September 2024 Announcements

By Office of Communications & Marketing | Sep 1, 2024

Violet O. Price, MLS Appointed as Interim Director of Library Services

Pascal James Imperato, M.D., Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Library Services Department, announced the appointment of Violet O. Price, MLS, as Interim Director of Library Services and Chair of the Student Technology Fee, effective August 30, 2024.

For the past 25 years, Ms. Price has been an integral part of the Downstate library community, previously serving as the Head of Library Resources Management Services, where her leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact on the institution, its students, faculty, and the broader Downstate community.

In her new role, Ms. Price will continue to manage Library Resources Management while stepping into broader responsibilities, overseeing the entire library’s operations. With her vast experience and commitment to excellence, she can lead the library through this pivotal period.

Ms. Price earned her Master’s in Library Science from St. John’s University. She remained an active participant in prestigious organizations such as the State University of New York Librarians Association (SUNYLA), the Medical Library Association (MLA), and the New York Library Association (NYLA). Her roles as a speaker and committee member in these associations highlight her dedication to advancing the library profession.

Beyond her formal education, she has continually built on her expertise through specialized training, particularly in systematic reviews and leadership succession. Her extensive knowledge of medical and healthcare databases, such as TOXNET, PubMed, and MeSH, has further certified Ms. Price as a key figure in health sciences libraries.

Throughout her career, she has taken on various leadership roles within SUNY Downstate, progressing from Assistant Librarian to Sr. Assistant Librarian-Tenured. Ms. Price has earned numerous awards for her contributions, including the prestigious SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Librarianship, highlighting her exceptional work advancing library services and supporting academic growth.

Her active involvement in professional organizations, impressive track record in education and leadership, and ongoing commitment to advancing research and information literacy make her an invaluable asset to SUNY Downstate and the academic community.

Please join us in congratulating Violet O. Price on this well-deserved appointment and offering your support as she leads Library Services into a new chapter of growth and innovation!

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Downstate Welcomes The Commons at the Cafeteria

We're excited to introduce the newly upgraded seating area at The Commons! With more space and stunning, large windows, it's a great spot to relax and enjoy your meal. This beautiful transformation of our cafeteria is designed for everyone—patients, students, staff, and visitors alike.

A special thanks to our incredible Facilities Management and Development team for making this project a reality with such care and efficiency. Take a look at some photos of the new space, and if you haven't already, stop by The Commons to experience it for yourself!

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In Celebration of Dr. Eva B. Cramer: A Biotechnology Visionary

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Eva Brown Cramer, Ph.D., who recently retired after a remarkable five-decade career at SUNY Downstate. Dr. Cramer’s dedication to Downstate and contributions to education, research, and the biotechnology sector leave an indelible mark on the institution and the broader community.

Dr. Cramer was a celebrated Distinguished Service Professor of Cell Biology, Vice President for Biotechnology and Scientific Affairs, and President of the Downstate Biotech Incubator and Tech @710. Her visionary work was pivotal in positioning Downstate as a leader in New York City’s growing biotechnology industry, enhancing Downstate’s national reputation.

Born and raised in Queens, Dr. Cramer attended Jamaica High School before earning her B.S. degree at Cornell University and her Ph.D. from Thomas Jefferson University’s School of Medicine. She completed postdoctoral training at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University.

After serving as an instructor at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Cramer joined the Downstate faculty in 1973 and quickly ascended the academic ranks. During that time, she developed her scientific research on the vascular endothelium and how inflammatory and metabolic conditions influenced the movement of white blood cells.  Her work led to numerous research articles, book chapters, and grant awards from prestigious organizations, including the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association. She also held a patent on a device for growing and testing biological materials.

Dr. Cramer became a full Professor of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Acting Associate Provost for Scientific Affairs at Downstate in 1988. During her sabbatical in 1982, she was an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Cellular Physiology and Immunology Laboratory at Rockefeller University.

In 1997, Dr. Cramer was appointed Assistant Dean for Basic Science Education, charged with reorganizing the fundamental structure of the medical school curriculum. Under her leadership, the curriculum transitioned from course-based to organ system-based and incorporated early clinical experiences and evidence-based learning. Her revision was well received by students and faculty, and paved the way for the current medical school curriculum. She was honored for her contributions with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award in 2004 and appointed a Distinguished Service Professor in 2006.

