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Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Photo courtesy Cold Sping Harbor Laboratory website

By Daniel Dunaief

A stock fund is taking a page out of the Newman’s Own playbook.

The food company which was started by the late actor Paul Newman and author A.E. Hotchner donates its after tax profits to charity through the Newman’s Own Foundation, enabling consumers to feel that they aren’t just covering their salad with tasty dressing but are helping the world through their consumer choices.

Range Cancer Therapeutics, an exchange-traded fund that purchases a broad basket of cancer therapeutic stocks, created a new partnership with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory to contribute to cancer research.

The fund, which was started in 2015, plans to contribute 23 percent of its revenues, reflecting the 23 pairs of chromosomes in the human genome, each quarter to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

“The contribution from Range will directly benefit the research efforts at CSHL, underscoring our commitment to advancing scientific innovation in oncology therapeutics,” Range ETF’s founder and CSHL Association Board Member Tim Rotolo, said in a statement. The ETF provides “exposure to nearly the entire lifecycle of drug development and distribution, and this new collaboration with CSHL provides an opportunity for investors to also see their money go toward the earliest stages of cancer breakthroughs.”

Revenues collected by the fund are likely to vary by quarter, depending on the amount of money the fund manages. With an estimated $12.1 million in assets under management as of the end of September and an expense ratio of 0.79%, the fund could contribute about $21,850.

“Hopefully, people will feel when they’re buying the ETF that they are in some ways supporting cancer research,” said Charles Prizzi, Senior Vice President for Advancement & Special Advisor to CSHL President Bruce Stillman.

Prizzi anticipates that the funding could support the lab’s efforts to conduct a broad range of research as CSHL’s staff, who come to the site from all over the world, seek to address the kinds of questions that can lead to advancements in a basic understanding of processes as well as to translational breakthroughs that can help in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.

Prizzi hopes this partnership will attract attention and inspire other fund managers or businesses to contribute to the lab, particularly amid periods when the budgets for federal funding agencies that support research rise and fall.

Borrowing from the language of genetics, Prizzi hoped that this kind of arrangement will be “replicated” by others.

 NASDAQ event

The NASDAQ stock market, which is where the Range Cancer Therapeutics Fund trades under the ticker CNCR, will celebrate the partnership on November 14th in New York City.

The Nasdaq tower will feature a visual display, while Range ETFs and CSHL leadership and guests come together at the Nasdaq podium to mark the ongoing contribution.

Dave Tuveson, head of the Cancer Center, Professor Adrian Krainer, who developed an effective treatment for spinal muscular atrophy using antisense oligonucleotide to affect gene splicing, Vice Chair Howard Morgan, and Goldman Sachs’s Roy Zuckerberg, and others will attend the event.

d Spring Harbor Laboratory President Bruce Stillman. File photo

“Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is one of only seven national basic biological research cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute in Washington, DC,” Bruce Stillman, CEO of the lab said in a statement. “The institution is investing heavily in the growth of our cancer program, specifically in multidisciplinary, collaborative ventures as part of our new brain-body physiology initiative.”

Prizzi is often searching for novel ways to support research and was pleased with the contribution and hopeful that it would spur other creative donations and support.

“I hope people will learn from it and copy it,” Prizzi said. “It will benefit the lab for many years to come.”

Rotolo joined the board at CSHL earlier this year and has supported the lab for about a decade.

Rotolo had approached the lab to establish this financial commitment.

The laboratory is a 501c3 nonprofit institution, which means that donations to the lab are tax deductible.

Prizzi suggested that interested donors often reach out to him towards the end of December.

“We would love to have more people support what we’re doing,” said Prizzi.

CSHL is home to eight Nobel Prize winners and employs 1,000 people, including 600 scientists, students and technicians.

The Meetings & Courses Program bring in more than 12,000 scientists from around the world each year, offering opportunities for researchers to meet and establish collaborations and to learn about the latest scientific breakthroughs.

