Productivity Enhancement Program for state employees open now

The Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP) is open now through Dec. 9 for eligible state employees who are represented by: CSEA, PEF, UUP, PBANYS, NYSCOPBA, and M/C-affiliated. PEP allows eligible employees to exchange previously accrued annual leave (vacation and/or personal leave) in return for a credit to be applied toward their employee share NYSHIP premiums on a biweekly basis for 2025. In no case can the credit available under the program be applied to the employer share of NYSHIP premiums. For more information and enrollment forms, visit: https://solutions.upstate.edu/TDClient/650/HRPortal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=10995 (Upstate login is required). Enrollment closes Dec. 9.

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Open enrollment for the Flex Spending Account Program for state employees is open

The 2025 Flex Spending Account (FSA) Program open enrollment period for New York state employees is now through Dec. 9 (closing at 11:59 p.m.). To be eligible to enroll in the FSA Program, state employees must be annual salaried, work at least half time, meet the eligibility criteria for enrollment in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP), and be expected to be employed for the entire 2025 calendar year. Please note that if you wish to continue your current enrollment, you will need to re-enroll for the 2025 plan year. For more information and how to enroll, visit: https://oer.ny.gov/how-to-enroll.

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Salvation Army's Christmas Bureau seeks volunteers

The Salvation Army’s Christmas Bureau will be held Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the Oncenter. During the annual event, the Salvation Army joins forces with community groups and volunteers to provide holiday gifts and food for low-income families. Advanced registration to volunteer is required. To volunteer, visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F49ABAE2FA2FEC70-46947571-salvation. Due to space restrictions the Salvation Army cannot accept any last-minute volunteer requests. Spaces are filled on a first come, first serve basis.

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Nominations sought for Chancellor and President awards

Nominations are sought for the 2025 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards and Upstate President’s Awards. These honors recognize major contributions to the missions of Upstate Medical University and SUNY. Honorees will be recognized at the 2025 Fall Faculty Convocation. Faculty, students and staff are encouraged to submit nominations. A description of the awards, requirements of the nominations, a list of previous awardees, and the nomination form can be found at https://www.upstate.edu/academic-affairs/about/faculty-awards/index.php. Nominations and supporting documentation must be in PDF format, and the deadline for nominations, including all supporting documentation is Dec. 16, 2024. Questions? Email Cheryl Alger at [email protected].

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Advocates seek support for robotic pet therapy program

Since 2019 the Robotic Pet Therapy Program has offered comfort and companionship to Upstate patients, especially elderly patients with dementia and those with developmental disabilities. The dogs or cats go home with the patients and a continuous supply is needed to sustain the program. Advocates for Upstate, in support of Upstate Nursing, seeks pet sponsors. A pet can be sponsored for $100. Sponsors are entitled to recognition by the recipient and their family, and on the Advocates website and social media. For more information, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/advocates/pets.php. Questions? Email Jonathan Adler at [email protected].

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Advanced Practice Grand Rounds is Nov. 5

Lisa Isabell, RN,BSN,MS,FNP-C, will present Plagiocephaly: Head Shape Deformity Nov. 5 from noon to 1 p.m. CME credit will be available for participants. To join, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/upstate/j.php?MTID=m1645f7b2525de69ea5e8747a57636e17. For more information, email Tiffany Senke at [email protected].

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Compliance and Ethics week events are Nov. 5 and 7

Compliance and Ethics Week is recognized Nov. 4 to 8. Upstate’s Compliance and Ethics department will host events this week with staff available to answer all questions related to compliance and ethics. Stop by, meet the staff, and ask a question. Questions? Call The Office of Institutional Compliance, Privacy and Ethics at 315-464-4343. The schedule is as follows:

• Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the cafeteria in the basement at Community
• Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside Café 750 on the second floor of Upstate University Hospital
• Nov. 7 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. rounding in departments at Nappi Wellness Institute

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Biobehavioral Health Unit accepting referrals beginning Nov. 6

The Biobehavioral Health Unit within the new Children’s Pavilion will accept referrals beginning Nov. 6. The inpatient unit will be dedicated to providing multi-disciplinary assessments, individualized treatment plans, and caregiver training to children and adolescents (ages 5 to 17) with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have mental and behavioral health diagnoses including severe destructive behavior (non-suicidal, self-injury, physical aggression). For more information, email Heather Jones at [email protected].

Referrals for admission will be accepted via:

• Epic to the “Referral to Biobehavioral Intake CP” department
• Fax to 315-473-8707
• Mail to 655 Madison Street, Syracuse NY attention BBHU

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Passport to Medical Staff Services is Nov. 6

Passport to Medical Staff Services will be held Nov. 6 from 2 to 6 p.m. in 12405 A/B at Upstate University Hospital. Learn more about what Medical Staff Services does, including credentialing, privileging, and medical staff management. Questions? Email Candace at [email protected].

