completed form (see attached fillable pdf) and e-mail it to: coronaEHS@downstate.edu.
The due date is on Friday, May 10, 2024.
To All Downstate Employees:
Student Loan Forgiveness for SUNY Downstate Employees (Deadline 4/30)
If you have student loans and haven’t yet enrolled in federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), there is a hard deadline on April 30th. As an employee at SUNY Downstate, you can backdate the 10 year repayment period to when you started working in nonprofits/government to give you credit for working through the pandemic.
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is thrilled to partner with Plannery, who’s helped many of your colleagues over the past few months achieve an average of $64,000 in savings. Plannery is committed to helping every single Downstate employee see if they qualify for this program, and if so, file the application and get enrolled into this program before the April 30th deadline for a one-time fee.
We recommend exploring this opportunity – there are many misconceptions about the program, and it could have a meaningful impact on your personal finances.
This one-time federal program ends April 30th, 2024 so take advantage of this benefit before it's too late.
Here is Plannery’s website to sign up and learn more about how they can help SUNY Downstate employees:
TO NURSES WITH LESS THAN 10 YEARS OF SERVICE AT DOWNSTATE:
Free Enrollment in Student Loan Forgiveness (Deadline 4/30)
You’ve been selected to join a new pilot program for nurses in their first 10 years at Downstate! We’re excited to partner with Plannery to provide free enrollment in Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
If you have student loans and haven’t yet enrolled in PSLF, there is a hard deadline on April 30th allowing you to backdate the 10 year repayment period to when you started working in nonprofits/government, giving you credit for working through the pandemic.
Plannery is committed to helping every single SUNY Downstate employee, and will do all the work to see if you qualify for this program, file your application and help you enroll you in this program before the April 30th deadline. Over the past few months, Plannery has helped save many of your colleagues an average of $64,000 each.
I recommend exploring this opportunity – again, this is available at no cost to you.
This one-time federal program ends April 30th, 2024 so take advantage of this benefit before it’s too late!
Here is Plannery’s website where you can sign up and learn more about how they can help nurses at SUNY Downstate:
Updated Signage for Lactation Rooms Across the Downstate Campus
Throughout the Downstate Campus, flag mounted signs have been installed at our existing lactation rooms, to make them easier to locate. These lactation rooms provide a clean, comfortable, safe, and private space to effectively express milk during the day or at night.
Below is a list of our three currently operating lactation rooms:
University Hospital at Downstate Room 3-469 – Entry to Maternity Unit
PHAB Room 5-004 – In Student Relaxation Area
HSEB Room 1-007 – Near Alumni Auditorium
Internal Controls: Tone at the Top
“Internal Controls” is a term that describes the steps taken by SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (Downstate) to ensure that it operates competently and in accordance with relevant regulations and policy objectives.
Establishing a robust internal control system helps to reduce the possibility of risk and enables smooth and effective operations. Each person at Downstate plays a pivotal part in ensuring effective internal controls.
As a New York State agency, Downstate must comply with the requirements of the “New York State Governmental Accountability, Audit and Internal Control Act of 1987.” This legislation requires all State agencies to design a system of internal controls to ensure efficient and ethical operations.
To conform with this legislation, Downstate management must continuously evaluate internal controls within their respective units to ensure the effectiveness in achieving goals. This means that managers should determine what information is needed to ensure effective operations and that they receive and consistently review that data. Examples of internal controls include the development of specific policies and procedures that detail a unit’s processes, generating reports to identify outlier situations, or implementing system controls to prevent certain activities.
To ensure that Downstate remains a fulfilling organization to work and grow professionally, internal controls must be integrated into its operations on a regular basis.
I have confidence that everyone will continue to actively participate in and enhance this program.
“Internal Controls” is a term that describes the steps taken by SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (Downstate) to ensure that it operates competently and in accordance with relevant regulations and policy objectives.
Establishing a robust internal control system helps to reduce the possibility of risk and enables smooth and effective operations. Each person at Downstate plays a pivotal part in ensuring effective internal controls.
As a New York State agency, Downstate must comply with the requirements of the “New York State Governmental Accountability, Audit and Internal Control Act of 1987.” This legislation requires all State agencies to design a system of internal controls to ensure efficient and ethical operations.
