June 2025 Announcements
By Office of Communications & Marketing | Jun 1, 2025
Congratulations to the STAR Program
Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to share outstanding news: the STAR Program has received a rare and exemplary “no findings” result following a recent site visit by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP).
This achievement reflects full compliance with all federal, clinical, fiscal, and programmatic standards, a distinction few programs attain. It is a powerful affirmation of the excellence, integrity, and patient-centered care that define STAR’s work.
The two-day site visit was intensive and comprehensive, evaluating documentation, fiscal management, staff training, and clinical outcomes. The STAR team prepared rigorously for more than 18 months, and the result speaks volumes about their commitment and performance. Patient feedback played a vital role in this process, with participants affirming the respect, compassion, and quality of care they consistently receive.
I want to thank Dr. Jack DeHovitz, Director, and Dr. Jessica Yager, Medical Director, for their extraordinary leadership throughout this process. I also thank the entire STAR team, including clinical staff, administrators, coordinators, and support personnel, whose dedication made this exceptional result possible.
This milestone is a testament to what we can accomplish when expertise, preparation, and heart unite to serve our mission to #keepcareclose for everyone.
Patricia A. Winston, DNP, MS, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE
Interim Chief Executive Officer
University Hospital at Downstate
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
Our Summer Youth Program is Back for 2025!
We are pleased to inform you that the University Hospital at Downstate six-week (SYEP) Summer Youth 2025 program will begin July 7, 2025.
For information regarding clerical volunteer opportunities and internships, please feel free to contact Gem McCalman-Oxley SYEP/Volunteer Coordinator at 718-270-3241 or ext. 2844.
Summer Youth Request Form (Word)
Assembly of Faculty and Professional Staff Spring 2025 Elections
To: All Downstate Faculty and Professional Staff
From: Joanne Ritter-Teitel PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chair, Faculty & Professional Staff Assembly Nominations and Elections Committee
Subject: Assembly of Faculty and Professional Staff Spring 2025 Elections
Date: May 28, 2025
At Downstate, the local University Senate is called the Downstate Assembly of the Faculty and Professional Staff (DAFPS). Matters of concern to the faculty and staff are relayed to this committee for consideration. There is an Executive Committee of 24 members. This Committee includes the Presiding Officer (PO), PO Elect, and Secretary of the DAFPS, four University Senators and four Alternate Senators, all of whom are all elected by the Full Assembly. Each of the Senator's votes in the UFS at Plenary meetings three times a year. Other integral members of the Executive Committee are the elected POs and PO Elects from each of the five Schools/Colleges, and one (non-voting) Student member. The DAFPS and its Executive Committee is advisory to the President of Downstate, and the SUNY University Faculty Senate (UFS), on which the Senators serve, is advisory to the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees of SUNY.
The Spring 2025 ballot contains candidates for the following 6 positions on the DAFPS:
1) Presiding Officer Elect, (Two-year term of office then two years as Presiding Officer)
2) Secretary (Two-year term of office)
3) University Faculty Senator - 2 positions (Three-year term of office)
4) University Faculty Senator - Alternate - 2 positions (Three-year term of office)
Members will vote for 2 Senators and 2 Senator-Alternates. The two Senators and two Senator-Alternates nominees securing the highest number of votes will win the election. In addition, the ballot contains three amendments to the bylaws which will require your yes or no vote. The election period is open and will continue through 11:59 PM June 10, 2025.
If you did not use the secured personalized link sent from Centerwide Governance to cast your vote, please do so now. Only votes using your secured personalized link are counted.
Mandatory Ethics Training
June dates announced + online Ethics Refresher
It’s crucial that all Downstate employees meet the state’s MANDATORY requirement to attend annual Ethics Training.
- If you missed training last year, you must take training now to satisfy your 2024 requirement
(see options below). Note, you will also need to take the Ethics Refresher later in 2025.
- If you already attended Ethics training in 2024 or 2025, the 2025 Online Ethics Refresher Training is now live in HealthStream. It’s required for everyone on alternating years, opposite live trainings.
- Finally, if you’ve met the requirement for 2024 and taken the refresher in 2025, thank you! You can disregard this notice.
Confused?
Ethics Training is a yearly requirement. That means that completing an overdue training for the 2024 calendar year in 2025 does not satisfy both 2024 and 2025 requirements.
Think of it this way: Ethics training is like filing your federal income taxes.
If you’re overdue to file your 2023 taxes, you still have to file your 2024 taxes.
2025 Ethics Refresher (HealthStream)
- The 2025 Ethics Refresher course is now live in HealthStream.