Dr. Cramer was beloved by students and a was an invaluable mentor to junior faculty members and graduate students.  She earned widespread recognition for her dedication to teaching, including honors such as the Outstanding Preclinical Educator Award, several Teacher of the Year awards, the 2010 Yearbook Dedication, Outstanding Women in Medical Education (twice), the Gender Equity Award, and Honorary Alumna of the Downstate College of Medicine. For over 25 years, students selected her to be Presiding Marshal at Commencement.

Dr. Cramer dedicated herself to building the school’s esprit de corps among students and faculty. Toward this end, she established the annual Student-Faculty Show in 1983 and organized student-faculty softball games. She viewed these activities as unique and memorable ways to unite everyone involved in medical school by building a sense of community and shared experiences through fun and laughter.  Furthermore, she enhanced the campus by arranging gifts of trees and bulbs from the New York City Parks Department and Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

In 2001, Dr. Cramer was appointed Vice President for Biotechnology and Scientific Affairs. In that capacity, she developed a comprehensive strategy to support Downstate researchers and meet the critical needs of the biotech industry in New York City. To make her vision a reality, Dr. Cramer secured over $90 million in funding from city, state, and federal sources. She established the Downstate Biotechnology Incubator, Tech @710, and BioBAT at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, creating an essential infrastructure to meet the needs of small startups as well as larger, more sophisticated companies.

Dr. Cramer’s hands-on involvement in the design, construction, and ongoing operations of these facilities reflected her constant attention to detail. She was a tireless and fierce advocate on behalf of the entrepreneurs in Downstate’s biotech community and was always looking for ways to support them. Through those efforts, she developed enduring symbiotic relationships between biotech companies and Downstate to implement workforce development programs.

Recognizing the need for qualified workers to support emerging biotech companies, in collaboration with Hunter College Dr. Cramer created the New York Bioscience/Biotechnology Technician Training Program, a model for workforce development based on employer needs. Her efforts also fostered collaboration among emerging biotech companies and Downstate’s scientists and physicians, creating hundreds of high-quality biotechnology jobs in Brooklyn.

At the 2023 Commencement, Downstate President, Dr. Wayne J. Riley, presented Dr. Cramer with the President’s Award, the institution’s second highest honor. This award recognized her invaluable contributions and vital service to SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University.

Outside of her professional achievements, Dr. Cramer deeply loved nature, gardening, and travel. She cherished spending time with her husband, two children, and three grandchildren, finding joy in her family and outdoor pursuits.

In honor of Dr. Cramer’s memory and remarkable work, the Faculty Gem lectures, that she organized for many years, will resume as a testament to her lasting influence on the Downstate community.

Dr. Cramer’s work in biotechnology, education, and research has had a profound and lasting impact, and her legacy will inspire those who follow in her footsteps.

We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Cramer’s family, friends, and colleagues, and invite you to see a photo montage of Dr. Cramer, and video from a press conference celebrating a new BIOBAT partnership; Dr. Cramer speaks at 1:07.

Memorial Service Information

Saturday, September 14, 2024

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

The Mansion at Glen Cove
200 Dosoris Lane
Glen Cove, NY 11542

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Sarcoma Foundation of America

Those unable to attend in person can join the livestream at:
https://zoom.us/i/914806063237

Meeting ID: 914 8060 3237

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TriNetX at Downstate

Dear SUNY Downstate Clinicians, Researchers, and Research Community,

We are excited to announce that TriNetX is now live and available to support your research efforts at SUNY Downstate. This cutting-edge platform is accessible to all Downstate-employed individuals with research needs, offering robust data capabilities to enhance your work.  

TriNetX is a global health research network that provides real-time access to de-identified patient data. It is designed to expedite the research process by offering researchers critical tools for data analysis. With TriNetX, you can efficiently access aggregated data, enabling you to identify patient cohorts, assess study feasibility, and generate insights to support your research objectives. 

In addition to its powerful data capabilities, TriNetX can also help increase our visibility in industry-sponsored clinical trials by connecting us with potential study opportunities. Its comprehensive analytics position us as key players in the global research community, opening doors for new collaborations and partnerships.

The Office of Research Administration (ORA) at SUNY Downstate is proud to offer this powerful network to our researchers. If you are interested in leveraging TriNetX for your research, the Clinical Trials division within ORA is responsible for providing access to the network, as well as CITI, Responsible Conduct of Research, and TriNetX-specific training. Please reach out to us at ClinicalTrials@downstate.edu to discuss how TriNetX can support your projects.

