Health

From left to right: Scientific and Pedagogic Director Professor Cesaltina Ferreira Lorenzon, Executive Vice President for Stony Brook Medicine Dr. William Wertheim and Dr. Washington. Photo courtesy Stony Brook University

By Daniel Dunaief

In the midst of the pandemic, a new health effort started at Stony Brook Medicine, the medical enterprise of Stony Brook University, that is saving lives and paying other important dividends.

Dr. Sierra Washington. Photo courtesy Stony Brook University

Led by the Director of the Stony Brook Center for Global Health Dr. Sierra Washington, the university’s initiative has improved the outcomes for many people in Mozambique, particularly pregnant mothers, over the last few years.

The maternal mortality rate at Hospital Central de Maputo was 544 per 100,000 births when Washington, who was trained at Harvard Medical School and is an obstetrician/ gynecologist, joined Stony Brook. That’s about 39 times the rate in Suffolk County, which is about 14 per 100,000 live births.

For a doctor in Mozambique, “you’re losing a mother every week,” Washington said.

When mothers die, the rates of infant and child mortality increases as well.

The rate of maternal mortality by 2023 dropped to 365 per 100,000 live births.

“That’s a testament to our sustained collaboration and the work we’ve done,” Washington said, but “it’s still way too high.”

She is aiming for a 50 percent reduction within the next five years.

The benefit for pregnant mothers extends beyond one area, as residents in obstetrics and gynecology train at Hospital Central de Maputo before they are posted to other hospitals across the nation. 

Stony Brook introduced numerous ways to improve outcomes for expectant mothers. Washington introduced education and skills building and created and stocked single use medication kits for quick evaluation and treatment of a hemorrhage or infection, built systems to perform emergency C sections in a timely way and built systems to resuscitate the mother.

In addition to obstetrics and gynecology, Stony Brook has brought expertise and equipment in emergency medicine and general surgery to Mozambique.

“It’s a bilateral exchange,” said Washington. “We send learners in both directions.”

Medical trainees travel to Stony Brook, where they return with ideas and implement them in Mozambique.

So far, 11 faculty and four residents, meanwhile, have traveled over 8,000 miles to the southeastern part of the African continent to Mozambique to teach.

Additionally, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stony Brook gives resident lectures every Wednesday over zoom to residents in Mozambique. Washington would like to duplicate that in emergency medicine and surgery.

“Almost everyone who comes here once wants to come back,” said Washington.

Indeed, this type of program can help recruit and retain talented medical care professionals eager to contribute to the world as global citizens.

“We definitely feature the program on interview days in departments that are engaged” in this global health effort, said Washington.

Mission

Dr. Sierra Washington (left) teaching surgery to Edite Magumber (right) at the Hospital Central de Maputo. Photo courtesy Stony Brook University

Washington explained that the mission of the program is to advance global health equity, beginning in Mozambique, by building capacity for care, education and research.

Collaborators in the two countries are working on five ongoing research projects on women’s health.

The framework she has used to build the system comes from the late Dr. Paul Farmer, who was a medical anthropologist at Harvard University.

Farmer coined the five S’s of global health, which include stuff, staff, skills, space and systems.

The stuff includes critical equipment and supplies, essential medicines, sutures, gloves and other products.

“These are the things Americans take for granted when they walk through the door” at a hospital or a medical practice, Washington said.

The Global Health Equity program currently has one other full-time staff member besides Washington who is an administrator.

She would like to recruit and retain a field director in emergency medicine and surgery in the next calendar year.

Additionally, Stony Brook Health would like to add expertise in nursing, pediatrics and anesthesiology, which she considers part of phase two.

The third phase involves bringing in the kinds of systems that help make hospitals run effectively in areas such as biomedical engineering, computer science and environmental science.

These experts could help ensure that a blood pressure cuff is functioning, that the ultrasound works, the lights turn on, and outlets provide power.

Africa is where people “send second-hand medical equipment that goes to die,” Washington explained. “Without properly trained and equipped maintenance departments and without industry service contracts, there is no way to repair most equipment.”

Financial reality

The Mozambique effort has been operating on what Washington described as a “shoestring budget” of around $100,000 per year.

The system leans on grant money, the good will of the hospital center, and on private donors.

Washington would like to raise $1 million over the next year, which, she suggested, would pay dividends in the health of the population.

Additional funding would help Washington develop a tool kit to reduce maternal mortality for the country.

During their eight week visits, Stony Brook’s visiting residents have stayed with Washington when they travel to Mozambique because the university cannot afford faculty/ resident housing.

“We would love to have an eponymous donation to be able to have a Stony Brook campus here, which would include short term housing, flexible learning space and meeting space,” she explained in an email.

Since the program inception, Stony Brook has raised about $500,000 in cash or in kind. The program currently has a balance of $165,000 that will last for one more year.

Washington is passionate about and committed to the effort, which she describe as “her life’s work.”