- You are only eligible to take this training if you already completed Live Ethics training in 2024 or early 2025.
Click here to sign into HealthStream - The course is called “Mandatory CETC Ethics Training Refresher (HR).”
- It will appear in your To Do tab.
- Training is due by July 18, 2025.
- The course is self-paced online, and takes roughly 45 minutes to complete.
- Audio playback cannot be paused, so set aside uninterrupted time for learning.
- Upon completion, HealthStream will present you with a certificate of completion. Please download and keep this for your records. There’s no need to email your certificate to Rich Jones or DHR.
You can take Ethics training In-Person or Online:
1) In-Person Ethics Training at Downstate:
DHR is conducting more in-person, onsite trainings led by Rich Jones, Learning & Development Associate.
Please register by contacting Rich at rich.jones@downstate.edu.
He will send you a calendar invitation.
Tuesday, June 17 at 10:30am - 12:30pm
Location: Alumni Auditorium
(HSEB, 395 Lennox Rd – up the stairs to your right)
You must arrive on time and attend the entire session to receive credit for the training.
2) Online Ethics Training:
COELIG is hosting more online sessions.
You’ll find instructions to register yourself below
(Rich Jones cannot do this for you).
If you don’t see the date below, it’s no longer available.
June Online Sessions
- Tuesday, June 3rd from 10 am to 12 pm
- Wednesday, June 4th from 2 to 4 pm
- Thursday, June 5th from 1 to 3 pm
- Tuesday, June 10th from 10 am to 12 pm
- Wednesday, June 11th from 2 to 4 pm
- Thursday, June 12th from 1 to 3 pm
- Tuesday, June 17th from 10 am to 12 pm
- Wednesday, June 18th from 2 to 4 pm
- Tuesday, June 24th from 10 am to 12 pm
- Wednesday, June 25th from 2 to 4 pm
- Thursday, June 26th from 1 to 3 pm
To register for training, please click the link belowand scroll down to this section on the page:
Enrollment Information:
Enroll Now Using Our Self-Enrollment Class Registration Portal
Complete the fields in the screenshot below. Please read these instructions to avoid errors:
1. Agency: type “Downstate,” wait a moment, and click on SUNY Downstate (a white box will pop up).
2. Employee ID: Enter your “N” number.
- You can find your N number on your paystub.
- Alternatively, log into the SUNY Secure “Employee Services Portal” at this link
- Then click “Human Resource Systems” at this link:
HR Portal - Your NYS ID N number is displayed at the top right, under your SUNY ID.
- Example: NYS ID N04219547
3. Enter First and Last name.
4. Enter your Downstate email address.
- Your work email address is required to ensure you receive credit.
- Do not enter your personal email address.
5. Select a date from the menu by clicking “Find a training”.
You must attend the entire session by logging on at the start time and using the email you registered with.
Late arrivals will not receive credit for attendance.
Please be advised this virtual training is not offered through the Department of Human Resources.
Therefore, we will not be able to assist with login issues, etc.
Thank you.
Upcoming TIAA Consultations for June/July
TIAA continues to offer on campus/in-person counseling sessions by appointment only. If there are no times available, that means all appointment 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/schedulenowor by calling 800-732-8353, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET).
Information Services
Date: May 1, 2025
To: Downstate Community
From: Information Services and Technology Department
Re: Windows 11 Upgrade
Dear Downstate Community,
In preparation for the upcoming Windows 11 upgrade and the end of Microsoft’s support for Windows 10, we would like to remind you that NO data shall be stored on local computers (hard drives).
What does this mean to you?
All users must store work files and documents in approved network shares or Microsoft OneDrive.
Please note:
- Data stored locally (e.g., Desktop, Downloads, Documents folders) will not be migrated or saved during the upgrade unless they are configured in OneDrive to be backup.
- Ensure all critical data is moved to the appropriate storage locations by June 30, 2025.
This will ensure a smooth upgrade process, reduces data loss risks, and aligns with SUNY and Downstate policies and security best practices.
Have more Questions?
Please see this knowledge base article for more information on how to use OneDrive and related security guidelines.
If you need further assistance, please contact the IT Help Desk at help@downstate.edu .
Thank you for your cooperation.
Safe Transport of Chemicals
Following a recent small chemical spill incident in the hallway near the cafeteria, Environmental Health & Safety would like to reiterate the importance of adhering to all established safety protocols when transporting chemicals within our facility. It is imperative that we all remain vigilant and follow these procedures:
- Designated Routes: To minimize the risk of accidents, chemicals should be transported via designated routes in low-traffic corridors. Avoid high-traffic areas, such as the cafeteria, unless absolutely necessary. For vertical transport, always use freight elevators; do not use passenger elevators and stairs.