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Cardiology Grand Rounds is Nov. 8

Mario Delmar, MD, PhD, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, will present Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Young Athletes: The Case of ARVC and the Promise of Gene Therapy Friday, Nov. 8 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. in 0103 Weiskotten Hall and via WebEx. To join via Web Ex, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/upstate/j.php?MTID=mc3f814693de9091c11a4e0120b842b05 and use meeting number: 2300 918 5310 and password: Cardiology1. CME is available for this session. For more information, email Lisa Carroll at [email protected].

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Shirt sales are Nov. 8, 11, 12, and 13

• Social Work shirt sale closes Nov. 8: Social Work is selling “Keep Growing” shirts until Friday, Nov. 8. Funds raised support the Social Work fund, held at the Upstate Foundation. The shirt design was created in support of domestic violence victims. For a link to the store, visit: https://upstatedv.myshopify.com/. Questions? Email Allison Roberts at [email protected].
• Hematology/Oncology shirt sale ends Nov. 11: Adult Hematology/Oncology Shared Governance is selling holiday shirts now through Nov. 11. Long- and short-sleeved options are available with sizes ranging from extra small to 4XL. Tall sizes will also be available. Orders will be distributed via inter-department mail the first week of December. To place an order, visit: AHO Holiday Shirt Sale. Questions? Email Amy Schoonover at [email protected].
• The Upstate Emergency Department will hold a shirt sale Nov. 12 and 13 from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside Café 750 on the second floor of Upstate University Hospital. Proceeds benefit the ED clothing closet and staff recognition efforts. Questions? Email Tracy Dence at [email protected].

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Walk with a Doc is Nov. 9

Tim Creamer, MD, internal and hospital medicine at Upstate, will lead Walk with a Doc Saturday, Nov. 9 at 9 a.m. beginning at the Skate Park at Onondaga Lake Park. The event begins with a brief talk followed by a walk. Dr. Creamer will speak briefly about: 911 What do I say? Participants walk at their own pace and distance. The event is free and open to the public. Doctors interested in leading a walk and all other questions, email [email protected]. To register, visit: https://walkwithadoc.org/join-a-walk/locations/Syracuse-new-york/.

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Payroll to relocate Nov. 11

Payroll Services will relocate from Jacobsen Hall to the KPH building (formerly the Telergy building) in East Syracuse Monday, Nov. 11. Upstate ID badge inquiries will still be available at Jacobsen Hall, Community, and will be added at the new KPH location. Payroll representation will be available in Jacobsen Hall while that space is converted for its new purpose. Payroll and timekeeping contact information will remain the same. Call 315-464-4840, or email [email protected] or [email protected].

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EAP cider and donuts event Nov. 12, 13, 15

Upstate’s Employee Assistance Program will host a cider and donuts event in three locations around campus. The Upstate community is welcome to attend. Questions? Email [email protected]. The schedule is as follows:

• Nov. 12 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the lobby of Weiskotten Hall
• Nov. 13 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the third floor conference room at Telergy
• Nov. 15 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in room EDU 5 at Upstate Health Care Center

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Wellness Speaks is Nov. 13

Holly Vanderhoff, PhD, associate professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, will present on positivity during Wellness Speaks Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. via WebEx. Vanderhoff will discuss the concept of toxic positivity, recognizing thought patterns that are not healthy, and strategies in engaging in positive thinking that does not reject difficult emotions. To register, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/weblink/register/r9a13f1e96b067a6123e4413f8f3d1575. For more information, email Christine Cole at [email protected].

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High-frequency focal therapy for prostate cancer discussion is Nov. 13

Joseph Jacob, MD, MCR, Upstate Urology, will discuss high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy for treating prostate cancer Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. at HealthLink/Oasis 6333 State Route 298, E. Syracuse and via Zoom. HIFU is an outpatient, non-surgical option that destroys the cancerous part of the prostate gland with ultrasound waves, leaving healthy tissue alone. Dr. Jacob will discuss who would be a candidate for this therapy, what the treatment entails, side effects, recovery, and the pros and cons of this option. Jacob will also discuss the questions patients should consider when evaluating treatment options. To register, visit: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYpceygqz0uEtV7TEsuRfkAc-exffC7LTPn#/registration. Questions? Email Amy Allen at [email protected].

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Pet a Pooch for staff is Nov. 13

A Pet a Pooch session for staff will be held Nov. 13 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Community Room at Community. For more information, email Christine Cole at [email protected].

