Shout Outs
By Office of the President | Jun 3, 2025
Dr. Jeffrey Putman Receives 每日大赛入口 Purchase President鈥檚 Award
Congratulations to Jeffrey Putman, Ed.D., Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, who recently received the President鈥檚 Award for Distinguished Alumni by his alma mater, 每日大赛入口 Purchase College. The award was presented during the college鈥檚 53rd Commencement Ceremony on May 16, 2025, at the Westchester County Center.
Dr. Putman earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in political science from Purchase in 1996.
He has maintained a longstanding relationship with the college, including serving
as President Emeritus of the Purchase College Alumni Association. The award recognizes
his nearly three decades of leadership in student affairs and higher education.
At Downstate, Dr. Putman oversees academic and student affairs across all five colleges and schools and serves as Deputy Chief Academic Officer. He holds a faculty appointment as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. Before joining Downstate in 2006, he held multiple roles in student affairs at 每日大赛入口 Purchase, including Interim Dean of Students.
This proclamation reads, in part:
- Whereas your distinguished career in higher education stands as a testament to your unwavering commitment to student empowerment and academic excellence;
- Whereas the seeds of your commitment to advocacy and service were first planted as a student leader at Purchase College, 每日大赛入口... foreshadowing a lifelong dedication to higher education and student success;
- Whereas you demonstrate visionary leadership in your current role as Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at 每日大赛入口...
Now, therefore, do I, Milagros Pe帽a, President, on behalf of the alumni, faculty, staff, and students of Purchase College, State University of New York, proudly honor and celebrate you.
Dr. Putman鈥檚 recognition at the 每日大赛入口 Purchase Commencement reflects a career grounded in service to students, a commitment to academic excellence, and a strong affinity for the 每日大赛入口 system.
Congratulations, Dr. Putman; we are incredibly proud of you!
Research Rising: Downstate鈥檚 Next Generation of Innovators
每日大赛入口 proudly celebrates the third year of the
Chancellor鈥檚 Summer Research Excellence Fund. This initiative continues to redefine access to academic opportunities across the
每日大赛入口 system. More than 200 students from eight 每日大赛入口 campuses鈥攊ncluding Downstate鈥攈ave
been selected for paid research internships this summer, building on a program that
has already empowered over 520 students since its inception in 2023.
This innovative initiative underscores 每日大赛入口鈥檚 long-term goal: to ensure that every undergraduate completes a high-quality, hands-on learning experience before earning their degree. The Fund prioritizes students who have historically faced barriers to participation in research鈥攊ncluding those with financial need and first-generation college students鈥攂y removing many of the traditional obstacles to access. Support includes stipends, housing, transportation, tuition, childcare, and meal plans.
At Downstate, students will engage in intensive, mentored research that spans critical disciplines in medicine, public health, and biomedical sciences. These opportunities are more than internships鈥攖hey are door openers to fields and futures that may have previously seemed out of reach.
By aligning opportunity with talent鈥攏ot circumstance鈥攖his initiative helps cultivate a more diverse, skilled, and inclusive pipeline of future leaders in science, medicine, and innovation. Downstate is proud to play a vital role in this effort, offering a campus experience that reflects 每日大赛入口鈥檚 broader commitment to equity and excellence in research.
We extend our enthusiastic congratulations to this year鈥檚 interns and our deepest thanks to the 每日大赛入口 leadership, faculty researchers, and staff who make this program a growing success.
Read the 每日大赛入口 press release .
The Brilliance and Boldness of Delta Omega Honorary Society
Please join me in congratulating a distinguished group of Downstate public health leaders and scholars on their induction into the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health, a prestigious distinction awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing public health through scholarship, leadership, and service.
Among this year鈥檚 honorees are three of Downstate鈥檚 most committed faculty leaders: Azure B. Thompson, DrPH, MPH; Carla Boutin-Foster, M.D., MSc; and W. Marcus Lambert, Ph.D. Each brings a unique lens and lasting impact to the field of public health.
Dr. Azure Thompson, Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the School of Public Health, focuses on addressing cultural and systemic barriers to health, particularly in underserved communities. Her work continues to deepen public health practice through both research and teaching.
