This Month In Pediatrics

August 2025

Children's Health

Saving Finnley: How a Multidisciplinary Team at NewYork-Presbyterian Came Together to Save a Baby and Give a Family a Future Full of Hope


With a large mass forming in Finnley’s neck and chest that threatened to block his airway before birth, Dr. Steven Rosenblatt, a pediatric otolaryngologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital, performed a rare EXIT procedure. Read more here!

Immunological Study Provides New Insights into Post-Pandemic Return of Respiratory Viruses




Dr. Perdita Permaul's recent immunology study reveals key findings on the post-pandemic resurgence of respiratory viruses. Her research provides valuable insights into the factors driving the rebound of these infections following the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here!


Education

Dr. Sallie Permar Delivers Keynote at White Coat Ceremony for First-Year Medical Students


Dr. Permar delivered an inspiring keynote address, encouraging students to use the power and privilege of the white coat to drive change for the public good. She reflected on her experience as an undergraduate volunteer at a mission hospital in Zambia during the AIDS epidemic, where witnessing the loss of infants to HIV—and the contrast of a preventable measles outbreak—sparked her passion for vaccine research. That moment became a call to action, ultimately shaping her career as a vaccine scientist. Watch full video here!



New Faculty

Ramon Gist, MD

Division of Critical Care



Amar Ingravera, DO

Division of Cardiology



Amir Jahanshad, MD

Division of Cardiology



Jennifer Lee, MD

Division of General Pediatrics



Research

Dr. Sallie Permar has received a $20.6 million NIH/NIAID grant to support her study titled “Translating Germline-Targeting HIV Env SOSIP Immunization of Infants: Targeting bnAbs in Early Life,” which will run from August 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030.The project aims to develop a next-generation vaccine that stimulates broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) early in life—when the immune system may be more receptive. Using a nonhuman primate model, the study will identify an optimal vaccine regimen administered alongside routine childhood vaccines, with the goal of achieving HIV protection before adolescence.


We are also thrilled to share that Dr. Sallie Permar’s K-12 grant has been reinstated by the NICHD for the next three years to support the national Pediatric Scientist Development Program (PSDP) that is affiliated with the Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairs (AMSPDC). This prestigious career development pathway has helped launch the careers of 192 pediatrician-scientists since 1987.

Dr. Nitya Gulati has been awarded the Robert A. Winn Career Development Award for Excellence in Clinical Trials, receiving $240,000 in funding over a two-year period.

The AAMC has updated its Value of Medical Research Funding Toolkit with new resources in recognition of Medical Research Month. This toolkit is designed to help you effectively communicate the importance of sustained federal investment in medical research. It includes a Medical Research Month calendar featuring daily themes and key events, along with core messaging, customizable content, graphics, and sample social media posts. These resources can support your efforts to highlight how research funding drives medical innovation, promotes community health, and boosts the economy. Access ToolKit Here!


Pediatric Fellows' Research in Progress takes place on the first Thursday of each month. Third and second-year fellows present their ongoing academic scholarship work. Stay tuned for next month’s presenters!


Advocacy

Advocacy in Action


In action > Inaction

 

While Congress is in recess is a terrific time to pull out your department’s advocacy plan to identify what steps you’re going to take to address the issues you prioritized at our advocacy retreat in May. This fall, we invite all department leadership to spend a few minutes sharing updates on their advocacy goals. Look for more details for an October meeting. Reach out to Ilina Ewen if you have questions or need any additional support. She is available to consult on issues, speak to your department, draft communications, and help navigate the advocacy landscape.

 

As a reminder, here are key elements of the advocacy plan.

  • Identify 2-3 key policy areas that align with your expertise and interests
  • Who represents your district?)
  • Who can support and complement your advocacy
  • What advocacy skills do you want to learn or hone?

 

Send Ilina Ewen your top 3 goals by Friday, October 10.

 

 

We’re Stronger Together: Integrated Advocacy Groups

From the clinic to the community to Capitol Hill! Our department is launching new advocacy groups that bring together learners, faculty, and staff to champion child health. Our mission is to empower everyone at every level of their career to engage in advocacy to improve children's wellbeing. You’ll get the tools, tips, and turnkey information to activate your outside voice.

 

We’re focusing on four urgent priorities:

 

  • Workforce & Medicaid – Fair pay and strong support so every child has access to high quality care
  • Vaccines – Increase access, build trust, and advocate for policy change to keep kids protected
  • Mental Health – Center youth and expand services in schools and clinics
  • Gun Safety – Promote safe storage and advocate for policies that save lives

 

Join one of the advocacy groups! 