We look forward to innovative research and collaborations that will emerge from the use of TriNetX at SUNY Downstate. Thank you for your dedication to advancing medical research and improving patient care.    

Yihenew Abetu, MBA,CCRC
Director of Clinical Trials   

Sharon L. Sealy 
Exec. Director for ORA

W. Marcus Lambert, PhD
AVP for Research  

David Christini, PhD
SVP for Research

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David J. Christini, Ph.D. Appointed as Dean of the School of Graduate Studies

I am pleased to announce the appointment of David J. Christini, Ph.D.,Professor of Physiology & Pharmacology, and Senior Vice President for Research as Dean of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS), effective July 1, 2024. Dr. Christini served as Interim Dean of SGS for the past two years.

Dr. Christini was selected from an outstanding group of finalists following a comprehensive two-year national search. The process was led by a Search Committee, which included both faculty and students, and was chaired by Dean of the College of Medicine F. Charles Brunicardi, M.D.

Dr. Christini brings extensive experience in graduate education, research, and leadership. Some of his career highlights include:

• Six years as part of the senior leadership team at Weill Cornell Graduate School, including two years as Vice Dean.
• Founding and leading the Tri-Institutional Ph.D. Program in Computational Biology and Medicine was NIH T32-funded, from 2003 to 2019.
• Chairing an NIH NIGMS T32 study section from 2017 to 2020, providing him a national perspective on best practices for biomedical science training.

As SGS Interim Dean, Dr. Christini spearheaded several impactful initiatives, including:

• Transitioning admissions to the BiomedCAS centralized application system, resulting in a threefold increase in applications.
• Restructuring the administrative team to introduce a Career & Professional Development role, all without expanding the budget or cutting services.
• Developing processes that enable students to complete their PhDs more efficiently, helping them enter the workforce sooner.

In addition to his new role as dean, Dr. Christini will continue serving as Senior Vice President for Research, overseeing the University’s broad research strategy and operations. He has held this role since joining Downstate in 2020.

This dual appointment reflects the inherent connection between research and graduate education, a hallmark of health sciences institutions. Dr. Christini’s extensive experience makes him ideally suited to lead SGS in cultivating the next generation of biomedical scientists.

Dr. Christini holds a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Boston University and completed his postdoctoral fellowship at Cornell University Medical College.

We are grateful for his leadership and look forward to the great things ahead.

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NP Attestation UHD Communication

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued updated documentation, coding, and billing guidelines related to split or shared Evaluation and Management (E&M) services[1].  A split or shared E&M service is delivered in the facility setting and is performed in part by both a physician and an Advanced Practice Practitioner (APP) working for the same group/employer.  Under these circumstances, either the physician or the APP, whomever performs the substantive portion of the visit, is eligible to bill for the service. The physician bills at 100% of the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and the APP bills at 85% of the PFS.[2]

At UHD, APP’s have assigned their billing rights to the hospital. In order to professionally bill a shared service, the Attending Physician must have either performed the substantive portion of the medical decision making and incorporate evidence of such in the record or must have spent more than 50% of the total visit time.

In order to ensure the appropriate documentation is incorporated into the record to support a professional bill for these services, effective September 10, 2024, HealthBridge will implement two new attestation statements; one to be used for the APP and the other to be used by the Attending Physician.

The APP should utilize the “Advanced Practice Practitioner (APP) Statement” which contains two options within the attestation:

• Time Based Attestation: The APP should insert the # of minutes spent on the total visit time;
• Substantive Portion Attestation: The APP should select whether they performed the substantive portion of the visit. The record documentation must support this attestation.

The APP must then select a ‘co-signing’ Attending so that the record is routed for the next level of signature. The Attending Physician should document the relevant documentation in the record and then select the “Attending Physician Statement for Mid-Levels Only”. This Attestation should NOT be confused with the PATH Statement that is required when a resident/ fellow documents in the record. The Attending Physician Statement for Mid- Levels Only contains two attestation options:

• Time-Based Attestation: The Attending should insert the number of minutes spent on the total visit time. Note: If the APP inserted a greater number of minutes than the Attending Physician, a professional bill under the attending physician cannot be dropped.
• Substantive Portion Attestation: If the Attending selects this option, the record must contain the support documentation to demonstrate that the Attending Physician did, in fact, perform the substantive portion of the medical decision making. A simple copy/ paste of the APP’s documentation with minor revisions will not support the ‘substantive portion’ requirement.