Dr. Carla Boutin-Foster, Professor of Medicine, Associate Dean for Diversity Education and Research, and Associate Vice President for Institutional Equity, stands at the intersection of medicine and public health. Through her leadership in physician pathway development and culturally responsive education, she cultivates a new generation of professionals equipped to serve with competence and compassion.
Dr. W. Marcus Lambert, Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Associate Vice President for Research Strategy and Operations, leads efforts to expand access and inclusion in biomedical research. His strategic vision strengthens institutional capacity and supports health innovations that serve broader populations.
Induction into Delta Omega is highly selective and reserved for individuals whose impact elevates the quality and reach of public health. Membership provides access to leadership development, publication platforms, and a national network of thought leaders committed to improving population health.
We are also proud to recognize the outstanding student inductees:
- Adebayo A. Adewale 鈥� Health Policy & Management (HPMG/MHA)
- Maisa Alam 鈥� Health Policy & Management (HPMG)
- Heather Badger 鈥� Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (EOHS)
- Eric Chen 鈥� Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (EOHS)
- Karlynn Jayne Holland 鈥� Biostatistics (BIOS)
- Madison Lazar 鈥� Community Health Sciences (CHSC)
- Aliye Talal Mossad 鈥� Epidemiology (EPID)
- Madeleine Snider 鈥� Epidemiology (EPID)
- Paula Spann 鈥� Community Health Sciences (CHSC)
Special thanks to Kitaw Demissie, M.D., Ph.D., Dean of the School of Public Health, and Marlene Camacho-Rivera, ScD, MS, MPH, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, for leading this year鈥檚 induction ceremony and for their continued commitment to academic and public health excellence.
Please check back here for a complete list of all inductees.
Azure B. Thompson, DrPH, MPH; Carla Boutin-Foster, M.D., MSc; and W. Marcus Lambert, Ph.D.
Congratulations to all!
Celebrating Health Equity Local Champions at the Inaugural BHEF Awards
Left to Right: Anika Daniels-Osaze, Ed.D., MPH; Wayne Riley, M.D., Marilyn Fraser, M.D., and W. Marcus Lambert, Ph.D.
This past weekend, I had the distinct honor of being recognized alongside my esteemed Downstate colleagues, Anika Daniels-Osaze, Ed.D., MPH; Marilyn Fraser, M.D., and W. Marcus Lambert, Ph.D., at the Brooklyn Health Equity Foundation鈥檚 Inaugural Awards Ceremony, held at the historic Akwaaba Mansion in Brooklyn.
The evening was a powerful celebration of commitment to equity, compassion, and community. Brooklyn continues to face significant challenges affecting its residents鈥� health and well-being, and the Brooklyn Health Equity Foundation directly meets those challenges. BHEF drives transformative change to reduce healthcare disparities and promote long-term structural equity by investing in hospital-based, community-led, and public health advocacy initiatives. One of its most recent accomplishments includes completing a new residence to house medical residents who serve in the specialties most urgently needed by the community.
The Foundation also critically supports grassroots organizations, awarding grants of up to $20,000 to fuel local, mission-driven work.
Heartfelt thanks and congratulations to my fellow honorees and deepest appreciation to the BHEF Board of Directors for their visionary leadership: Howard K. Williams, D.Min, Board Chair; Gabrielle Kersaint, MSPH, Vice Chair; Jonathan P. Nelson, MBA, Treasurer; Deborah Harmon Hines, Ph.D., Secretary; Roland R. Purcell, M.D.; Howard R. Dabney, MBA; and Christine Greenidge, DHA. Their dedication inspires us all.
New Study Challenges Cancer Care Norms for HIV Patients
Congratulations to Marlene Camacho-Rivera, Sc.D., M.S., M.P.H., Assistant Professor of Community Health Sciences at 每日大赛入口 Downstate鈥檚 School of Public
Health, and Jessica Islam, Ph.D., M.P.H., Assistant Member in Cancer Epidemiology at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, for their
essential new research spotlighted in national media.