METRO photo
Relatively small amounts of exercise lead to big benefits

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

Last week, I had a conversation with a vibrant, independent 96-year-old, who was excited to share her thoughts about the current election cycle.

It’s becoming more common to live into your 90s: according to the National Institutes of Health, those who were more than 90 years old increased by 2.5 times over a 30-year period from 1980 to 2010 in the U.S. (1). Researchers refer to this group as the “oldest-old,” which includes those over age 84.

What do these “oldest-old” have in common? According to one study, they tend to have fewer chronic medical conditions or diseases. As a result, they typically have greater physical functioning and mental acuity, which allows them a better quality of life (2).

A study of centenarians found that they tended to be healthy and then die rapidly, without prolonged suffering (3). In other words, they stayed mobile and mentally alert.

While genetics are a factor that can predict your ability to reach this exclusive club, lifestyle choices also play an important role. Let’s look at the research.

Does exercise really help extend our lives?

We’re repeatedly nudged to exercise. This is not vanity; it can have a direct impact on our longevity and health.

One study of over 55,000 participants from ages 18 to 100 showed that five-to-ten minutes of daily running, regardless of the pace, can significantly impact our life span by decreasing cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality (4).

Amazingly, even if participants ran fewer than six miles a week at a pace slower than 10-minute miles, and even if they ran only one to two days a week, there was still a decrease in mortality compared to nonrunners. Those who ran for this very limited amount of time and modest pace potentially added three years to their life span.

An editorial that accompanied this study shared that more than 50 percent of people in the U.S. do not achieve the current recommendation of at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day (5).

One study of over a quarter-million people found that walking just 3867 steps a day started to reduce the risk of dying from any cause, and every additional 1000 steps reduced risk of death from all causes another 15 percent (6). The researchers could not find an upper limit to the benefits.

For those 85 and older, all-cause mortality risk was reduced 40 percent by walking just 60 minutes a week at a pace that qualified as physical activity, not even exercise.

What is the best protein source?

Many are questioning the value of a long-standing dietary paradigm that suggests we need to eat sufficient animal protein to support us as we age.

In an observational study of 7,000 participants from ages 50 to 65, researchers found that those who ate a high-protein diet with greater than 20 percent of their calories from protein had a had a 75 percent increase in overall mortality, a four-times increased risk of cancer mortality, and a four-times increased risk of dying from diabetes during the following 18 years (7). 

However, this did not hold true if plants were the protein source. Interestingly, they found a high-protein plant diet may actually reduce the risks, not increase them. The reason, according to the authors, is that animal protein may increase insulin growth factor-1 and growth hormones that have detrimental effects on the body.

The Adventists Health Study 2 of over 73,000 participants with a median age of 57 years reinforced these findings (8). It looked at Seventh-day Adventists, a group that emphasizes a plant-based diet, and found that those who ate animal protein once a week or less experienced a significantly reduced risk of dying over the next six years compared to those who were more frequent meat eaters. 

What does systemic inflammation tell us about longevity?

The Whitehall II study included 3,044 participants over the age of 35 who did not have a stroke, heart attack or cancer at the beginning of the study (9). Researchers measured a specific marker for inflammation, interleukin-6 (IL-6). They found that higher levels had negative impacts on participants’ healthy longevity. If participants had elevated IL-6 (>2.0 ng/L) at both baseline and at the end of the 10-year follow-up period, their probability of healthy aging decreased by almost half. The good news is that inflammation can be improved significantly with lifestyle changes.

The bottom line is that lifestyle choices are important to healthy longevity. A small amount of exercise and consuming more plant protein than animal protein can contribute to a substantial increase in healthy life span. IL-6 may be a useful marker for inflammation, which could help predict healthy or unhealthy outcomes. Your doctor can test to see if you have an elevated IL-6. If you do, lifestyle modifications may be able to reduce these levels.

References:

(1) nia.nih.gov. (2) J Am Geriatr Soc. 2009;57:432-440. (3) Future of Genomic Medicine (FoGM) VII. Presented March 7, 2014. (4) J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014;64:472-481. (5) J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014;64:482-484. (6) Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2023 Dec 21;30(18):2045. (7) Cell Metab. 2014;19:407-417. (8) JAMA Intern Med. 2013;173:1230-1238. (9) CMAJ. 2013;185:E763-E770.

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.

The Town of Smithtown hosted its first annual Epilepsy Awareness Ceremony, declaring November as Epilepsy Awareness Month throughout the township. The ceremony was held on November 7 at Town Hall, honoring the bravery of community members living with epilepsy and their journey to end the stigma surrounding it.

Katie Necroto, a 14-year-old Nesconset Resident shared her very personal and inspiring story, in front of a captive audience of family, friends, and local community members. Ms. Necroto was presented with a Proclamation from the Town of Smithtown by Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim, recognizing her journey and declaring November Epilepsy Awareness Month.