- Proper Containers: Always use containers that are in good condition and properly labeled. Ensure containers are tightly sealed to prevent leaks or spills. Always inspect the container for any signs of damage, leaks, or deterioration. Do not transport any damaged containers.
- Secondary Containment: Utilize secondary containment measures, such as carts with raised edges, to contain any potential leaks during transport.
- Emergency Procedures: All personnel involved in transporting chemicals should review the emergency procedures for handling chemical spills.
- Reporting Incidents: If you require assistance cleaning up any chemical spills, please call Environmental Health & Safety at x1216 or UPD at x2626 and provide the details of the spill. Please remain available to provide any additional details to the response team.
The safety of all staff, patients, students, and visitors in our facility is our top priority. If you have any questions on safe chemical transportation procedures, please contact Environmental Health & Safety at x1216.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.
Internal Controls: Tone at the Top
“Internal Controls” refers to the processes and measures SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (Downstate) implements to ensure efficient, compliant, and goal-aligned operations per applicable regulations and policies.
A strong internal control system helps minimize risk and supports efficient, effective operations. Every member of the Downstate community plays a vital role in maintaining and upholding these controls.
As a New York State agency, Downstate must comply with the “New York State Governmental Accountability, Audit, and Internal Control Act of 1987,” which mandates that all State agencies implement internal control systems to promote ethical conduct, operational efficiency, and accountability.
To comply with this legislation, Downstate management must regularly assess the internal controls within their respective units to ensure they effectively meet organizational goals.
This means managers should identify the information necessary to support effective operations and ensure they consistently receive and review that data. Internal controls may include developing detailed policies and procedures for unit processes, generating reports to flag unusual activity, or implementing system safeguards to prevent unauthorized actions.
Internal controls must be consistently integrated into our daily operations to keep Downstate a thriving and professionally rewarding organization.
I am confident that each of you will continue to support and strengthen this important initiative.
Notice on Cafeteria: New Opening During Construction - Phase III
Welcome to the final phase of the Cafeteria Expansion! We appreciate your cooperation and patience during construction.
Starting Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the Cafeteria Servery will be closed for construction.
What’s new:
- First Floor access from the University Hospital to the Basic Sciences Building and beyond has been restored.
- Three (3) locations have been activated to provide Food Services while we undergo construction operations.
- The Mini-Mart, the Kiosk, and the Temporary Food Services area will provide limited food options during construction work on the Servery.
- Construction of the Conference Center has been completed.
We value your understanding and will provide regular updates as the project progresses.
Information Security Advisory: MAC Computers Management - Your Action is Required
Dear Colleagues,
As part of our commitment to maintaining the security of our organization’s data, to comply with multiple SUNY Downstate policies, and regulatory compliance requirements, all Downstate owned Apple computers will be managed by the Downstate centralized management solution. (No personal Apple devices would be affected)
This solution will be utilized to protect our users and data, ensure the operating system is up to date, and assure all required software and security updates.
Please follow the instructions below:
PEF & M/C Partnership: Professional Development Opportunity
Please see the attached flyer for the PSWP Professional Development Opportunities for PEF-Represented and M/C Employees.
For more information on registration and workshop details, please visit the Statewide Learning Management System (SLMS). For SLMS info and details, visit
And for any other questions, please contact PSWP customer service at PSWPRegistration@albany.edu.
Healthstream Learning Management/Active Directory Workflow
Dear Faculty, Staff, Fellows/Residents, and Students:
We’re thrilled to announce the completion of our newly updated Learning Management Platform, Healthstream!
You may already be familiar with the system, but we are rolling out some exciting new features and functionality as well as system integration with Downstate Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) data.
Part of the re-design will require a new workflow for Active Directory account creation (the issuance of NetID and email).
Effective immediately, workforce members hired through the following Downstate affiliated entities will automatically transmit employment data/details to Information Services for NetID account creation and Healthstream learner profile enrollment. This includes:
- Downstate Department of Human Resources for State employees
- Medical Board Office for credentialed providers
- Graduate Medical Education Program for residents
- Downstate Health Physicians for physician practice plan employees
- Research Foundation for RF employees
- Registrar for College of Medicine, College of Nursing, School of Health Professions, School of Public Health, School of Graduate Studies students
For most on-boarding, Department Administrators will no longer need to request network access or Healthstream enrollment for new employees; this will be done seamlessly. Workforce learners will access the platform through single sign on, password-free authentication. However, Department Administrators will still need to submit requests to IT for network access for the following categories of users: agency nurses, temporary staff, resident rotators, contractors/vendors, and Sodexho workers. Additionally, specific information system access requests (i.e. HealthBridge) should continue to follow the current process.
