Pediatric Crier

Volume 15, No. 5, May, 2012

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Pediatrics Welcomes Sir Christopher Fortner

Editor's Note: We are pleased to introduce our new Pediatric Pulmonologist and his family to you.

I am pleased to have joined the department of pediatrics at Upstate as a pediatric pulmonologist. My strongest clinical interests are cystic fibrosis and asthma, with flexible bronchoscopy as my main procedural interest. I also have a background in physiology and bench research. Even if I don’t know the exact diagnosis when I first meet a patient, I enjoy using my physiology background to decipher what may be wrong with their respiratory system.

The path I took to where I am now may not be typical: my undergraduate training was mechanical engineering at Ohio State, and then I completed my medical training in Cincinnati’s MD/PhD program. It was during a 4th year medical student elective month that I decided to pursue pulmonology. I originally planned to get combined training in internal medicine and pediatrics, but after two years of that I realized that taking care of children was rewarding and challenging enough for me, so I changed to pediatrics. I stayed at Duke for my pediatric pulmonology fellowship, and stayed on for almost 3 years as faculty.

Outside of my professional interests, I have a number of hobbies that compete for my free time. Our boys are actively involved in Scouting, and I am a part of that as often as possible. I also enjoy making things, whether it is with wood, leather, metal, or other materials. If I'm not making a project, I'm likely trying something new or exploring a new area. I also enjoy photography and videography. When we want to go low-tech, we might abandon modern civilization for a weekend and visit a renaissance fair.

Right now, I am up here without my family while our boys finish the school year in North Carolina. Thanks to cell phones and video calls on the internet we are able to still spend time together in the evenings. I am enjoying myself, but I look forward to having the whole Fortner team back together.

I look forward to working with you and getting to know you.

Peds Takes Top Honors again in the Annual GME Awards

Members of our department once again took several of the top honors in the Annual GME awards.

Our ID fellow Manika Suryadevara, has been named the recipient of the 2011-2012 GME Excellence in Research Award for a resident or fellow hospital-wide. And Jaclyn Sisskind was one of only two residents who was selected to receive the peer nominated award for Outstanding Teamwork. Her nominator stated that she was an excellent role model and highlighted her degree of helpfulness and the numerous ways she tries to improve the morale of fellow residents.

Manika and Jaclyn have been invited to the Annual Awards Luncheon on, May 31 to be presented with their plaques. Congratulations, Manika and Jaclyn!

April Showers

Editor's Note: It was actually on 3/31

Jaclyn Sisskind On March 31 we gathered together celebrate Asalim and her soon-to-arrive baby. In honor of her love of basketball there was a "March Madness" theme with SU orange and blue everywhere. We played baby BINGO, had a trivia game to see who knew the most about Asalim, and a miniature free-throw contest (of which Raya was the triumphant winner!) Guests enjoyed lunch and desserts, and everyone got a baby food jar full of orange and blue M&Ms as a favor. Most importantly, we were able to "shower" Asalim with gifts to prepare her for the baby. She even got an SU onesie and baby basketball shorts! Karen Teelin and Mide Ajagbe's daughters provided assistance in opening the gifts.

Overall it was a fun afternoon and a way for us to show Asalim how much we love her, and how happy we are for her family. Congrats, Asalim! We look forward to meeting the baby!

The Maple Syrup Brunch

On Sunday, April 15 Dr. Katharine Chang graciously hosted the 4th Annual Maple Syrup Brunch at her home. Once again, the thought of attending-cooked food attracted a large number of residents (Jaclyn, Jen, Astha, Asalim, Carla, Tri, Chris, Kunal, Raya, and Salah) and a good time, and much food was enjoyed by all. Raya tells the Crier, "Dr Chang was definitely a great hostess. Her family is very nice. The food was great. She made delicious French toast and I personally requested the recipe. Nice house and great view. I think everyone had a good time! The star was Astha's new family member and it is their adorable dog Kajoo!" (the one on the left)

Honored Again

Manika Suryadevara was presented an award at Grand Rounds on 4/4 for the work she and her team completed based on the grant she received from ASPIRE (Pfizer) entitled, "Community-based organizations as conduits to reach the under-vaccinated children in the community." Congratulations again, Manika! We are all delighted that this award-winning fellow will be staying on next year as one of our hospitalists and Peds ID doctor!