CSHL is in the first phase of a Foundations for the Future project, which is a seven-acre expansion effort that will tackle research in neuroscience, neuro-AI and the brain-body. Scientists will pursue better patient outcomes by exploring cancer’s whole-body impacts.

In the second phase of the project, the lab will create a new conference center and collaborative research center.

As for the connection with Range, Prizzi added that CSHL is a “lab, we like experiments. This is like an experiment. I hope it goes well and other people build off of it.”

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Dr. Konstantinos Spaniolas. Photo by Jeanne Neville/Stony Brook Medicine
Dr. Dara Brener. Photo by Jeanne Neville/Stony Brook Medicine
Dr. Lara DeSanti-Siska. Photo by Tanya Mallot/Stony Brook Medicine

Stony Brook Medicine (SBM) has announced several leadership changes within Stony Brook Community Medical (SBCM) and Meeting House Lane (MHL), effective November 1.

Following Dr. William Wertheim’s promotion to Executive Vice President of Health Sciences and Stony Brook Medicine a new President of SBCM needed to be identified. Under Dr. Wertheim’s leadership, Stony Brook Medicine is committed to improving integration across its healthcare system. Therefore, the leadership team has strategically unified the roles of President of SBCM and MHL under one leader, as well as integrated the operational leadership of both SBCM and MHL. Dr. Konstantinos Spaniolas, Chief of the Division of Bariatric, Foregut and Advanced GI Surgery at Stony Brook Medicine and Director of the Stony Brook Bariatric and Metabolic Weight Loss Center, will serve as the next President of SBCM and MHL. To support Dr. Spaniolas in his dual role, Dr. Dara Brener will be elevated to Medical Director of SBCM, and Dr. Lara DeSanti-Siska will serve as the Medical Director of MHL.

For operations, Jennifer Crema, the Executive Director of Stony Brook Administrative Services (SBAS), will be promoted to the Executive Director of SBAS and MHL.

After serving as President of MHL, Dr. John Patrick Reilly will be appointed the Director of East End Cardiology Development, where he will lead efforts to shepherd new and innovative cardiac services for the East End of Long Island.

“It is my privilege to work alongside so many dedicated healthcare professionals,” says William A. Wertheim, MD, MBA, Executive Vice President for Stony Brook Medicine. “Their continued efforts in expanding Stony Brook Medicine’s reach through Stony Brook Community Medical and Meeting House Lane clinical practices ensures the healthcare needs of our patients across Long Island are met. I thank Dr. Reilly for his leadership of MHL, and I congratulate Dr. Spaniolas on assuming the role as President of the SBCM and MHL. I also congratulate Drs. Brener and DeSanti-Siska on their new roles. We have very good times ahead for MHL and SBCM.”

“Congratulations to each team member on their new roles within Stony Brook Medicine,” said Carol A. Gomes, MS, FACHE, CPHQ, Chief Executive Officer at Stony Brook University Hospital. “We are fortunate to have an exceptional staff who support Stony Brook’s mission to set the standard for how healthy communities thrive.”

 

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At the Milestones in Microbiology ceremony, standing alongside the Department’s commemorative plaque and a NYS Assembly Proclamation, are, from left: Theresa Koehler, ASM President; Carol Carter, Eckard Wimmer, David Thanassi, Jorge Benach; and Lorraine Findlay, from the ASM Committee on the History of Microbiology and Archives. Photo by Constance Brukin Photography

ASM honors the Department for its decades of work against infectious diseases

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology in the Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM) at Stony Brook University was named a “Milestones in Microbiology” site for its advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases globally. The designation by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) recognizes academic and research programs in which “major developments and pivotal discoveries occurred.”

The RSOM Department is only the 20th program nationally to receive this distinction, the third in New York State and second on Long Island. Faculty from the Department and University gathered at a Wang Center Ceremony at Stony Brook University on October 17 to commemorate the honor. They received a plaque from the ASM that commemorates the outstanding research and discoveries by the Department at large, since its inception at Stony Brook in 1972.