Supervisors will have a “My Team Dashboard” within Healthstream showing all reporting employees and at-a-glance tracking of outstanding training assignments.
As the campus was advised, outstanding assignments were purged during the system re-design. In the coming weeks, learners may receive notifications for reinstated assignments as they are brought back online.
Employees can access the site in the ‘Faculty & Staff Resources’ section at Downstate.edu.
We’re confident that Healthstream will enhance your learning experience and support our collective mission to deliver excellence in education, research, and healthcare.
If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to compliance@downstate.edu.
Join the SOHP and Other Campus Affiliates Monthly Research Capacity Building Meetings!
Are you a faculty member who is an established researcher or looking to jumpstart your research career within a supportive community? If so, please consider joining us for monthly Research Capacity Building Meetings sponsored by the School of Health Professions (SOHP), and open to all faculty on the Downstate campus.
The SOHP invites you to our campus-wide, monthly Research Capacity Building Meetings starting in March. These meetings offer a unique opportunity to engage with peers, share ideas, and elevate research across Downstate.
Why Attend?
By joining us, you will become part of a community of practice, which focuses on building research skills and fostering meaningful connections. Each month you can look forward to:
- Educational Insight: Explore new research topics or revisit key concepts through our monthly educational segments.
- Stay Informed: Hear the latest research updates from the Office of the Senior Vice-President for Research (OSVPR).
- Brainstorm & Innovate: Participate in brainstorming sessions to develop and vet new research ideas with feedback from experienced peers.
- Collaborate Beyond Silos: Connect across departments and form new research partnerships that exceed traditional programmatic lines.
- Celebrate & Support: Find encouragement to celebrate research successes and tackle challenges together in a warm, collaborative environment.
Whether you are seasoned in research or just starting out, these meetings offer invaluable support, guidance, and connections to help you thrive in your work.
Let us build a culture of research together where research can flourish at Downstate.
Please note that this will be our only center-wide communication for this series of
meetings.
These meetings occur on the second Wednesday of each month at noon via Zoom (link
here: https://zoom.us/j/91381292052). Please contact Franchon Jackson (Franchon.Jackson@downstate.edu), if you have any questions.
Thank you.
Cardiovascular Summer Institute at SUNY Downstate
The Cardiovascular Summer Institute is a research career advancing opportunity sponsored
by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) since 2006 at the State University
of New York Downstate Health Sciences University at Brooklyn, NY. This mentored research
program addresses the difficulties experienced by junior investigators in establishing
independent research programs and negotiating through the academic ranks. The desired
outcome is to accelerate the path to becoming independent investigators and improve
the recruitment and retention of faculty with interest in cardiovascular health disparities.
Candidates from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Summer Institute provides an intensive didactic and mentored research training program in cardiovascular health disparities, grantsmanship, and career development skills. The goal of this multidisciplinary research training program is to inspire scholars to conduct research in cardiovascular health disparities by employing multimodal techniques at the forefront of the field.
The most recent evaluations of this program outcomes are remarkable and shows that 1) over 66% of our mentees secured peer-reviewed grants, 2) 35% and 27% were promoted from Assistant to Associate or Full Professor, respectively and 3) the number of publications quadrupled post-graduation from our Summer Institute. (Boutjdir, M., Aromolaran, A. S., de Las Fuentes, L., Boyington, J. E. A., Arteaga, S. S., Jobe, J., Jeffe, D. B., Rao, D. C., Rice, T. K., & Davila-Roman, V. G. (2019). Research Education and Mentoring Program in Cardiovascular Diseases for Under-Represented Junior Faculty From NHLBI SIPID/PRIDE. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 73(14), 1861–1865. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2019.01.042)
I am writing to you today on behalf of the Cardiovascular Summer Institute Director, Dr. Mohamed Boutjdir, to announce that our program is open for applications, and we are currently recruiting only 8 scholars for Summer 2025’s (June 16th to June 27th) Cohort 12 on a rolling admission basis. I have attached our brochure which has more details about our program. I appreciate sharing it with any of your Junior Faculty and colleagues who may benefit from this program.
Please do not hesitate to contact Michael Cupelli (michael.cupelli@downstate.edu) with any questions.
2025 Transition to Academic Careers (TRACS) Program
We are excited to invite applications for the 2025 Transition to Academic Careers (TRACS) Program, a one-year paid research training opportunity designed to strengthen the research capacity of students in biomedicine and public health as they transition to the next stage of their careers.