The Office of Compliance and Audit Services has developed training programs on Shared Split/ Incident To Services. APP’s and associated Attending Physicians who have not completed such training may request enrollment by emailing compliance@downstate.edu. Questions related to this topic may also be directed to the compliance email address.

For questions related to utilizing the HealthBridge attestations, please contact the HELP Desk at x4357.

CMS IOM Pub. 100-04 Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 12, section 30.6.18

There is also another type of shared service that is only performed in the outpatient/office setting called an Incident to service[2]. An Incident to service is delivered in the private practice/office setting and is performed by an APP under the supervision of an Attending, both working for the same group/employer. University Physicians of Brooklyn, Inc. (UPB) may bill a professional claim under the Attending as long as the APP is employed by/ partially salaried by UPB. See CMS IOM Pub. 100-04 Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 12, section 30.6.4.

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Ethics Training is for Everyone...

Colleagues,

Executive Law Section 94 now MANDATES all State officers and employees take live ethics training every two years, with refresher online training occurring during the non-live training year.

The Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) Training Team has released the September agency specific training for Downstate. The date and registration deadline are:

 Thursday, September 12^th (1:00 pm-3:00 pm)

• Register by Monday, September 9^th

 To register, you must email humanresources@downstate.edu by the deadline referenced above. We will confirm your registration and send you the link to join the meeting in advance of the scheduled date.

The session is conducted via Webex. You must have the app on your mobile device if you are using it to attend. Also, to receive credit for attendance, you must attend the entire session and not be late logging in.

Thank you and please let us know if you have any questions. 

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Campus Events and Demonstrations Standards and Procedures

Last academic year, many college and university campuses, including here at Downstate, were the sites of passionate debate. At SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (Downstate), events and discussions were peaceful and free of the violence that disrupted many other universities. I want to express my appreciation for the many community members whose leadership made a collective and positive difference.

With the academic year underway, debates over continuing international conflicts will likely amplify, particularly with a closely contested US presidential election. We must ensure that Downstate remains unwaveringly committed to free speech and equally committed to providing everyone in our community with a safe environment free of discrimination.

I am writing to share the Downstate Health Sciences University Campus Events and Demonstrations Standards and Procedures, which clarify rules applicable to demonstrations and other campus events and the consequences for breaking them. This Guide reflects various existing policies. By assembling these policies into a single comprehensive document, we want to make it easier for everyone to become familiar with them, especially our students and faculty.

We have also updated our Policies on Identification Cards, Postings, Camping, and Use of Tents on Campus, and those regarding Freedom of Expression & Assembly for students.

Below is a crucial excerpt from our Guide:

“With these guidelines, we reinforce and reaffirm our commitment to open expression and, at the same time, ensure that protests, demonstrations, and other expressions of free speech are appropriately managed. These guidelines are not about speech content. The guidelines aim to enable free expression while allowing SUNY Downstate to deliver its core missions of teaching, research, service, and patient care without disruption.”

We will consistently enforce these rules in a viewpoint-neutral way. We will resist any efforts of various sides in these debates to win the University’s endorsement of its views.

Some of today’s debates touch on core identity issues and life and death. Many community members have friends or family in harm’s way—in the Middle East, at home, or elsewhere in the world. As a result, even if constitutionally protected, sharp disagreements can feel deeply hurtful and even frightening. The mental health challenges this poses are real, and no one should feel they must face them alone. I encourage anyone who feels they or others might benefit from Downstate’s many support services to reach out for help, and I encourage everyone to be mindful of friends or colleagues who may need support.

For students: Student Counseling, Student Affairs, the University Chaplain’s Office in University Hospital, or the Office of Student Life/Student Center,

For employees: The Employee Assistance Program or the University Chaplain’s Office in University Hospital

Finally, anyone who experiences threatening behavior or other emergencies should contact the University Police Department by calling (718) 270-2626 or by dialing 2626 from any campus phone. To report discrimination or discriminatory harassment, contact the Office of Institutional Equity at AskODI@downstate.edu or call (718) 270-1738.

A step we can all take today to sustain a campus climate of decency, civility, and respect is to familiarize ourselves with the Guide and commit to implementing these policies with collegiality consistent with our values. If we do so, Downstate will provide the welcoming community everyone on our campus deserves.

Thank you for your partnership and for all you do for Downstate.