Their study, featured on and covered by , explores how structural barriers such as HIV-related stigma, medical mistrust, limited provider knowledge, and fragmented care systems impede access to timely and effective cancer treatment for people living with HIV.
Read the to learn how Drs. Camacho-Rivera and Islam are helping to reshape the conversation around equitable oncology care. We are proud to see Downstate at the forefront of this critical health equity research!
Champions for Brooklyn鈥檚 Children Honored at Annual TBCS Gala
Redetha Abraham-Nichols, DNP, MRA, RN (blue dress)
Left to Right: Steven G. Pavlakis, M.D., Allen N. Lewis, Jr., Ph.D., and Stanley Fisher, M.D.
Photo Credit: Ken the Photographer
Congratulations to the Brooklyn Children鈥檚 Society of 每日大赛入口 Downstate on a successful 9th Annual Gala, held April 23 at Giando on the Water. Since 2012, TBCS has worked to improve health outcomes for Brooklyn鈥檚 children through programs addressing trauma, disparities, and access to care.
This year鈥檚 honorees included:
- Stanley Fisher, M.D., for his legacy in pediatric medicine and mentorship;
- Allen N. Lewis, Jr., Ph.D., CRC, for decades of leadership in behavioral health and disability research;
- Redetha Abraham-Nichols, DNP, MRA, RN, for her advocacy and leadership in nursing;
- Steven G. Pavlakis, M.D., for pioneering contributions to pediatric neurology, including research on mitochondrial diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Thank you to TBCS founding members, Radha Giridharan, M.D.; Sheela Gobind Laungani, M.D.; Binita R. Shah, M.D.; and the late Madu Rao, M.D., whose vision launched a movement to ensure Brooklyn鈥檚 children receive the highest quality care, regardless of circumstance.
Special thanks to Jamie Grecco, J.D., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff, and Ingrid Dildy, MPH, Assistant Vice President of Development & Philanthropy, for graciously hosting this year鈥檚 event and for their unwavering commitment to advancing the Society鈥檚 mission. Sponsored by the Office of Development & Philanthropy, the event served as a meaningful fundraiser to support the ongoing work of the Society: to support the children of Brooklyn.
A鈩 Celebrates Excellence with New Inductees
Induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha (A惟A) Medical Honor Society is a prestigious recognition of excellence in the medical profession. Founded in 1902, A惟A honors individuals who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, leadership, scholarship, research, and community service.
每日大赛入口 Downstate proudly inducted 37 students from the College of Medicine鈥檚 Class of 2025, celebrating their academic and professional achievements. The ceremony also recognized seven faculty members for their outstanding contributions to medical education, clinical care, and community engagement:
- Riccardo Bianchi, Ph.D.: Associate Dean for Foundations of Medicine and Associate Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology; earned his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Pisa.
- Elizabeth Chernyak, M.D.: Director of Inpatient Neurology Services at Maimonides Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Neurology; earned her M.D. from Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
- Marilyn Fraser, M.D.: CEO of the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health and Research Associate Professor of Medicine and Public Health; graduate of Spartan Health Sciences University in St. Lucia, with training in the West Indies, Mexico, and the U.S.
- John Marshall, M.D.: CMO at Maimonides Medical Center and Professor of Emergency Medicine; University of Michigan alumnus and Air Force veteran.
- Mohamed Rami Nakeshbandi, M.D., MHA, FACP CMO at University Hospital at Downstate; earned his M.D. from the University of Aleppo and an M.H.A. from Columbia University.
- Philip E. Otterbeck, M.D., MBA.: Chair of Medicine and Chief of Endocrinology at Richmond University Medical Center; earned his M.D. and completed training at Downstate, and holds an M.B.A. from 每日大赛入口 Oswego.
- Rajesh Verma, M.D.: Emergency Medicine Specialist at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County; earned his M.D. from St. George鈥檚 University.
Selection for A惟A is highly competitive, with faculty-led reviews considering academic performance, leadership, ethical conduct, and service to the community.
