May 2025 Announcements

By Office of Communications & Marketing | May 1, 2025

The Passing of Alison (Al) Benjamin

Al Benjamin It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our friend and colleague Alison (Al) Benjamin.

Al was a dedicated member of the Accounts Payable Department for over 37 years. Throughout his tenure, he exemplified professionalism, loyalty, integrity, and courage. His unwavering commitment to his work and to those around him left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of working with him.

Known for his kindness and quiet strength, Al was always ready to extend a helping hand. He took on tasks without being asked and never sought recognition, embodying a true spirit of selflessness and service. His thoughtful presence and steady support will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Al’s family and friends during this difficult time and we would like them to know that we share their grief.

Details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared as they become available.

Mandatory Ethics Training

May & 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.

Wednesday, May 21 at 2 - 4pm

Location: Lecture Hall 1B
(HSEB, 395 Lennox Rd – third room on the left)

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.

MAY online sessions

Wednesday, April 30^th from 2 to 4 pm
Thursday, May 1^st from 1 to 3 pm
Tuesday, May 6^th from 10 am to 12 pm
Wednesday, May 7^th from 2 to 4 pm
Thursday, May 8^th from 1 to 3 pm
Tuesday, May 13^th from 10 am to 12 pm
Wednesday, May 14^th from 2 to 4 pm
Thursday, May 15^th from 1 to 3 pm
Tuesday, May 20^th from 10 am to 12 pm
Wednesday, May 21^st from 2 to 4 pm
Thursday, May 22^nd from 1 to 3 pm
Tuesday, May 27^th from 10 am to 12 pm
Wednesday, May 28^th from 2 to 4 pm
Thursday, May 29^th from 1 to 3 pm

JUNE online sessions, coming soon

To register for training, please click Register for Training and 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”.

NYS Class Registration

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.

Memorial Service for Dr. Hermann Mendez

Friday, May 16, 2025
2:00 PM
SUNY Downstate PHAB Hall

Herman Mendez

Read the Presidents Bulletin Article

Upcoming TIAA Consultations for May/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).

View PDF

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.

https://services.downstate.edu/TDClient/277/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=10779

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.

Visit Internal Controls

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:

Instructions

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

NYS Learn

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.

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:

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.

View PRIDE CVD PDF

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."

Find Out More

Upcoming Events

NYS Deferred Compensation
Information Table

Monday, May 5, 2025
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

2025 Spring Meeting of the Assembly

Monday, May 5, 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
HSEB, Auditoria ABC

SOHP Research Day

Thursday, May 8, 2025
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Alumni Auditorium

SOHP Research 1

SOHP Research Schedule

Drawing the Line: A Documentary Screening and Discussion of the Challenges of Regulating Rare Disease Drugs

Monday, May 12, 2025
PHAB Hall

Join us for a film screening and discussion of the documentary "For Love & Life: No Ordinary Campaign"! The event will take place on Monday, May 12th from 2-5 PM at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Public Health Academic Building (PHAB).

Description: A deeply moving documentary illustrating the transformative power of love, hope and activism. The film follows Brian Wallach and his wife Sandra after his ALS diagnosis at age 37. Anchored by a deep love for each other, and empowered by their shared political prowess, they lead a revolutionary movement to change a broken healthcare system for patients of neurodegenerative diseases.

Following a viewing of the film, Dr. Thomas Wallach, Research Director in Pediatric Gastroenterology at Downstate is joined by Holly Fernandez Lynch, JD, MBE, Associate Professor, Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine at UPenn and additional faculty for a discussion on the intersection between advances in bioscience research, patient interest, and regulatory entities such as the FDA.

Drawing the line Part 2