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Passing of Dr. Bodis-Wollner

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our friend, colleague and mentor Iván Bódis-Wollner, MD, D.Sc. Dr. Bódis-Wollner was an innovative and prolific scientist, a wonderful and dedicated physician and a captivating human being. He joined the faculty at SUNY Downstate in 1993 and shaped the neurology department at Downstate in innumerous ways creating an inspiring legacy.

Dr. Bódis-Wollner was born in Szeged in the South of Hungary on October 1, 1937. His privileged, secure life of proper behavior and formality came to an abrupt end with World War II when he and family were shipped to Bergen Belsen.  On April 13, 1945, by luck, when the war was almost over, the family survived starvation on a stalled train in a forest, crammed with Bergen Belsen prisoners en route to a death camp.  They were found and saved by the 743'd US Tank Battalion on their way to Magdeburg. Iván, his mother and grandfather, later traveled back to Szeged on top of a coal filled train car. He went on to become a university student in Hungary, however, he was forced to leave as he participated in the Revolution of 1956. His path led him first to Yugoslavia and from there to Austria where he continued to study medicine at the University of Vienna. After obtaining his medical degree there in 1965, he moved to the U.K. He received a scholarship to study visual physiology in John Robson’s lab at Corpus Christi College at the University of Cambridge. After his year at Cambridge, Richard Gregory asked Dr. Bódis-Wollner to join him at the University of Edinburgh where he, Christopher Longuet-Higgins, and Donald Michie had recently created the Department of Machine Intelligence and Perception. This fledgling department was at the forefront of research to advance AI long before most imagined its broad applications.

In 1970, Dr. Bódis-Wollner decided to cross the Atlantic Ocean and complete his medical studies with an intern year and his neurology residency at Mount Sinai in New York. He stayed on as a faculty member and was eventually appointed as Professor of Neurology at Mount Sinai Medical School in 1982. During his time at Mount Sinai, he served as the co-director of the Center for Parkinson's Disease (PD) and Related Disorders. Also at Mt Sinai, Dr. Bódis-Wollner expanded his previous interest in visual physiology from Cambridge and developed a Visual Evoked Potential Lab. Several years later, he contributed to the objective assessment of optic nerve function with pattern electroretinography. While still at Mt Sinai, Dr. Bódis-Wollner started collaborating with optometrists and ophthalmologists at SUNY College of Optometry and encountered patients with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). He co-chaired the first International LHON Symposium in NY and - shortly afterwards - was one of the key founding members of International Foundation for Optic Nerve Disease (IFOND) in 1995. Dr. Bódis-Wollner was one of the very few board-certified neurologists with expertise in vision as further exemplified by introducing the assessment of PD patients with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

He eventually joined the faculty of SUNY Downstate in 1993 as a Tenured Professor of Neurology. In 1995, in recognition of his translational research and clinical work in Parkinson's disease, the National Parkinson Foundation designated his clinic at Kings County Hospital a Center of Excellence for Parkinson's disease and movement disorders. His international presence led him to be elected as a visiting professor at the University of Rome, the Canadian Université de Sherbrooke, Shanghai University, Beijing United Medical University and the University of Szeged. Dr. Bódis-Wollner received multiple national and also international awards and grants by the NIH, the Parkinson’s Foundation, the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Parkinson Study Group. In addition, he was awarded the Fogarty Senior Fellowship in 1986, the prestigious Humboldt Research Award in 1993 and a doctor honoris causa at the University of Szeged in 1998.

Dr. Bódis-Wollner’s passion for science was boundless though his research focused on several topics: He studied visual processing and visual disturbances, mainly seen in Parkinson's disease; he pursued basic science studies on neurophysiology, neurodegeneration and neuroprotection in monkey models of Parkinson’s disease; he contributed significantly to the understanding of Parkinson’s Disease as a disease affecting not only movements but also emotions and cognition … the so-called “non-motor” symptoms of Parkinson’s; and he was involved in many clinical trials leading to the approval of new, innovative medications to treat Parkinson’s disease such as an inhalable formulation of carbidopa-levodopa, a long-acting version of amantadine and an adenosine receptor antagonist that can be used as an add-on treatment option for motor fluctuations in Parkinson’s.  Over the course of his career, he published more than 200 peer-reviewed studies including publications in preeminent scientific journals such as Nature, Science and Brain. He published or co-edited 7 books including with Bernard Cohen, Vision and the Brain: The Organization of the Central Visual System with contributions by many eminent scientists such as Peter Schiller, Nick Brecha, Max Cynader, Pasko Rakic and John Dowling. In addition to his own scientific writing, he also served as the Chief Editor of Clinical Vision Sciences as Section Editor of Vision Research for over 14 years.