There is power in numbers so, in concert, your voices are powerful. Share your story and take action with us to build a healthier, safer future for all children. Email Ilina Ewen and let her know which focus area you want to support.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Nena Osorio has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 MAC Award for Mentoring Excellence in Clinical Care. This award recognizes her outstanding contributions to clinical mentoring and her sustained commitment to Cornell’s core values: Care, Discover, Teach. Her work exemplifies the profound impact of mentorship on the careers of her mentees and the advancement of our clinical mission.



We invite you to join us in celebrating this achievement at the Award Ceremony, which will take place on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at the Griffis Faculty Club.

Publications

Dr. Erika Abramson

Paediatric Gastrointestinal Procedural Patterns in New York City During the COVID-19 Pandemic


Dr. James Bussel

Neonatal Fc Receptor - Biology and Therapeutics. Reply


Safety and Efficacy of Daratumumab in Immune Thrombocytopenia


Dr. Thomas Ciecierega

The association of environmental exposure in the etiology of esophageal atresia in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis


Dr. Lillian Cohen

Generating Advancements in Longitudinal Analysis in X and Y Variations: Rationale, Methods, and Diagnostic Characteristics for the GALAXY Registry


Dr. Genevieve Fouda

Integration of Preclinical and Clinical Vaccine Safety and Immunogenicity Testing for Development of a Pediatric HIV Vaccine to Achieve Protective HIV Immunity Prior to Adolescence


Dr. Zachary Grinspan

An Introduction to Quantitative Aspects of Quality Improvement Science.


Dr. Alexandra Huttle

A Simulation-Based Training in Suicide Prevention for Pediatric Residents


Dr. Amar Ingravera

Effects of amiodarone infusion on clinical parameters in the cardiac intensive care unit: what does it do to heart rate and oxygen delivery?


Dr. Christine Joyce

Assessing the Educational Landscape of Culturally Responsive Education in Pediatric Critical Care Fellowships


Dr. Isabella Kong

Transcriptome sequencing of Hodgkin lymphoma Hodgkin and Reed-Stenberg cells reveals escape from NK cell recognition and an unfolded protein response


Dr. Ryo Miyakawa

Deriving Dosages for Levofloxacin Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment for Young People Exposed to Rifampicin-Resistant Tuberculosis


Dr. Virginia Pascual

Single-cell map of the healthy human immune system across the lifespan reveals unique infant immune signatures


Dr. Perdita Permaul

Dynamics of endemic virus re-emergence in children in the USA following the COVID-19 pandemic (2022-23): a prospective, multicentre, longitudinal, immunoepidemiological surveillance study


Dr. Natalie Uy

Exome analysis links kidney malformations to developmental disorders and reveals causal genes


Dr. Patrick Wilson

In Vivo Evolution of Monoclonal Antibody CR3022 to Achieve Cross-Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 and Implications for Vaccine Strategies Against SARS-Related Viruses

Click here to view publications by faculty members published in the last 30 days!

Announcements

Pediatric Pulmonary Function Testing Now Live on Our Website


The Pediatric Pulmonary Function Testing page is now live on our Pediatrics clinical services website. Our lab specializes in assessing lung function in children using tests that are safe, noninvasive, and designed to ensure their comfort. Whether your child is dealing with asthma, a persistent cough, or other respiratory concerns, these tests provide doctors with essential information to diagnose accurately and develop tailored treatment plans. Visit the webpage here!

Dr. Perdita Permaul’s guide on how to manage food allergies in school offers practical tips to help children stay safe and supported throughout the school year. Her advice provides strategies for parents, teachers, and school staff to ensure a healthy and inclusive environment for students with food allergies. Read more here!


The Ice Cream Truck Visit was a wonderful community event! It was great to see so many colleagues come together to enjoy a sweet treat, connect with one another, and celebrate the great work happening across our department. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made it such a success!

Check out back-to-school tips from our pediatric providers and nutritionists—including healthy sleep habits, staying up to date with vaccines, proper handwashing, and nutritious eating. Find more on our Instagram @WCMPediatrics, and be sure to follow, tag, and engage with us!

Upcoming Events

2025 Third Avenue Fair


The Third Avenue Fair takes place each September between 68th and 86th Streets, and provides a great opportunity for departments, centers & institutes to offer valuable information to community residents and visitors, while also promoting the services they provide. More than 200 faculty, staff and employees have participated in prior years, lining both sides of the street!


Date: September, 6, 2025

Time: 9:30 AM-4:00 PM

Location: Between 68th and 86th Streets

Shout Outs


A big shout-out to our wonderful pediatric neurologists—residents Dr. Khan and Dr. Holan and attending Dr. Daniel Lowenstein—for going above and beyond this past Sunday in caring for a 10-year-old patient. Their expertise, compassion, and professionalism truly shine, and we’re proud to call them colleagues.


Drs. Nicole Kucine, Perdita Permaul and Thomas Ciecierga were among the top pediatric physicians with stellar Google review ratings this month!


Share your appreciation for colleagues by submitting a shout-out for inclusion in the department newsletter here!