“The designation of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology as a Milestones in Microbiology Site is an honor and recognizes the impact the Department has made through its groundbreaking discoveries,” said David Thanassi, PhD, the Zhang Family Endowed Chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. “This distinction not only reinforces the significant contributions of our former and current faculty, students and staff, but also raises the profile of the Department and University to the wider scientific community.”

“ASM is delighted to recognize Stony Brook University’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology as a ‘Milestones in Microbiology’ site for its significant contributions to the microbial sciences,” said Theresa Koehler, PhD, ASM President. “The university’s pioneering work investigating causative agents of human diseases have had far-reaching impacts in the sciences and society at large.” 

The Department was awarded the Milestones distinction for its broad research and many discoveries. Specifically, the ASM recognized the following accomplishments:

  • The landmark discovery by Founding Department Chair Joseph Kates, PhD, that viruses could package enzymes required for their replication, with the first demonstration of the vaccinia virus encapsulating the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase enzyme. This laid the groundwork for targeting viral polymerases as a widespread therapeutic strategy.

 

  • The discovery of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, by Jorge Benach, PhD and colleagues, along with its isolation from patients and characterization of its environmental reservoir, paved the way for successful antibiotic therapies.

 

  • The first description of the de-novo chemical-biochemical synthesis of a virus (poliovirus) in the absence of a natural template by Dr. Eckard Wimmer and the co-discovery of the human receptor of polio virus. This marked the beginning of the total synthesis of microorganisms in the absence of natural templates, enabling new strategies in virus vaccine development.

 

“As a member of the faculty for several decades, it has been inspiring to witness the emergence of ideas and findings in which the outcomes have had such tremendous impact,” said Carol Carter, PhD, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. “Over the years, I have worked with incredible colleagues, students and supporting staff.”

Five decades impacting infectious disease discovery 

 In addition to the highlighted research of Drs. Kates, Wimmer and Benach, the Department during its five decades made other groundbreaking discoveries. These include pioneering work in molecular biology on the structure of DNA and regulatory mechanisms of RNA, foreshadowing research by others leading to the Nobel prize this year on the role of regulatory RNAs in eukaryotic cells.

The Department has contributed major findings related to tumor formation and cancer, and has long been a leader in research on pathogenic viruses, bacteria and fungi, revealing how these organisms cause infections and interact with our immune defenses. This research has yielded fundamental biological insights and provided a foundation for the development of therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of disease.

Some of the more recent work impacting the world of infectious diseases includes the role of how cancer-causing herpesviruses manipulate the host to establish life-long infections, advancing the understanding of Adenovirus replication, and unraveling the structure of bacterial appendages that enable kidney infections.

“Although the Milestones in Microbiology designation commemorates past accomplishments, it also sets the stage for future innovations and motivates the Department to keep pushing boundaries, pursue new questions, and lead the way in solving the challenges of tomorrow,”  said Peter Igarashi, MD, the Knapp Dean of the RSOM, who pointed out that the Department has had consistently strong funding success, including 17 grants totaling more than $8 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health in fiscal year 2024.

During the ceremony the department also received a Certificate of Recognition, a Proclamation by New York State Assemblyman Hon. Ed Flood. 

For more about the ASM Milestones Program and list of other awarded institutions nationally see this link.

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is one of 25 departments within the RSOM. It is dedicated to advancing the knowledge of the fundamental causes, means of prevention and treatment of human diseases, and to educating the next generation of scientific investigators in infectious diseases and related fields. For more see this link.

 

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Joe Verghese, MBBS, MD, MS

Physician researcher and educator Dr. Joe Verghese joins the RSOM

Joe Verghese, MBBS, MD, MS, has been named Chair of the Department of Neurology at the Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM) at Stony Brook University. Appointed by Peter Igarashi, MD, Knapp Dean of the RSOM, Dr. Verghese is a nationally recognized expert in the areas of gait and cognition in aging. His appointment began on October 14.