He shaped the career of a myriad of trainees, scientists, medical students and residents who are now Professors of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology themselves. Dr. Bódis-Wollner was invited to teach and give lectures around the world and at several renowned academic institutions. Dr. Bódis-Wollner’s spread the concept of the “pre-cardinal” stage of Parkinson's disease both in neurology and in the lay press, emphasizing the importance of non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s. As part of his clinical initiatives, he was the chairman of the "non-motor" working group of the Parkinson's Study Group. Moreover, with his wife, Olie Westheimer, they developed the idea of “Dance for PD”, a therapy program for Parkinson’s disease that Olie developed in collaboration with the Brooklyn-based Mark Morries Dance Group and that is now practiced world-wide and has been accepted to be an effective measure to improve the quality of life for people with PD. As Olie described it in her own words: “If he had not supported me, letting me know my idea of professional dancers leading dance classes for people with PD was a good idea, and suggesting things to read and conferences to attend to broaden my understanding, I could not have initiated and helped build the program. The existence of the program owes as much to him as to me.” 

Bódis-Wollner was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Traveling was his passion and he loved to swim and to bike. He took pride in his Hungarian roots and his international training and wide circle of international collaborations. He helped found the Society of Hungarian Academicians of America, and the Hungarian Scientific Society of New York. He was elected as an external member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in the Department of Biological Sciences.

Dr. Bódis-Wollner’s remarkable and inspiring journey ended on June 28 of this year in New York. He passed away surrounded by his family and our thoughts are with his wife Olie and his children and grandchildren. His death leaves an irreplaceable personal, scientific and professional void.

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Downstate Health Physicians Welcome The New Chief Financial Officer

We are proud to announce Thomas Nicolich as our new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Downstate Health Physicians. He will be responsible for directing the fiscal functions of the Physician Practice Plan in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, other regulatory and advisory organizations, and in accordance with financial management techniques and practices appropriate within non-profits. The CFO at Downstate Health Physicians will direct the organization’s financial planning and budgeting functions. 

In his role, Mr. Nicolich will be developing and monitoring operating budgets and capital, including labor and productivity. Mr. Nicolich will also identify budget variances and trends, and will work with department leadership to understand and develop gap-closure plans, as well as review and ensure application of appropriate internal controls, compliance, and financial procedures. Another one of his numerous responsibilities will be to oversee and manage all employees in the Downstate Health Physicians Administration finance department. 

Mr. Nicolich is a healthcare financial and operational executive, serving as Chief Financial Officer of several organizations supporting managed, professional, and paraprofessional care delivery spanning three decades. He is a strategic partner providing effective and innovative leadership, business development, and financial stewardship. His experience in healthcare brings a notable record of success with a proven ability to develop and implement operational and financial systems and processes, building out proper structure, improving quality, and financial outcomes in several settings including start-ups, as well as long-standing organizations.

As a Long Island native, Mr. Nicolich received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from SUNY Brockport in Brockport, NY.

Mr. Nicolich is located at the Basic Science Building in room 7-102 A, and can be reached via e-mail at Thomas.Nicolich@downstate.edu, by phone at 718-270-8357, and his mail stop is (MSC) 80.

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Nicolich on his new role at Downstate.

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SUNY Downstate’s Partnership with Hospice of New York

As part of our ongoing dedication to community care, SUNY Downstate's University Hospital at Downstate has broadened its offerings to include acute hospice care through a collaborative partnership with Hospice of New York (HONY). This new collaboration ensures that our patients will receive optimal care when faced with life-limiting illnesses. Patients will now be able to access expert end-of-life support either in the comfort of their own homes or within the confines of University Hospital at Downstate.

In this innovative partnership, individuals requiring General Inpatient Level hospice care can receive seamless services within the hospital premises. The specialized care provided by HONY extends to the patient and their family without any logistical barriers, ensuring they can promptly benefit from hospice services, including holistic support for their families.

This initiative offers intensified pain management and symptom relief services to patients, whether they are receiving care at home or in a long-term care facility. It aims to provide comprehensive care for hospice patients requiring short-term acute medical attention, regardless of their location within the hospital. Unlike traditional hospice agreements confined to specific areas, this approach ensures that patients receive all the benefits of hospice care tailored to their individual needs, regardless of their hospital placement.