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HealthLink on enjoyable and healthy holiday eating is Nov. 14

Heather Dorsey, RD, CDN, outpatient dietitian and nutrition counselor, will present Healthy and Enjoyable Eating for the Holidays Nov. 14 at noon at HealthLink/Oasis Center 6333 State Route 298, E. Syracuse and via Zoom. Topics covered include: healthy eating to fuel mind and body, positive ingredient substitutions, choosing nutritious options when dining out, and recipes for holiday gatherings. Register here: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMsdOuhqz8qHNEpEkcJSAf4PRjVb-575HmG. Questions? Email Amy Allen at [email protected].

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Non-Profits at Noon speaker series is Nov. 15

Robert Searing from the Onondaga Historical Association will speak at the next Non-Profits at Noon speaker series Nov. 15 from noon to 12:30 p.m. via WebEx. The series offers a chance to meet and greet virtually with various non-profit leaders and learn how the Community Giving Campaign impacts poverty, history, and the arts in and around CNY. For more, see: https://www.upstate.edu/communitygiving/pdf/non-profit-at-noon-flyer.pdf. To join the session, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/upstate/j.php?MTID=maebf2b85421c5b8910e86acf866685c7 and use Meeting Number: 2303 427 4444 and Password: noonseries2. For more information e-mail Matthew Capogreco at [email protected].

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Limb Preservation Symposium is Nov. 16

The third annual Limb Preservation Symposium: Innovations and Advancements will be held Saturday, Nov. 16 in 4414 Academic Building. Registration begins at 7 a.m., program begins at 8 a.m. The symposium offers 3.5 AMA PRA ACCME category 1 credits for participants. To register, visit: https://www.eventsquid.com/event/25430.

For more information, email Rosemarie More at [email protected].

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Stress and stroke risk presentation is Nov. 18

Michelle Vallelunga, MS, RN, CNRN, SCRN, Upstate Stroke Center, will discuss how stress impacts stroke risk and steps to reduce risk Nov. 18 at 5 p.m. via Zoom. Vallelunga will review stress-reducing skills and techniques, including mindfulness practices, learning how to slow down, and saying no. Different types of strokes, key risk factors, and what to do if a stroke is suspected will also be discussed. Register here: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMtcOGopj4qHtAenrMKlcl4s1IDZxkuVK6g. Questions? Email Amy Allen at [email protected].

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Upstate Mammo Van event is Nov. 22

Upstate’s Mobile Mammography Van will host an event for the Upstate family only, to include students, staff, volunteers, and family members. The event will be held Friday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Upstate Bone and Joint, 6620 Fly Rd. Appointments are preferred. To make an appointment, call 315-464-2588 or visit www.upstate.edu/noexcuses.

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Upstate Gala is Nov. 22

The Upstate Foundation Gala will be held Friday, Nov. 22 at the Oncenter. Festivities begin at 8 p.m., with a patron party for sponsors beginning at 7 p.m. The event is casual attire featuring the colors of Upstate, including: navy, sky blue, teal, lime green, or purple. The event will include small-plate dining stations, a live band, a short presentation, socializing, dancing, and a new photo/video area with a 180-degree camera. Proceeds will benefit Upstate’s Department of Emergency Medicine, which provides expert emergency care for more than 130,000 adult and pediatric patients annually across four emergency departments and one pediatric urgent care setting. For more information on the event, reservations, and sponsorship opportunities, call the Upstate Foundation at 315-464-4416 or visit www.upstatefoundation.org/gala.

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Holiday closure for Nov. 29

Property Management Surplus Warehouse will be closed Nov. 29. Questions? Email Sean Barkley at [email protected].

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Applications for 2025 Your Cause charity due Nov. 30

Team Upstate seeks applications for a Central New York agency to be its featured Your Cause charity in 2025. The Your Cause program offers Upstate employees an opportunity to nominate a charity that will be the focus of Upstate volunteer outreach through the year. The 2024 Your Cause agency was Empower Parkinson, Inc. To nominate an agency for the Your Cause sponsorship, individuals need to complete and submit application form by Nov. 30. Team Upstate committee will review applications and announce the winning organization in December. The application is available here: https://www.upstate.edu/teamupstate/your-cause/index.php. Completed applications should be emailed to Nancy Prott in the President’s Office at [email protected]. 

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Upstate Cancer Center to host lung events in November

Upstate Cancer Center will host events in recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month and the Great American Smokeout. The schedule is as follows:

• Nov. 18 to 22: Stop by the atrium of Upstate Cancer Center Nov 18 through Nov 22 to sign the banner for Shine a Light on Lung Cancer. Sign your name to honor someone who has battled or is battling lung cancer. The banner will be displayed at Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Night at the Syracuse Crunch game Saturday, Nov 22.
• Nov. 21: Upstate Cancer Center will host MEGA Lung, a giant inflatable lung Thursday, Nov 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the atrium of Upstate Cancer Center. Stop by to walk through, learn how to maintain your lung health, and get a photo with the lung. Smoking cessation and We Matter information tables will also be available.
• Nov. 22: Help us Shine a Light on Lung Cancer with the Syracuse Crunch Friday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. Shine a Light on Lung Cancer aims to raise awareness for lung cancer. Giveaways, information tables, digital messages, in-game announcements, and more will be offered.