To conform with this legislation, Downstate management must continuously evaluate internal controls within their respective units to ensure the effectiveness in achieving goals. This means that managers should determine what information is needed to ensure effective operations and that they receive and consistently review that data. Examples of internal controls include the development of specific policies and procedures that detail a unit’s processes, generating reports to identify outlier situations, or implementing system controls to prevent certain activities.
To ensure that Downstate remains a fulfilling organization that works and grows professionally, internal controls must be integrated into its operations on a regular basis.
I have confidence that everyone will continue to participate actively in and enhance this program.
A Reminder About The Importance of Cancer Prevention
During National Cancer Prevention Month, we want to emphasize the significance of
proactive measures in reducing cancer risk. While the topic of cancer prevention can
feel overwhelming, even minor adjustments can profoundly impact our well-being. Whether
it involves quitting smoking, undergoing screenings such as mammograms or prostate
exams, shielding our skin from UV rays, or being mindful of our diet, each choice
contributes to a healthier future.
Every endeavor, regardless of its scale, contributes to prioritizing our health, particularly in cancer prevention. Maintaining regular check-ups, embracing a balanced diet, or integrating exercise into our daily routines—every step taken toward prevention is invaluable.
Cancer prevention and early detection can make a difference. We celebrate Director of Nursing Ruth O’Donnell MSN, RN, and her very personal journey of breast cancer diagnosis, her treatment right here at UHD, and how she continues to maintain her health.
Register Today For An Upcoming AVERT Active Shooter Training
AVERT, short for Active Violence Emergency Response Training goes beyond active shooter training by teaching emergency bleeding control techniques, warning signs of a potential aggressor, quick response in a violent situation, escape, evade, or attack in critical seconds during an event, and staff confidence needed to respond. University Hospital at Downstate is now a training center with 14 certified instructors that includes staff from Emergency Management, University Police, the HAZMAT team, and the ED.
Please RSVP by using the link below to register for an upcoming Active Shooter Training:
- Event Address: University Hospital at Downstate
- Exact location will be emailed after registration is complete
- For more information, contact Jennifer Guzman at Jennifer.Guzman@downstate.edu
- Register for an upcoming event here: https://downstate.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3Da7gRVrzTWnjzU
Upcoming TIAA Consultations
TIAA continues to offer on campus/in-person counseling sessions by appointment only. If there are no times available, that means all appointments are taken. Please consider virtual/zoom meetings as an alternative. Please self-schedule via website or by phone. When choosing by video(virtual/zoom) be sure to select “Stephen Baumeister” as the TIAA Financial Consultant. RSVP today, as space is limited. Register for sessions at www.tiaa.org/schedulenow or by calling 800-732-8353, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET).
SUNY Downstate’s Cardiovascular Health Related Research Summer Institute is open for Summer 2024 Applications
June 16 - June 28, 2024
Nursing Excellence Awards 2024
Call for Nominations
INSTRUCTIONS: Use the attached forms, links or QR codes below to nominate our nursing staff.
Deadline – Thursday April 24th, 2024.
REMEMBER…..ANYONE CAN NOMINATE A NURSE OR NURSING TEAM MEMBER!
COELIG'S Ethics Training Spotlight Newsletter
On behalf of the Department of Human Resources, we are resending this newsletter to remind you there are still dates available in April to take the Comprehensive Ethics Training Course (CETC). There are also new dates available in May and June. We encourage everyone to participate as soon as possible as All New York State officers and employees are required to attend. To register, click on “Find a Training” below.
THE ETHICS SPOTLIGHT
Shining a spotlight on the state's ethics rules
|
Sanford N. Berland |
February 2024 |
Frederick A. Davie |
||
|
Executive Director |
Edition 2 |
Chair |
Ethics Training is for Everyone
All New York State officers and employees are required to attend
ethics training every year.
The workforce-wide mandatory Comprehensive Ethics Training Course (CETC) is the only ethics course that satisfies the mandated live ethics training requirement.
Once the live CETC requirement is fulfilled, New York State officers and employees will then take on-demand refresher training the following year. Then, back to live CETC in year three and on-demand refresher year four, and so on.