About TRACS
TRACS provides scholars with rigorous research training under the guidance of experienced mentors. Participants will contribute to ongoing research projects and scientific publications, enhancing their competitiveness for residency, post-doctoral training, or doctoral program applications.
Program Details
📅 Program Dates: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
💰 Stipend: $25,000 (distributed quarterly)
⌛ Time Commitment: 20 hours per week for one year
🏛️ Sponsored by: NIMHD (Grant #2S21MD012474-06)
Eligibility Requirements
✔ U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
✔ A current student in a pre-doctoral program (e.g., DrPH, MD, PhD, DNP) or in a gap year preparing to apply to a doctoral program
✔ Demonstrated interest in public health, community-based, clinical, and translational research
✔ Good academic standing
How to Apply
📌 Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Submit one PDF file with the subject line "TRACS" to Lakia.Maxwell@downstate.edu, including:
✅ Cover Letter (max 500 words) outlining career goals, research interests, prior experience, and
how TRACS will support future plans
✅ Curriculum Vitae (CV)
✅ Unofficial Transcript with course listings
✅ One Letter of Recommendation
This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on research experience, enhance your academic profile, and prepare for the next steps in your career. If you have any questions, please email Lakia Maxwell at Lakia.Maxwell@downstate.edu with the subject line: "TRACS Program Inquiry."
Upcoming Events
WellNYS Daily To-Do and Frontline Newsletter for June 2025
June 2025
Please join EAP on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 11:00am for a wellness webinar titled "Mental Health 101. This session is designed to help you better understand how to recognize and support those living with Mental illness. Registration is now open.
EAP Frontline Newsletter: The June 2025 edition of the Frontline Newsletter is now available and offers timely tips and resources to support your well-being, personal growth, and work-life balance. This month’s issue is filled with practical strategies designed to help you thrive, both professionally and personally. I encourage you to take a few moments to read it. You may discover insights that benefit you or someone you care about.
WellNYS Everyday June 2025 : Soak Up the Sun this June!
June brings longer days and more sunshine; the perfect time to embrace the WellNYS Everyday theme of the month: Sunlight. Whether it’s waking up with the sunrise to do something you enjoy, spending 10–30 minutes outdoors to boost your Vitamin D, or taking a moment to meditate at sunset, each small action can nurture both your physical and mental well-being. Don’t forget to protect your skin by applying sunscreen daily! This month, we encourage you to step outside, slow down, and let the light energize your day.
Office of Mental Health (OMH) Wellness Group: This is a supportive space designed to promote the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of all employees. Whether you're looking to manage stress, build resilience, or simply take a moment for yourself, this group offers a welcoming environment to connect, share, and grow. Sessions may include mindfulness practices, wellness discussions, stress reduction strategies, and more. It is a great way to take care of yourself while connecting with others who value health and balance in the workplace. All employees are welcome to join, and no registration is necessary.
"Your Path to a Healthier U Starts with the Right Resources"
Corebridge Financial - Updated Meeting Calendar: June
Now is a great time to take action for your financial future
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
- The resources available to help shape the future you want
- Your broader financial goals so we can put a plan in place to help you get there
We can meet in-person at any time that is convenient to you.
Schedule time to meet with me IN-PERSON today!
Dates:
- Tuesday, 6/10/2025
- Tuesday, 6/24/2025
Time: 7:30 am – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Downstate Student Library - 1st Floor (Lenox Entrance)
Current Available VIRTUAL MEETING DAYS:
Please contact if you need a date/time not shown below
- Monday, 6/02/2025
- Monday, 6/09/2025
- Wednesday, 6/11/2025
- Monday, 6/16/2025
- Thursday, 6/19/2025
- Monday, 6/23/2025
- Wednesday, 6/25/2025
Need help, contact us.
With Corebridge, you get help from a financial professional at no extra cost — plus access to our tools and resources to help you take action.
We’re here to help you take action.
You can schedule an appointment or reach out directly to your financial professional.
The Annual Frank E. Lucente, MD
Alumni & Resident Research Day
June 5, 2025
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
HEAT Program Showcase
June 10, 2025
3:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Auditorium HSEB
Caribbean Heritage and Social Justice: Insights from Gregg Bishop
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
395 Lenox Road Entrance, Lecture Hall 1A
Join us for #THELONGESTDAY Group Photo-Op to Recognize Alzheimer's Awareness
Wednesday June 18, 2025
11:45 AM Pick up your gift
12:00 PM Group Photo
The Grove (395 Lenox Road Entrance)
450 Clarkson Ave entrance (in case of rain)
Check back for regular updates to this page!
* New information highlighted in yellow *