This program accommodates patients transitioning from acute care hospitals or nursing homes who need ongoing management to attain comfort before transitioning to home-based hospice care. Additionally, it offers temporary intensive care for patients requiring more support than their families or caregivers can provide at home. For patients who may ultimately pass away in the hospital, this initiative offers a dignified solution, allowing them to spend their final moments in a private room surrounded by loved ones under specialized care.

Distinctive Downstate Elements:

This initiative ensures that the entire hospice care team comes to the patient's location, eliminating the need to transfer the patient to a specific unit. It represents a holistic approach to hospice and palliative care, encompassing various specialties across the enterprise.

All Downstate staff members, regardless of their department, undergo specialized training in end-of-life care, emphasizing the hospital's commitment to providing dignified and comfortable care as an integral part of its culture.

Hospice of New York (HONY) will conduct monthly training sessions and offer collaborative services, in addition to regular quality and leadership meetings.

The utilization of the COMFORT Cart provides additional comfort to patients and families at the bedside through music capabilities, bottled water, aromatherapy, flameless candles, and other sensory-soothing amenities.

Criteria for Eligibility:

• Active treatment required to manage pain or other symptoms.
• Continued close monitoring needed for unstable recurring medical conditions.
• Requirement for ongoing symptom management during the transition from an acute care hospital, stay to home care, or long-term care.
• Limited life expectancy with home care not feasible.
• Patient enrollment in HONY.

For more information on our new services provided by HONY at the hospital, please call 718-472-1999.

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Payroll and Human Resources Departments Have Moved

We are pleased to announce that the Payroll and Human Resources departments have relocated to our new offices at 271 Lenox Road.

Effective immediately, all payroll and HR-related inquiries will be handled at this new location. Our dedicated staff is ready to assist you with any Payroll or Human Resources needs during our regular business hours (see below for hours).

Please update your records accordingly and feel free to visit us at our new address: 

271 Lenox Road,
Brooklyn, NY 11226
(Between Nostrand & Rogers Ave.)

Mail stop numbers are:
MSC#53  (Human Resources) 
MSC# 1191 (Benefits)
MSC #10 (Payroll)

For Payroll inquiries, you can email the Payroll Department at Payroll@Downstate.edu or call the Payroll main number: (718) 270-1139. If you need to drop off physical documents to payroll, you may do so during our business hours 10am-3pm.

For Human Resources inquiries, you can email the Department of Human Resources at HumanResources@downstate.edu or call the Human Resources main number: (718) 270-1191. If you need to drop off physical documents to Human Resources, you may do so during our normal business hours: 8am-5pm.  

Thank you.

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Telecommuting Extension

Please be advised that the SUNY Telecommuting Program, currently set to expire on June 30, 2024, has been extended by the Chancellor through June 30, 2025.

Attached, please find the SUNY Workplace Flexibility Policy (Telecommuting), Telecommuting Program Reminders for Supervisors, and Telecommuting Program Reminders for Employees.

Telecommuting Program Reminders for Employees

Telecommuting SUNY Workplace Flexibility Policy

Telecommuting Program Reminders For Supervisors

Please contact HumanResources@Downstate.edu should you have any questions.

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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

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Corebridge Financial - Updated Flyer for September 2024

Now is a great time to take action for your financial future with Free Financial Planning

Schedule a time to meet to make sure you’re on track for the retirement you want.

When we meet, we can discuss:

• The benefits of enrolling in your workplace retirement plan
• How to boost your overall financial wellness via Financial Planning
• What your retirement income picture looks like – Thorough Financial analysis
• Your broader financial/retirement  goals so we can put a plan in place to help you get there

We can meet in person at a time that is convenient for you. 

Click here to schedule an appointment

Need help? Contact us. 

With Corebridge, you get help from a financial professional at no extra cost – plus access to our tools and resources.