Dr. Verghese comes to the RSOM after more than two decades at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. Most recently, he served as Professor of Neurology & Medicine and was Einstein’s inaugural Chief of the Division of Cognitive & Motor Aging in the Department of Neurology. In addition to being the Murray D. Gross Memorial Faculty Scholar in Gerontology at Einstein and a former Chief of Geriatrics for Montefiore Medical Center’s Department of Medicine, he was also the Founding Director of the Montefiore Einstein Center for the Aging Brain, an interdisciplinary clinical dementia and cognitive assessment center named as a Center of Excellence in Alzheimer’s disease by the New York State Department of Health in 2016.

“Our aging society has a great need for medical experts who will advance preventive and treatment strategies for age-related illnesses, and the selection of Dr. Verghese as our new Neurology Chair ensures that this area of medicine will thrive within the Renaissance School of Medicine,” says Dr. Igarashi. “Dr. Verghese is a leading physician researcher, innovator and educator in neurology and specifically with cognitive aging issues.”

Dr. Verghese’s work has helped characterize non-cognitive features in prodromal stages of dementia, such as gait, and define Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome, a pre-dementia syndrome that provides an easy and clinically assessable way to identify older adults at high risk for dementia.

Much of Dr. Verghese’s career has centered on a  broad range of investigation involving issues around aging and dementia. Early on he studied the epidemiology of dementia, particularly around pre-dementia syndromes and risk factors. Then he moved toward research of gait disorders, frailty and falling, but also investigated cognitive processes and brain substrates by way of a number of methods such as epidemiological, biological, experimental, clinical translation, and interventional research approaches.

“By harnessing the expertise of our exceptional Neurology team at Stony Brook, I believe we can deepen our understanding of neurological disorders, train the next generation of neurologists, and significantly enhance treatment outcomes for our patients on Long Island and beyond,” says Dr. Verghese. “My primary goal as Chair is to cultivate a collaborative environment that not only fosters innovative research and comprehensive patient care but also prioritizes education. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Igarashi for this opportunity.”

Dr. Verghese graduated from St. John’s Medical College in Bangalore, India, and completed postgraduate training in Internal Medicine and Neurology in the United Kingdom. He completed a Neurology residency at Einstein in 1998, followed by a fellowship training there in Neurophysiology and in Aging & Dementia.

The author of more than 300 peer-reviewed articles, reviews, and chapters, Dr. Verghese has secured more than $200 million in research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He has continually received NIH funding for his research since 2002 and is currently the Principal Investigator on five active NIH grants.

Dr. Verghese is a member and Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, the American Geriatrics Society, the Gerontological Neurological Association, and the American Neurological Association. He has received numerous accolades during this career, including the Beeson Award from the National Institute on Aging, the Outstanding Scientific Achievement for Clinical Investigation Award from the American Geriatrics Society, and the Joseph T. Freeman Award from the Gerontological Society of America.

Having mentored more than 100 trainees and junior faculty over his time at Einstein, Dr. Verghese is the only faculty member to receive the Einstein Clinical Research Training Program’s Mentor of the Year Award twice.

 

Caption: Joe Verghese, MBBS, MD, MS

Credit: courtesy of Joe Verghese

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Chris Books. Photo courtesy of St. Catherine of Siena Hospital

Chris Boukas, RN, MBA, FACHE, has been named Chief Operating Officer at Catholic Health’s St. Catherine of Siena Hospital. Boukas has over 20 years of experience in healthcare administration and nursing.

In his new role, Boukas will oversee the hospital’s operational and administrative functions; design and implement business strategies; set comprehensive goals for performance and growth across all clinical service lines; and continue to ensure patient safety and patient satisfaction. 