“Smithtown has been at the forefront of celebrating community members and observing Health Awareness Months. Each year, we expand our partnerships, deepen our understanding, and are inspired by incredible individuals in our community. This November, we are thrilled to add Epilepsy Awareness Month to our roster. All month long, we aim to inform families about available resources, educate the public on epilepsy, and break down the stigma here in Smithtown. We will also be distributing awareness bracelets to anyone who pledges to support this mission right here at Town Hall,” said Supervisor Wehrheim in a press release.

Katie Necroto spoke to the community at large, sharing her first memory and journey to the present day with hopes of educating and inspiring others to not be ashamed or afraid of an epilepsy diagnosis. NY State Senator Mario Mattera, alongside Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick presented Katie with a framed, State Certificate of Recognition for her courage in raising awareness. Smithtown Central School Districts Assistant Superintendent for Instruction & Administration Cabinet, Dr. Kevin Simmons shared remarks on behalf of Superintendent Dr. Mark Secaur, who shares a personal bond, in connection to those impacted by epilepsy.

“I realized I was on the path I was meant to be on, inspired by angels who have loved, supported, and guided me. Thank you to my family, friends, school nurses, doctors, and everyone who helped me through the hardest times. I’m especially grateful to Supervisor Wehrheim and the Town for listening to my story and encouraging me to share it. If I had one wish today, it would be that my story helps someone else find hope and strength. That the telling of this story might encourage any one of you experiencing difficult times to know there are angels all around you, ready to help you on your journey and shine their light through the darkness,” said Katie, who is an Epilepsy Awareness Advocate and 9th-grade student at Smithtown High School East.

The ceremony concluded with a purple ribbon cutting in front of the sign at Town Hall, which has been landscaped with Fall purple annuals and Epilepsy Awareness garden flags. All Month long the Town of Smithtown will seek to inform families about available resources, work to educate the public on the various types of Epilepsy and pledge to end the stigma. St. Catherine of Siena Hospital has delivered informational pamphlets, available at the entrance of Town Hall for anyone wishing to learn more about treatments and resources locally available. Additionally, the Town has made silicone Awareness Bracelets available at the main entrance of Town Hall for anyone who would like to take the pledge to be informed, compassionate and help spread a positive message with the community.

“Smithtown is proud to be at the forefront of honoring Health Awareness Months, expanding community partnerships, and celebrating remarkable individuals. All November long, Smithtown will educate the public on Epilepsy, promote available resources, and work collectively to end the stigma around the condition,” read the release.

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Sherri Shepherd. Photo from BrandPoint

Award-winning TV host, comedian, actress and author Sherri Shepherd is at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) because she has diabetes. She doesn’t want to let it stop her from taking her shot on – or off – the stage. That’s why Sherri is partnering with Pfizer to share her diabetes story and help raise awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated.

Q: Sherri, there’s no doubt that you’re a superstar in more than one arena. What has helped contribute to your success over the years?

I learned early on that you need to run toward the thing that scares you because that’s where you can really thrive. And let me tell you, starting out in comedy and TV can be scary. But I put in the time practicing jokes on the bus, spending time on the road, working late hours behind the scenes, and it all led me to where I was supposed to be. And now, I get to take my shot at doing what I love every day.

Q: I’m sure you faced some challenges to get where you are today. What was one of the biggest you’ve faced?

I think the biggest one for me is more of a personal one. I have diabetes, so over the years I’ve had to learn how to keep my health in check. For me, I prioritize eating right, keeping active, talking with my doctor regularly, and getting vaccinated to help prevent pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD. It took a lot to get here so I don’t want to be held back from doing what I love.

Q: Tell me more about pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD. Are they serious?

Absolutely. Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks. In more severe cases, it can put you in the hospital and even be life-threatening. The same bacteria that cause pneumococcal pneumonia can also cause invasive pneumococcal disease, or IPD, which includes blood infection and meningitis.

Q: That does sound serious. Who is at greater risk?

People like me who are 19 or older with certain underlying medical conditions like diabetes, asthma or COPD. In fact, people 19-64 living with diabetes are at over 5x higher risk for pneumococcal pneumonia and up to 4.8x higher risk for IPD, compared with healthy adults the same age. People 65 or older are also at increased risk, even if they’re healthy.

Q: What advice would you give to people about protecting themselves against pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD?

Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to help protect yourself. And vaccination is available all year round, so I encourage everyone to talk to their doctor or pharmacist to see if a pneumococcal vaccination is right for them. They can also visit VaxAssist.com to book an appointment online today.

Q: Thanks, Sherri. Is there anything else people should know about pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD?

People assume you can only get pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD during flu season or in the winter, but you can get it any time of year. And even if you’ve already been vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia before, your doctor may still recommend another vaccination for further protection. I love hosting my show and doing comedy, but I don’t joke around when it comes to pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD – and you shouldn’t either. Go talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting vaccinated, so you can also keep taking your shot at whatever it is you love to do. (BPT)

Brought to you by Pfizer.

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.”

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.”

 

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.

 

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

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)