Week of March 2, 2026

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NEWS

Kartik Prabhakaran, M.D., to Lead Department of Surgery


Kartik Prabhakaran, M.D., M.H.S., FACS, has been named The Felicien M. Steichen, M.D., chair of surgery at NYMC and chair of the Department of Surgery at Westchester Medical Center. A nationally recognized trauma surgeon and academic leader, Dr. Prabhakaran will assume his new roles in July. 


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Uncovering an Early Driver of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension


New research by NYMC faculty, including Malik Bisserier, Ph.D., assistant professor of cell and molecular physiology and senior author on the study, published in Molecular Medicine, identifies a key early driver of PAH that could enable earlier detection and intervention before irreversible vascular damage occurs.


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What if Banana Bags Came Ready to Use?


Research between Touro College of Pharmacy (TCOP) and NYMC is exploring the shelf‑stability and sterile compounding of banana bags—a project involving students and faculty, including Joseymi Goris, left, TCOP Class of 2028, and Natalie Tran, center, SOM Class of 2028, and Lydia Jackson, right, SOM Class of 2028—to reimagine this hospital staple.


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NYMC and TU Host "Ninety Minutes: The Medical Magazine of the Web"



NYMC and TU came together on February 26, for an engaging installment of “Ninety Minutes: The Medical Magazine of the Web.” Moderated by Edward C. Halperin, M.D., M.A., chancellor and chief executive officer, the webinar featured faculty experts who delivered practical, evidence-based insights on a range of timely health topics. From contact lens safety and genetic testing for breast cancer risk to best practices in chest CT screening for lung cancer, comprehensive medical evaluations, and standards of care surrounding commercially available infant formula, the session offered attendees a concise yet wide-ranging look at issues shaping patient care today—all in just ninety minutes.


View the video >

Pet the Stress Away Brings Comfort to NYMC


The NYMC community pressed pause on a packed semester to unwind at the Office of Student Mental Health and Wellness’s Pet the Stress Away on February 25. In partnership with Paws Crossed Animal Rescue, the feel-good event transformed an ordinary day into a tail-wagging treat, where students, faculty, and staff recharged alongside Luge and Curly, the playful, affectionate puppies.

Free Shipping on NYMC Gear


NYMC online shop's special: Free shipping on orders of $50 or more until March 31. Ground shipping only,


Shop now >

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Building an Orthopedic Future 


With plans for a career as an orthopedic surgeon, Matthew Merckling, SOM Class of 2026, is already working to make a meaningful contribution to the field, while building an impressive research portfolio with numerous publications on a wide range of orthopedic-related topics.


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ACCOLADE

Kola Adegoke, Dr. P.H. candiate, was awarded the Peer Review Recognition Award from the Journal of Medical Internet Research in recognition of completing 25 lifetime peer reviews. The awards are presented to qualified reviewers to celebrate significant service milestones and to thank them for their ongoing commitment to the scientific community.

TIP OF THE WEEK

Woman wearing black suit jacket smiling in front of New York Medical College maroon banner with white lettering

For six weeks, the Office of Student Mental Health and Wellness (SMHW) will be sharing short media clips on their Instagram account with short exercises designed to support physical recovery and help both the mind and body. Robin Saide, LCSW-R, associate vice dean of the Office of SMHW, shared a guided deep breathing exercise for the first week.


Key Benefits of Deep Breathing

  • Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps shift people of of "fight or flight" mode, allowing the body to settle.
  • Supports emotional regulation. When your breathing slows, the mind often follows, making it easier to respond calmly and thoughtfully.
  • Stress often shows up physically—clenched jaw, tight shoulders, stiff neck. Deep breathing can relax those muscles.

STUDENT SCAVENGER HUNT

Ready to take on a campus challenge? Track down the fish footman on campus, and you could score an NYMC t-shirt.


Three paths begin beneath one roof,

Where futures form and plans find proof.

Voices rise, steps grow strong,

And public health moves us along.

Seek the place where questions land—

He’s guarding futures, bold and grand.

 

Where decisions are made and futures are laid,

And new beginnings steadily made.

Where transcripts rest and hopes are weighed,

And thoughtful review shapes each path displayed.

It’s a place that cheers aspirations

Duly noted on applications.

 

Once the Footman is found and the riddle is cracked,

Your journey is set—there’s no turning back.

Bring it to the Office of Public Relations to prove it’s true,

Claim your shirt—your victory is due!

 

Note: You can win only once, and only one winner per find. 

 

To claim your prize, email the Office of Public Relations.

HIGHLIGHTS

SOM Seeks MMI Interviewers

 

The SOM Office of Admissions is seeking interviewers for the Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) 2025-26 interview season. The interview cycle runs from September through March and interviews are conducted on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday starting at noon. Please contact Jamie Zelig at Jamie_zelig@nymc.edu for more information about the process.

NYMC Days of Giving


Tuesday, March 24 - Wednesday, March 25, 2026


Proceeds support student scholarships to educate future of health care providers, researchers, and health care leaders.

NYMC Goes Purple for Epilepsy Awareness


Thursday, March 26, 2026 4:00 p.m.

MEC Lobby


Join Tracey A. Milligan, M.D., M.S., professor and chair of the Department of Neurology, Manisha G. Holmes, M.D., FAES, associate professor of neurology and neurosurgery, and section chief of epilepsy at Westchester Medical Center, and the Student Interest Group in Neurology for a group photo to recognize the international day for epilepsy awareness.

