Upstate offers entrance to Lights on the Lake Dec. 10

As an official sponsor of this year’s Lights on the Lake, Upstate will offer complimentary admission to the event today, Dec. 10 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Onondaga Lake Parkway for individuals with a valid Upstate ID. One vehicle per Upstate ID will be permitted entrance. Lights on the Lake is a two-mile drive-thru show featuring towering holiday displays, larger-than-life Land of Oz, a twinkling fantasy forest, colorful section arches, memorable animated scenes, and a fairy tale magic grand finale. A valid Upstate ID will be required upon entrance. Happy Holidays!

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Healthcare Appreciation Night set for SU vs Albany Dec. 10

Syracuse Athletics would like to show appreciation for healthcare workers and their families by extending a discounted ticket offer for Healthcare Appreciation Night when Syracuse takes on Albany tonight, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. at the JMA Wireless Dome. For discounted tickets, visit: https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/SUHealthcare.

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Pelvic health topic for Wellness Speaks Dec. 10

Rebecca Carey, PT, DPT, E-RYT, will present on pelvic health and wellness for Wellness Speaks to be held today, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. via WebEx. To register, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/weblink/register/rdd5f46ef36dfcb29275cfbd3a39d64f2. For more information, email Christine Cole at [email protected].

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Tranquility Tuesday is Dec. 10 and 17

Tranquility Tuesday will be held Dec. 10, 17, 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. Use Meeting ID: 2305 438 7566 and 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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NAMI presentation to shine spotlight on addiction Dec. 11

MaryBeth Oyer Dunnewold, a board consultant to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), will discuss her family’s tragic experience with addiction in a presentation Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. in 2509/2510 Setnor Academic Building. Dunnewold’s talk is sponsored by the Mind Matters and Chronic Pain and Addiction Medicine Interest group. Register at the link below for the talk, as food will be provided to the first 35 attendees: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1u9sEVe0onj3IU-ndLNcLHREKl62IG1PukCHbvCOWBGs/edit?usp=sharing. 

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Pet a Pooch is Dec. 11 and 12

The Pet a Pooch schedule is listed below. Sessions are for Upstate Staff only, not for patients. For more information, email Christine Cole at [email protected].

• Dec. 11 from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Community Room at Community
• Dec. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., E8405A Upstate University Hospital
• Dec. 17 from 4:30 to 6 p.m., E9405A Upstate University Hospital
• Dec. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Community Room at Community

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Cardiology Grand Rounds is Dec. 13

Nathan Tucker, PhD, David Auerbach, PhD, and Xinrui Wang, PhD, will present Research Opportunities during Cardiology Grand Rounds Friday, Dec. 13 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. in 103 Weiskotten Hall and via WebEx. To join via WebEx:

https://upstate.webex.com/upstate/j.php?MTID=m575bf3daadc9194d0a384ac08a965604 (Meeting number: 2305 242 4499 Password: Cardiology1). Target Audience: MDs, residents, fellows, APPs, RNs, and research staff. For more information, email Lisa Carroll at [email protected].

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Surgical Specialties to close Dec. 13 and 16 for relocation

The Surgical Specialties clinic will be closed Dec. 13 and 16 to allow for relocation from the basement of Upstate University Hospital to 550 Harrison Specialty Center. The clinic will reopen Tuesday, Dec. 17 in Suite I at 550 Harrison. Contact information remains unchanged.

During the move, the center will take calls, perform triage, and see patients in 4835 Upstate University Hospital. Relocating to 550 are: colorectal surgery, general surgery, hepatobiliary surgery, hernia program, interventional radiology, neurosurgery, and ostomy patients. Remaining at 4835 UUH are: acute care surgery, burn, orthopedics, thoracic, trauma, and vascular.

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Shirt sales are Dec. 13, 19, and online

• Upstate’s Emergency Department will hold a shirt sale Dec. 13 from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the cafeteria at Community. All proceeds benefit the ED clothing closet and staff recognition. Questions? Email Tracy Dence at [email protected].
• Connect Care is hosting an online shirt sale now through Dec. 19 to benefit the patient assistance fund held at the Upstate Foundation. Short-sleeved shirts are $20-23 each and long-sleeved shirts are $25-28. To order, visit: https://upstateconnectcare.myshopify.com. Questions? Email Shanon Marcotte at [email protected]. Distribution of shirts will take place after the holidays.
• The Transitional Care Department has new designs available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the department’s fund to help purchase clothing for patients in need of an outfit for discharge. To make a purchase, visit: https://www.bonfire.com/store/transitional-care-clothing-fund/. For more information, email Jennifer Corradino at [email protected].