The Training Team at the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) offers live trainings via WebEx every month:
1. Open CETC sessions – these sessions are open to all officers and employees across New York State.
2. Agency Specific CETC Sessions – these sessions are reserved ONLY by agency Ethics Officers and/or Agency Trainers requesting COELIG Trainers deliver live training to a large population of their agency employees.
Post-Professional Doctorate Training Program
Upcoming Events
EAP Frontline Newsletter: Please take a moment to read into the April 2024 EAP Frontline Newsletter. This presents a great chance to explore a wide range of insights and resources that could enhance your overall well-being. This month's edition offers a variety of reads, including "Counseling for Stress Management" and "Self-Motivation vs Self Discipline," among others. Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your knowledge and nurture your personal growth. See attached!
WellNYS Daily To-Do (April):"Organize Your Finances". Organizing your finances is a critical aspect of achieving financial stability and success. Whether you're striving to pay off debt, save for a major purchase, or plan for retirement, having a well-organized financial strategy can significantly enhance your ability to meet your goals. Learn some key steps to effectively organize your finances.
Join Us for the 2024 Radiology Symposium
April 8, 2024
7:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Auditorium ABCD
Register Today for Our LEND Workshop: Transitions Across Lifespan for Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
April 12, 2024
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cohort #3 of the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Training is now open!!
April 16-18, 2024
All applications are due by end of business on April 1st.
What is Lean Six Sigma?
Lean Six Sigma is a data-driven method for improving performance by systematically
removing waste and reducing variation in processes through collaborative team efforts.
Increased performance and decreased process variation can drive error reduction and
improvements in operational efficiency, care delivery, employee morale, and economic
health. Our certification course will provide candidates with hands-on experience
in over 100 process improvement tools and techniques.
What is the training timeline?
Green Belt candidates must attend all sessions of the program.
Session #1 – April 16 / April 17 / April 18 [in person]
Session #2 – May 14 / May 15 [virtual session]
Session #3 - June 25 / June 25 [virtual session]
Session #4 - July 16 / July 17 / July 18 [in person]
Who Should Apply
Green Belt candidates may include individuals in managerial and supervisory roles as well as front line staff in both clinical and non-clinical areas. The certification is ideal for those who can be tasked with improving existing processes across the hospital.
Applicant Criteria
To be considered for the program you must possess all of the following:
- Interest in Process Improvement – Participation in process improvement initiatives and demonstration of “quality consciousness” in previous work.
- Ability to Manage Change – Change management skills are critical to help the hospital through the process of facilitating organizational changes.
- Process Orientation – A focus on the complete process instead of viewing things in isolation – ability to visualize how resources and tasks interact with each other.
- Resilience – The ability to adapt in the face of potential failure, adversity or significant stress in order to pursue stated project objectives.
- Commitment to Dedicate Required Time – This training program and subsequent projects are in addition to your current job responsibilities. Commitment to the Green Belt can quickly become a lower priority if dedicated time is not allowed. It is your responsibility to ensure appropriate time is allocated to Green Belt efforts.
- Zeal to Learn – Green Belts learn many tools and techniques, and to gain confidence in using the methodology, practice is required.
- Leadership Skills– It's important to lead employees through organizational changes and delegate roles to the right people. This is critical to success.
- Understand Customer Experience – Six Sigma is all about meeting customer expectations (whether patients or staff) so a Green Belt with little understanding of customers experience may be less likely to relate this aspect of Six Sigma.
- Ability to Leverage Data Analysis – Six Sigma is a data-based methodology, so a commitment to understanding and making data-driven decisions is required.
Please click the following link to apply:
Downstate Green Belt Certification Training Application
For all questions related to the application or program please contact Tyshawn Toney or Chasles Abimana, Directors of System Engineering.
Make an Appointment for Our Blood Drive on April 22 and 23, 2024
Monday, April 22, 2024
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
12:00 PM - 6:00 Pm
College of Nursing Undergraduate Student Research Day
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
PHAB Hall ABC
Joins us for the Downstate and Healthfirst Educational Town Hall
April 24, 2024
12:00 PM
SOHP Annual Research Day
Thursday, May 2, 2024
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Alumni Auditorium
Register for our 3rd Annual Conference on Plant-Based Health and Nutrition
May 10, 2024
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Alumni Auditorium
Check back for regular updates to this page!
* New information highlighted in yellow *