SHSP Student Research & Scholarship Day


Thursday, March 26, 2026 6:00 p.m.

MEC Lobby


A celebration of scientific discovery and collaboration, this event highlights innovative research, fosters meaningful networking opportunities, and honors the invaluable contributions of our College and community collaborators.

37th Annual Graduate Student Research Forum


Friday, March 27, 2026 8:30 a.m.

John W. Nevins, M.D. ’44, Auditorium and Albert Willner, M.D. '43, Atrium and Lobby


The Graduate Student Research Forum is an annual, daylong event sponsored by the Graduate Student Association. Featuring oral and poster presentations, the Forum showcases student-conducted research to colleagues, faculty, and staff, as well as the broader scientific community in the tri-state area.

EVENTS ON THE NYMC CALENDAR

DATE 

TIME

EVENT

Tuesday, March 3

6:00 p.m.

Office of Student Mental Health and Wellness Student Zumba

Wednesday, March 4

8:00 a.m.

Center for Disaster Medicine K9 TECC Provider (K9 Tactical Emergency Casualty Care)

Thursday, March 5

8:00 a.m.

Center for Disaster Medicine K9 TECC Provider (K9 Tactical Emergency Casualty Care)


9:00 a.m.

4th Annual Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology Research Symposium


5:30 p.m.

Office of Student Mental Health and Wellness Student Yoga & Meditation

Visit nymc.edu/calendar to view all events.

IN THE NEWS

Leadership News

Jesse Jackson’s PSP Diagnosis: Neurologists Explain This Rare Brain Disease

Forbes - 2/23/26

Mill Etienne, M.D. ‘02, M.P.H., vice chancellor, associate dean for student affairs, and professor of neurology and of medicine  

Fabio Danisi, M.D., associate professor of neurology

Exploring Second-Line Therapies for CIDP

Everyday Health - 1/30/26

Mill Etienne, M.D. ‘02, M.P.H., vice chancellor, associate dean for student affairs, and professor of neurology and of medicine  

Faculty News

Should you be fibremaxxing?

The Economist - 2/20/26

Giana DiMaria, M.S., R.D., instructor of medicine

 

17 Sneaky Signs of Thyroid Disease Doctors Want You to Know

Prevention - 2/22/26

Jamie Mullally, M.D., associate professor of medicine

 

3 Healthiest Ways to Cook Salmon to Maximize Omega-3

Verywell Health - 2/20/26

Diane Lindsay-Adler, M.S., RDN, CDN, assistant professor of pediatrics


Shaun Desai Appointed Head of Otolaryngology at New York Medical College

The Universal News Network - 2/20/26

Shaun Desai, M.D., chair of the Department of Otolaryngology, effective April 2026

Neil W. Schluger, M.D., SOM dean and professor of medicine

David Lubarsky, M.D., M.B.A., professor of anesthesiology and distinguished visiting professor of public health  

Augustine Moscatello, M.D., M.S. professor emeritus of otolaryngology and former chair of the Department of Otolaryngology


Is drinking hot water in the morning really good for your guts?

Popular Science - 2/26/26

Diane Lindsay-Adler, M.S., RDN, CDN, assistant professor of pediatrics

 

New York Medical College and Westchester Medical Center Appoint Kartik Prabhakaran to Lead Department of Surgery

River Journal - 2/26/26

Kartik Prabhakaran, M.D., M.H.S., FACS, The Felicien M. Steichen, M.D., Chair of Surgery as of July 2026

Steven Lansman, M.D., Ph.D., chair and professor in the Department of Surgery

Neil W. Schluger, M.D., SOM dean and professor of medicine

David Lubarsky, M.D., M.B.A., professor of anesthesiology and distinguished visiting professor of public health  

Shaun Desai to lead otolaryngology at New York Medical College

New India Abroad - 2/19/26

Shaun Desai, M.D., chair of the Department of Otolaryngology, effective April 2026

Neil W. Schluger, M.D., SOM dean and professor of medicine

David Lubarsky, M.D., M.B.A., professor of anesthesiology and distinguished visiting professor of public health  

Augustine Moscatello, M.D., M.S. professor emeritus of otolaryngology and former chair of the Department of Otolaryngology


The Number-1 Sign Something Is Off With Your Thyroid, According to Doctors

Prevention - 2/24/26

Jamie Mullally, M.D., associate professor of medicine

 

Latest Findings from Pegcetacoplan Trials for Geographic Atrophy in AMD

Eyes on Eyesore - 2/24/26

Ferhina S. Ali, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of ophthalmology 


NYMC Develops CRISPR Platform to Quickly Identify Candida auris, a Potentially Lethal Hospital Acquired Infection

Medical Research - 2/25/26

Vishnu Chaturvedi, Ph.D., professor of pathology, microbiology, and immunology 



The most pressing workforce issues for 103 healthcare leaders

Becker’s Hospital Review - 2/24/26

David Lubarsky, M.D., M.B.A., professor of anesthesiology and distinguished visiting professor of public health  

TCDM News

Free dental care for kids offered in Albuquerque

KOAT Action News - 2/23/26

Joseph Parkinson, D.D.S., MPA, FAGD, executive assistant dean of TCDM’s New Mexico campus



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