To Be Honored

Congratulations to Matt Ryzewski who has been been nominated by the AOA (Med Student Honor Society) for a special award to be elected into the AOA chapter here at Upstate. Matt is being honored at a special awards dinner on May 18th.

In the News

Dr. Domachowske was recently interviewed by WSYR News Channel 9 on Measles and vaccinations. You can hear his live interviews on their website:

• "CNY doctor weighs in on spike in measles cases"
• "Live interview: On time vaccinations"
• "Measles cases hit 15-year high in the US"

The Upstate PR guy, Daryl Geddes commented on the interviews saying: "His sound bites really were network quality. Authoritative, no ums, its clear he knows his stuff." Great job, Dr. D!

Fine Arts

The Crier has been uncovering some hidden talents among various members of our department. In this issue we feature the nature photography of Jenney Lin and Lisa Blystone, and the artwork of former resident Rana Feghaly

Photographer, Jenny Lin
Here is one of Jenny Lin’s many lovely nature photographs.

Artist Rana El Feghaly
Former resident, Rana El Feghaly recently finished several oil paintings including several breathtaking pictures of our Onondaga Lake sunsets.

Lisa Blytone's Photography
Lisa Blytone recently had one of her photographs published in the Spring issue of Plank Road Magazine. The violets were shot at Baltimore Woods.

This photo was also selected for the "Daily Dozen" section of the "Your Shot" portion of the National Geographic website, over a year ago. Lisa tells the Crier, "I was completely blown away when they chose the violets since it was the first picture I had ever sent."

Keep an eye out for additional artwork in the coming months. And if you happen to be a photographer or artist, and would like to submit some of your work for publication, please do!

It's A Boy!

The long awaited arrival in the Nimeh household took place on Friday, Mar. 30. Baby boy Thomas Antoine Nimeh (named after both grandfathers) weighed in at a jumbo 9lbs, 13 oz. Mom, baby, and Papa Joe are all doing great!

Wedding on the Beach

Congratulations to Nellie Sadaghiani who got married to first year Internal Medical resident Darren Farmington on the beach in the Cayman Islands on February 18th.  Nellie said that the weather was perfect (isn't it always perfect in the Cayman Islands?) and it was a wonderful day for Darren, her, and all their family and friends. From the pictures we saw, it looks like marriage has taken Nellie and Darren to all new heights!

The Sound of Music Online

The Upstate Online recently featured an article about our board-certified music therapist,Clare Arezina. You can read the story on the Upstate Online website.

Upcoming Events

• May 3 – Camp Good Days Courage Connection (see brochure for more details)
• May 16, 17 - Pursa Palooza for Cystic Fibrosis (donations accepted through 5/15 on 4W)
• May 18, 19 - Erie Canal Ride (bicycle) for peds cancer at Upstate Medical University
• May 20 - Miracle Motorcycle Ride for GCH and Peds Cancer (for more details on these and other Upstate events visit www.upstate.edu/teamupstate)
• May 27 - Race 4 Hope (bicycle) for GCH and Peds Cancer (visit their website for more info)
• May 31-6/2 - NE Wilderness Medicine Teaching Day, (see brochure for more details)
• June 2 - Paige’s Butterfly Run for GCH (www.paigesbutterflyrun.org)
• June 13 – Annual Housestaff Appreciation Dinner – The Red Mill Inn, Baldwinsville

Pediatric Star-of-the-Month

By Lisa Blystone
The Pediatric Star-of -the Month is Marium Gill for going to the Onondaga Nation (that she has never been to before) on short notice to take care of a whole bunch of sick kids. Marium, you are a true star. Please visit Lisa Blystone in Rm. 5803 to pick out your Stars prize.

MAY BIRTHDAYS
5/6 Ahmad Rayes
5/7 Sue Stred
5/8 Asalim Thabet
5/9 Ran Anbar
5/10 Tim Hatch
5/11 Chris Lopez
5/12 Sherri Clarry
5/14 Zafer Soultan
5/15 Dave Sadowitz
5/16 Nandita Singh
5/18 Debby Carlson
5/20 Lou Pellegrino
5/23 Ellen Bifano
5/27 Jaclyn Sisskind
5/28 Boura’a Bou Aram
5/30 Priyanka Kaul

For past issues of the Pediatric Crier visit our Online Archives.