The Downstate A惟A chapter is led by Jason M. Lazar, M.D., Ph.D., MPH, Executive Vice Dean for Education, serving as Councilor; Richard Sadovsky, M.D., Professor of Family and Community Medicine, as Secretary/Treasurer; and Sandra Mingo, College of Medicine Coordinator, as A惟A Administrator.
View the full program of student inductees
McCormack Scholarship Recipients Named
Left to Right: Michael H. Augenbraun, M.D., Jenelle Cocorpus and Dr. Nooriel Banayan
Congratulations to the Downstate 2024 William McCormack, M.D. Scholarship recipients. This prestigious award honors the legacy of Dr. William McCormack, a Distinguished Teaching Professor and former Chief of the Infectious Diseases Division, by recognizing medical students who demonstrate exceptional scholarship in infectious diseases.
First-place honors went to Ms. Jenelle Cocorpus, COM 鈥�26, for her exceptional research contributions. Second place went to Dr. Nooriel Banayan, COM 鈥�27, for his impactful work in the field.
The award ceremony drew a strong turnout from faculty, students, and staff, creating a warm atmosphere of community and celebration. Over lunch, attendees honored the awardees鈥� achievements and reflected on Dr. McCormack鈥檚 lasting contributions to Downstate.
Established approximately six years ago, the William McCormack, M.D. Scholarship Fund annually recognizes and rewards medical students at Downstate who excel in scholarly projects related to the study of infectious diseases. A committee reviews submissions and awards one or more students varying amounts up to $3,000 in any given year. Since its inception, at least six students have received varying amounts, highlighting the scholarship鈥檚 role in promoting excellence in infectious disease research.
Congratulations to Ms. Cocorpus and Dr. Banayan for their exemplary work, and thank you to Michael H. Augenbraun, M.D., Director, Division of Infectious Diseases. Their dedication to advancing the field of infectious diseases embodies the spirit of Dr. McCormack鈥檚 legacy. For more information about the William McCormack, M.D. Scholarship Fund, please visit The William McCormack, M.D. Scholarship Fund.
Serving with Heart to Fight Pancreatic Cancer
Congratulations to College of Medicine graduate Salvatore Volpe, M.D., Class of 2025, who honored Downstate and his peers by at this year鈥檚 Commencement ceremony鈥攁 recognition of his talent and commitment to
the campus community.
Dr. Volpe鈥檚 impact reaches far beyond the stage. On April 26, he took purposeful steps to honor his late mother, Rachel Anne Coronato Volpe, by joining hundreds at PanCAN鈥檚 PurpleStride walk in Manhattan. The event raises awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer, carried deep personal meaning: Rachel, an award-winning nurse, community advocate, and Staten Island Woman of Achievement, passed away from the disease in 2024.
In her memory, Salvatore led , which raised over $25,000 to support families navigating pancreatic cancer. His commitment reflects his drive to transform loss into action, mirroring the compassion and resilience that defined his mother鈥檚 life and career.
Walking alongside him was his father, Salvatore S. Volpe, M.D., a Downstate alumnus and Staten Island-based geriatrician with Northwell. Together, they carried forward a multigenerational healing, advocacy, and public service legacy.
Downstate remains firmly committed to advancing research, care, and advocacy in this field, including through the visionary leadership of Dean of the College of Medicine F. Charles Brunicardi, M.D.
Thank you, Dr. Volpe, for reminding us what it means to serve with heart.
Downstate Finalists in APA MindGames
Downstate鈥檚 Psychiatry residents earned a place among the nation鈥檚 top three teams in the 2025 MindGames Live competition hosted by the American Psychiatric Association. This fast-paced contest tests residents鈥� knowledge across psychiatry, neurology, and medicine鈥攎aking it a prestigious honor to qualify for the final round.
The event鈥檚 final question stumped all three teams: 鈥淭his standard method for assessing disability levels in psychiatric disorders replaced the Global Assessment of Functioning scale in DSM-5-TR.鈥� The correct answer? WHODAS鈥攖he World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule.
While the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell ultimately took the top spot, our Downstate team held their own alongside Zucker and Penn State finalists.
Congratulations to our residents for their outstanding performance and for representing Downstate nationally.