For more information about these events, email [email protected].

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Health Justice Conference seeks oral and poster presentations

The Health Justice Conference seeks oral presentations by Nov. 17 and poster presentations by Dec. 1. The theme for this year’s Health Justice Conference is Beyond Labels: Unveiling Intersectional Pathways to Health Equity. Proposals for presentations, workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions that delve into innovative strategies, research findings, and policy recommendations that promote health equity across various dimensions of identity and experience are welcome. Posters describing community projects related to health justice, literature reviews, research on health justice-related topics, or educational/clinical initiatives to promote health equity are encouraged. For more information, email [email protected].

• Complete the oral presentation form by Nov. 17, here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfohhvggT4dhycXdNaJtI22BNAH2qOVe1McDCjDvB3YnP_RDw/viewform?usp=sf_link
• Complete the call for poster presentations by Dec. 1, here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkoHWTyWnpS3XNFAU8xVtGHQkx9kAZtzRjenDZZEDKKI16zg/viewform?usp=sf_link

 

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Recharge Room is open for staff

The Studio Elsewhere Recharge Room is located in room 2606 Upstate University Hospital. The Recharge Room offers an immersive biophilic private space that includes music, scent, immersive visuals, lighting, and sound. The design is grounded in neuroscience developed with clinical and research partners. Employees and students can choose from a menu of 10 multi-sensory experiences. The recommended utilization time is 10-15 minutes. All multi-sensory elements are synced together for a contactless, voice-activated experience. Please help keep the space clean as it is a 24/7 access, and do not touch or remove any equipment. 

A colored key guide is available in the menu to help guide which experience to choose. The experience uses voice activation. Simply state “ELSEWHERE, TAKE ME TO” and the room will activate the experience. Each experience developed in this room has been designed specifically around the psychosocial needs, including mood, energy, focus and calm. For more information, email Christine Cole at [email protected] or Dr. Leslie Kohman at [email protected].

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Yoga for All

The Yoga for All schedule is as follows:

• Nov. 7 from noon to 12:45 p.m. in 4507 Setnor
• Nov. 8 from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. in 2151/2153 Nappi
• Nov. 14 from noon to 12:45 p.m. in 4507 Setnor
• Nov. 15 from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. in 2151/2153 Nappi
• Nov. 21 from noon to 12:45 p.m. in 4507 Setnor
• Nov. 22 from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. in 2151/2153 Nappi

For more information and for the virtual link, please email [email protected].

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Tranquility Tuesday

Tranquility Tuesday will be held Tuesday, Nov. 12 (and every Tuesday) from 12:30 to 12:45 p.m. on the second floor of Nappi Wellness Institute or virtually via WebEx. To join the virtual option, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/upstate/j.php?MTID=m4cf0ace0b87237183612a0b6496ca516 (Meeting ID: 2305 438 7566, Password: jyYW3FriJ74). Each session is a unique meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing, and relaxation practice experience. Questions? Email [email protected] or [email protected].

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The Informed Patient podcast

The Informed Patient podcast recently featured interviews about how generation Z thinks about health, breast cancer treatments and a study of patients with hearing loss.

• A look at how Gen Z – those born from 1997-2012 -- regards health and health care is the topic of family practitioner Kaushal Nanavati, MD, who is also the director of integrative medicine at Upstate.
• Treatment for breast cancer is increasingly tailored to the individual patient, who has more options today than just a mastectomy, explains surgeon Scott Albert, MD, who heads the breast cancer care team at the Upstate Cancer Center.
• Hearing loss is a widespread problem, according to Upstate medical student Amer Mansour, who also discusses the findings of research he did on which patients with hearing loss get referred to an audiologist. He presented his paper on this topic at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

The Informed Patient podcast and HealthLink on Air radio show are produced by Upstate Marketing and University Communications. The Informed Patient interviews are available through various podcast platforms, including YouTube here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTRingYNAhMI-BCsmNqTAx-7FAQMdNNlH. HealthLink on Air is broadcast on WRVO Public Media at 6 a.m. Sundays. Audio and transcripts of the podcasts and the radio shows are also available here: https://www.upstate.edu/informed/index.php. To suggest an Upstate expert or topic for a possible podcast, email Amber Smith at [email protected].