“We are delighted to have Chris as part of St. Catherine’s executive leadership team,” said St. Catherine of Siena Hospital President Declan Doyle. “With extensive experience in hospital operations, system integration, regulatory compliance and emergency management, Chris has proven his steadfast leadership and strategic planning skills. As St. Catherine’s COO, Chris will further enhance our hospital’s mission in providing the highest quality of care to our patients.”

Prior to joining Catholic Health, Boukas served as Northwell Health’s Senior Director, Operations, where he oversaw various departments, as well as provided administrative and clinical oversight at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. In this role, he achieved the highest level of performance in operating units, as well as established and managed plans to ensure productivity, operational and financial performance. 

During his long-standing career, Boukas also held numerous other roles as Northwell Health’s Senior Administrative Director of the Division of Endocrinology and Rheumatology; Assistant Director of Nursing at Huntington Hospital; Regional Director, Operations at Advantage Care Physicians at its campuses in Brooklyn and Long Island; Northwell’s Senior Administrative Manager, Operations and Ambulatory Services and Assistant Director of Nursing; and Manager at Forest Hills Hospital’s Emergency Department.

Earning his Master of Business Administration from Hofstra University, Boukas also received a business certification at Cornell University’s Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management in Ithaca, NY.  In addition, Chris earned two Bachelor of Science degrees –one in Nursing at the University of Maryland and another in Exercise and Sports Science at the University of Delaware. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, as well as a member of the Emergency Nurses Association. 

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Photo from StatePoint

With so many Medicare options available, selecting a plan can seem daunting. This year you may be wondering how news of Medicare drug price negotiations, economic uncertainties and other factors may impact your coverage in 2025.

Medicare is the government health insurance program for Americans 65 and older and others who qualify, providing hospital coverage (Part A) and physician visits (Part B) to beneficiaries. Additionally, there are a variety of options that coordinate with original Medicare, such as Medicare Supplement plans and Prescription Drug Plans, or replace original Medicare with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans combined with Prescription Drug Plans.

During this year’s Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which takes place between Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2024, here’s what Cigna Healthcare, which serves millions of Medicare customers nationwide, wants you to know:

1. Check for plan changes: If your current plan is working for you, you can likely keep it. However, it’s a good idea to review your plan every AEP, especially if you’ve experienced major life, health or financial changes. Any changes to your current plan will be outlined in your Medicare plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter, which you can expect to receive in September.

2. Research your coverage: There are a few key things to watch for when shopping for a plan. One of them is whether your favorite providers and specialists will be in-network. You should also review each plan’s formulary – that is, the list of drugs covered under the plan. You’ll want to find a plan that will cover your current medications and any you anticipate your doctor prescribing over the course of the year ahead. Finally, carefully consider your total spend for your prescription drug plan coverage (i.e., premiums plus pharmacy costs) since the maximum out-of-pocket costs for drugs you utilize will be capped at $2,000 in 2025.

3. Look for value: No matter what the economic outlook is, it’s wise to select a plan that provides great value. To that end, you may want to consider an MA plan, which offers quality and affordability. MA plans cover everything original Medicare does, plus more; most also include dental, vision and hearing benefits, prescription drug coverage, and other extras like over-the-counter drugs, transportation to doctor’s visits and pharmacies, healthy grocery purchases, and fitness services. MA plans are often available with $0 premiums, but you’ll also want to check on what your annual out-of-pocket costs could be based on your health status.

4. Understand your plan: Before enrolling in a particular plan, make sure you understand its ins and outs. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24/7; TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Or, visit the Medicare Plan Finder website at Medicare.gov/plan-compare. For local assistance, refer to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at www.shiptacenter.org. You can also contact individual Medicare plans, including Cigna Healthcare at CignaMedicareInformation.com.