Securities and investment advisory services are offered through VALIC Financial Advisors, Inc., member FINRA, SIPC and an SEC-registered investment adviser and its Registered Representatives. Annuities are issued by The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company (VALIC), Houston, TX. Variable annuities distributed by its affiliate, AIG Capital Services, Inc., member FINRA. All companies above are wholly owned subsidiaries of Corebridge Financial, Inc. Corebridge Retirement Services, Corebridge Financial and Corebridge are marketing names used by these companies.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you have received this communication in error, please do not use or disseminate the information, permanently and securely destroy all electronic and paper copies, and notify the sender immediately. Mis-transmission is not intended to waive confidentiality or privilege, if applicable. Corebridge Financial, Inc. (“Corebridge”) reserves the right, to the extent required and/or permitted under applicable law, to monitor electronic communications, including telephone calls with Corebridge personnel. By communicating with Corebridge, you acknowledge that you have read, understand and consent (where applicable), to the foregoing. You may have certain rights regarding the information that Corebridge collects about you. Please see our privacy notices available at the following link: www.corebridgefinancial.com/privacy-policy for more information about your rights and how we process your personal information.

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Post-Professional Doctorate Training Program

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Applied Behavior Analysis Program 

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Upcoming Events

Walk-In Sports Injury Clinic

Saturdays, 4-6 PM
September: 7, 14, 21, 28
October: 19, 26
November: 9, 16

Sundays, 4-6 PM
October: 6, 13
November: 3, 24

PDF Flyer

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September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Sickle Cell Awareness Month allows us to share information about a condition affecting millions worldwide. Raising awareness about sickle cell disease can foster understanding, support, and research efforts to improve the lives of those living with this condition.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its partners support projects to learn about the number of people living with this disease to understand better how the disease impacts their health.

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that can cause severe pain, organ damage, and complications throughout a person’s life. Increased awareness helps promote early detection, better access to healthcare, and the development of new treatments and therapies.

Brooklyn is home to a significant portion of New York State's sickle cell population, with estimates indicating that there are around 11,700 individuals living with sickle cell disease across the state, many of whom reside in Brooklyn. The borough's diverse population, including communities of African and Caribbean descent, contributes to this prevalence.

SUNY Downstate plays a crucial role in providing specialized care and support to these individuals, offering innovative treatments and therapies designed to manage and alleviate the symptoms of this challenging condition. For more detailed statistics and information, you can visit the American Society of Hematology's website.

We are at the forefront of advancing sickle cell treatment at SUNY Downstate. Our specialists are committed to providing comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs. From innovative therapies that reduce the frequency of painful crises to cutting-edge treatments like gene therapy, we are dedicated to improving the quality of life for those affected by sickle cell disease. Learn more about sickle cell disease, treatment, preventive measures, and therapies in this important message.

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WellNYS Everyday

September 2024

Please take a moment to read the September 2024 EAP Frontline Newsletter. This month's edition offers a variety of reads,  "Anxiety: It's Number One Now" & "Choosing a Positive Attitude at Work" among others. Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your knowledge and nurture your personal growth.  See attached!

WellNYS Daily To-Do's:  WellNYS Daily to Do's is a wellness initiative dedicated to educating, engaging, and empowering New York State employees to choose healthy foods, stay physically active and take care of YOU.  This Month Daily To Do's is "Journal Your Thoughts Everyday".  See attached! 

OMH Wellness Initiative:  The Office of Mental Health offers all employees an opportunity to practice various coping skills and strengthen their resilience through OMH Wellness Groups, which aligns with OMH’s vision of supporting a healthy workplace environment. The groups include deep breathing and simulation exercises to allow employees to practice rather than have group discussions. Group sessions offer a warm, inviting space that fosters relaxation virtually and provides examples of calming techniques and basic coping skills. Remember that the mind and body are one, and psychological health is just as important as physical health to your overall well-being.  The group sessions are free, confidential, anonymous, and virtual employees can call in from any phone. Group sessions include Monday Meditation, Mindful Mondays, Taking Care of Mind & Body, and Tending to Self.  Of important note - there is an additional Breath-Body-Mind (BBM) class happening every Wednesday at 8pm in Spanish.  Please see the calendars for group session details and how to join.  See attached!

Let's take advantage of these resources to enhance our well-being and create a healthier, more balanced home and workplace.

September 2024 Frontline Newsletter

September Daily To-do

September OMH Wellness Groups Calendar

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Save the Date: Join Us for the 3rd Annual Community Healthy Lifestyle Fair

Sunday, September 8, 2024
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

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SOHP Dean's Lecture Series - 5^th Edition for Academic Year 2024-2025: "Disability 101 For Healthcare Providers" 

Wednesday, September 25, 2024
5:00 PM

Join the lecture

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Autism Resource & Awareness Fair

Sunday, September 29th
1PM - 5PM
394 Lenox Road

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Check back for regular updates to this page!

* New information highlighted in yellow *