“AEP is your opportunity to assess your budget and your health needs and find an option that will work for you and your lifestyle in 2025,” says Ryan Kocher, chief growth officer for Cigna Healthcare Medicare. (StatePoint)

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The DASH diet is a flexible eating plan that helps create a heart-healthy eating style for life. Stock photo

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

Heart failure (HF) occurs when the heart’s pumping is not able to keep up with the body’s demands for blood and oxygen and may decompensate. Unlike a heart attack, it develops slowly over years and may take a long time to become symptomatic. According to the latest statistics, 6.7 million Americans over the age of 19 are affected (1).  These numbers are projected to increase to 8.7 million by 2030, with the greatest growth among those aged 35 to 64 (2).

There are two types of heart failure, systolic and diastolic. Put simply, the difference is that the output of blood with each contraction of the heart’s left ventricle is generally preserved in diastolic HF, while it can be significantly reduced in systolic HF.

Fortunately, both types can be diagnosed with an echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart. The signs and symptoms of both include shortness of breath during daily activities or when lying down; edema or swelling in the feet, legs, ankles or stomach, reduced exercise tolerance; and feeling tired or weak. These can have a significant impact on your quality of life.

Major lifestyle risk factors for heart failure include obesity, smoking, poor diet, being sedentary, excessive alcohol intake (3). Medical conditions that increase your risk include diabetes, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and valvular heart disease.

Heart failure can be treated with medication, including blood pressure medications, such as beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. All of these have side effects. We are going to look at recent studies that examine the role of diet in reducing your risk. 

The role of antioxidants in your diet

If we look beyond the risk factors mentioned above, some studies have explored the role oxidative stress may play an important role in contributing to HF.

In an analysis of the Swedish Mammography Cohort, researchers showed that a diet rich in antioxidants reduces the risk of developing HF (4). In the group that consumed the most nutrient-dense foods, there was a significant 42 percent reduction in the development of HF, compared to the group that consumed the least. The antioxidants were mainly from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, coffee and chocolate. Fruits and vegetables were responsible for most of the effect.

This study was the first to investigate the impact of dietary antioxidants on heart failure prevention.

This was a large study: it involved 33,713 women with 11.3 years of follow-up. Still, there are limitations, because it was an observational study, and the population involved only women. However, the results are very exciting, and there is little downside to applying this approach.

Applying the DASH diet

A 2022 study examined the effects of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on the risk of developing HF (5). This study included over 76,000 men and women, ages 45-83 and without previous HF, ischemic heart disease or cancer from the Cohort of Swedish Men and the Swedish Mammography Cohort.

The DASH diet emphasizes consuming fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, and low-fat dairy and de-emphasizes red and processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, and sodium.

The researchers found that long-term adherence to the DASH diet was associated with a lower risk of HF. The greater the participants’ adherence, the greater the positive effect.

Interestingly, even replacing one serving per day of red and processed meat with one serving per day of other DASH diet foods was associated with an approximate 10 percent lower risk of HF.

Comparing a variety of diets

The REGARDS (REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) Trial examined the impact of five dietary patterns on later development of HF in over 16,000 patients followed for a median of 8.7 years. The dietary patterns included convenience, plant-based, sweets, Southern, and alcohol/salads (6). 

Researchers found that a plant-based dietary pattern was associated with a significantly lower risk of HF. Compared with the lowest quartile, the highest quartile of adherence to the plant-based dietary pattern was associated with a 41 percent lower risk of HF. 

The highest adherence to the Southern dietary pattern was associated with a 72 percent higher risk of HF after adjusting for age, sex, and race and for other potential confounding factors. Researchers found less effect after further adjusting for body mass index, waist circumference, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, and chronic kidney disease.

They did not observe any associations with the other 3 dietary patterns.

These studies suggest that we should seek to prevent heart failure with dietary changes, including consuming higher amounts of antioxidant-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and lower amounts of red and processed meats.

References:

(1) Circulation. 2024;149:e347–913. (2) hfsa.org. (3) cdc.gov. (4) Am J Med. 2013 Jun:126(6):494-500. (5) Eur J of Prev Cardiology 2022 May: 29(7): 1114–1123. (6) J Am Coll Cardiol. 2019 Apr 30; 73(16): 2036–2045.

Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.

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Photo from Huntington Hospital Facebook

By Daniel Dunaief

A top source for consumers searching for doctors and hospitals, Healthgrades continued to recognize several departments and clinical efforts within Huntington Hospital, while adding others.

Healthgrades named Huntington Hospital one of the 100 best hospitals for Coronary Intervention for the fourth year in a row.

An affiliate of Northwell Health, Huntington Hospital also was ranked fourth in critical care in the state and, among other recognition, received five star distinction for Cranial Neurosurgery, earned the 2025 Pulmonary Care Excellence Award, and was named among the top 10 percent in the nation for overall pulmonary services.

“Healthgrades is one of the more recognizable accolades that hospitals can achieve,” said Dr. Nick Fitterman, Executive Director of Huntington Hospital.

The hospital has hung two banners and plans to celebrate the distinctions with staff on Nov. 6th.

“People want to play for a winner,” said Fitterman. “It really does make the team members, the doctors, nurses and support staff all feel better, knowing that they’re in health care, they’re compassionate people. To see the recognition makes them feel proud.”

Through ongoing and growing recognition of the expertise and services available to patients, word has spread about the quality of care people receive at Huntington Hospital.

“Our doctors that run the Emergency Room are seeing more people from zip codes outside of our usual primary and secondary catchment area as the reputation of the hospital is spreading,” said Fitterman. “I like to think that it’s because of excellent care” as well as people telling friends and family about their experiences.

Patients outside the normal coverage area mostly live to the east and south on Long Island.

Healthgrades also gave ongoing high rankings to the coronary interventional procedures for four years in a row, provided a five-star rating for treatment of stroke for two years in a row, and named the hospital a five-star provider for treatment of pneumonia for seven years in a year.

Huntington earned five stars for its treatment of sepsis for the third consecutive year.

‘We don’t set out to achieve any recognition,” said Fitterman. “The core ideology that I espouse to all team members is that excellence in clinical care is the best business strategy. Provide the best care possible and all this other stuff will fall into place.”

While Huntington received a top five percent recognition for cardiac interventions, which includes stents for people who have heart attacks and pacemakers for those whose conduction system is not working well, the hospital recently completed a $5 million renovation of its cardiac catheterization lab.

The lab, which will have a ceremonial opening in the next few weeks, will implement “some of the most advanced technology,” said Fitterman.

Amid predictions about extended hospital stays as the population ages, Fitterman suggested that Huntington Hospital was focused on improving the way it treats diseases to get patients out of the hospital and return them to their normal lives in a timely fashion.

In addition to enhancements in cardiac care, Huntington Hospital has added new neurosurgeons to the staff and has invested in a Zeiss microscope that has a three dimensional display.

“You’d think you’re seeing a Star Wars movie,” said Fitterman.

Huntington Hospital taps into the Northwell Health network, helping patients benefit from specialists spread throughout the system.

Hospital staff can consult with tumor boards that include hematologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists spread throughout the Northwell network.

To help patients manage the stresses and strains that come from giving up control when they spend time in a hospital, Huntington converted several years ago to a dining service that allows people to order their meals according to their own schedule.

Patients can call any time of day to place an order. Food is then delivered to their room within 40 minutes, with no set breakfast, lunch and dinner times.

“Food is health,” said Fitterman. “If they were getting the same tasteless food that hospitals are renowned for serving, they would not be contributing to a healthy, therapeutic environment.”

For meetings, the hospital rarely orders from outside caterers, choosing food from the hospital kitchen.

The hospital has restructured the workflow to prevent any additional costs for the round-the-clock service.

Fitterman calls the chicken quesadillas “outstanding,” while he said some patients have come back to the cafeteria after they are discharged because of the popularity of the salmon.

Fitterman added that he is always looking out for ways to improve the experience for patient and their families.

“When I walk the halls, I’m still looking at things we can do better,” he said.

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TinaMarie Gianelli

New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS) has announced the appointment of TinaMarie Gianelli as its new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). In this role, Gianelli will continue to spearhead the organization’s strategic human resources initiatives and operations, ensuring the continued growth and development of NYCBS’s talented team.

“TinaMarie embodies a combination of a passion for people and a results-driven mindset – two critical attributes to the success of a Chief Human Resources Officer,” said Dr. Jeff Vacirca, CEO of NYCBS. “We are excited to have her lead our human resources efforts and continue strengthening our team.”

As CHRO, Gianelli will oversee employee relations,
professional development, and the overall well-being of the NYCBS workforce. Her vision and leadership will support the organization’s goals of delivering compassionate, world-class cancer care while cultivating a dynamic, thriving, and supportive workplace.

“I’m deeply honored to step into this new role as Chief Human Resources Officer at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists,” said Gianelli. “I look forward to continuing our commitment to supporting our incredible team as we work together to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients.”

Gianelli joined the organization in 2021 and has over 20 years of experience in human resources, with over eight years of experience specifically in a healthcare setting. She studied Psychology and Sociology at Albright College.

For more information, please visit nycancer.com.

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Suffolk County receives “full plus recognition” for fourth consecutive year

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services has received “full plus recognition” from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for its Diabetes Prevention Program for the fourth consecutive year. The designation is reserved for programs that have effectively delivered a quality, evidence-based program that meets all the highest standards for CDC recognition.

“Suffolk County residents are incredibly lucky to have available to them a no-cost program that is highly successful at supporting them with modest lifestyle changes to help reduce their risk of acquiring diabetes and other preventable diseases,” said County Executive Ed Romaine.

The Suffolk County Diabetes Prevention Program exceeded the national average in participant risk reduction by roughly 30%. Among program participants last year, 80% achieved a 5% weight loss, 67% participated in 150 minutes per week of physical activity over the course of eight sessions and 27% reduced their baseline HbA1C.

The National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) has been proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. The DPP is a year-long program that meets in small groups. A trained lifestyle coach leads the weekly session to help participants improve their food choices, increase physical activity and learn coping skills to maintain weight loss and healthy lifestyle changes.

The initial study, which began in 1997, showed the risk of developing type 2 diabetes was reduced by 58% in adults at high risk for the disease (71% for people over 60 years old). A 10-year follow-up study showed that participants were still one-third less likely to develop type 2 diabetes a decade later than individuals who took a placebo. Those who developed type 2 diabetes delayed the onset of the disease by about four years.

Suffolk County has been a partner in the diabetes program since 2013 and first achieved full recognition for its diabetes prevention program in October of 2016. The standards to achieve full recognition are strict, requiring extensive documentation and demonstration of an average weight loss of 5% across all evaluated participants in the year-long cohort, a 0.2% reduction in HB1c, or a weigh loss of 4% and at least 150 minutes per week of physical activity for 12 months.

To achieve “full plus” recognition, the program must retain certain percentages of a cohort over periods of time. For example, a minimum of 50% of a cohort must be retained at the beginning of the fourth month. Suffolk County’s designation is noted on the national registry website.

“It is not easy to change behavior, but we are making inroads, and we hope to ultimately see improvement in health outcomes as we train more lifestyle coaches in our communities,” said Dr. Gregson Pigott, Commissioner of Health Services. “To accomplish full plus recognition from the CDC is testimony to our dedicated staff who have brought this program to life in Suffolk County.”

To date, 438 Suffolk County residents have participated in the county’s Diabetes Prevention Program.

The Suffolk County Diabetes Prevention Program will be offering a new year-long program at the Suffolk County Department of Health, Office of Health Education in Hauppauge, starting on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM.  Details are posted on the county website. To register, contact Debora Rippel at 631-853-2928 or debora.rippel@suffolkcountyny.gov.

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