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Walk with a Doc is Dec. 14

Clyde Satterly, MD, MBA, chair of Upstate Family Medicine, will lead Walk with a Doc Saturday, Dec. 14 at 9 a.m. beginning at the indoor track on the upper level of the Baldwinsville YMCA (8040 River Road). The event will begin with a brief talk where Dr. Satterly will discuss making your steps count. Participants then walk at their own pace and distance. The event is free and open to the public. For more information and for doctors interested in leading a walk, email Elizabeth Fuertes-Binder at [email protected]. To register for the walk, visit: https://walkwithadoc.org/join-a-walk/locations/Syracuse-new-york/.

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Nominations sought for Chancellor and President awards due Dec. 16

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/. 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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Parade of Lights is Dec. 18

The Parade of Lights for pediatric patients will be held Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 5 p.m. The Upstate community is welcome to stand outside and help celebrate as Upstate’s University Police Department and local first responders gather for a parade of lights up E. Adams Street, past Upstate University Hospital, and ending in the traffic circle at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. First responders will then serve a meal to pediatric patients and their families. The parade will form in one lane of E. Adams Street, allowing the street to remain open. University Police will be on-site for the event.

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Volunteers sought for breakfast service at the Samaritan Center Dec. 18

Join members of Upstate Emerging Leaders United at the Samaritan Center (215 N. State St.), as the group helps with breakfast service Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 6:15 to 9 a.m. The Samaritan Center mission is No One Goes Hungry. To participate, or for more information, email [email protected] or [email protected].

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Caroling on patient care units is Dec. 18 and 24

Spiritual Care will sing holiday songs on patient units Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. beginning in 3301 at Community and Dec. 24 at 3 p.m. beginning in 1224 Upstate University Hospital. All are welcome to join in caroling with Spiritual Care. Questions? Email Rev. Terry Culbertson at [email protected].

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Holiday reception hosted by President Mantosh Dewan, MD is Dec. 19

Join Upstate President Mantosh Dewan, MD, for a holiday reception Thursday, Dec. 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the atrium of Setnor Hall. The Upstate community is welcome.

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Cheers for Peers event is Dec. 19 and 20

Upstate’s Employee Assistance Program and Pathway to Wellness will host Cheers for Peers Dec. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the cafeteria at Community and Dec. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the second-floor stadium of Nappi Wellness Institute. The event centers around gratitude and celebrating our colleagues. The Upstate community is welcome.

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NYSHIP Health Insurance Option Transfer Period open now through Dec. 31

The New York State Option Transfer is open now through Dec. 31. The links below give more information on what changes can be made during this time, a detailed description of each health insurance plan, rates for 2025, and the form needed to make any changes:

2025 Planning For Option Transfer, 2025 Active Choices, 2025 Active Rates, Health Insurance Transaction Form (PS404). Please note, those not making any changes do not need to submit a new form. All forms and questions can be sent to [email protected].

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Lactation counselor scholarship applications due Dec. 31

The Cathy Patrick Breastfeeding Education Foundation Fund has launched the Cathy Patrick Lactation Scholarship with recent funds raised from the World Breastfeeding Week shirt sale held in August. Scholarships will be used to help Upstate nursing staff and other interested providers with certification as a lactation counselor through the magnet-recognized Healthy Children Project. For more on the lactation counselor certification, visit: https://centerforbreastfeeding.org/register_lctc/. To apply for the Cathy Patrick Lactation Scholarship, visit: https://redcap.upstate.edu/surveys/?s=PR7WJFFNAP. Applications are due Dec. 31. Questions? Email [email protected].

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Survey to assess opinions on masking in patient care areas closes Dec. 31

A survey to gauge opinions on masking practices in patient care areas is now open. The survey is part of a research project that will help inform future masking policies to ensure a safe and effective care environment. To access the survey, visit: https://redcap.upstate.edu/surveys/?s=FCTF8NWNATECFANK. Responses are anonymous and participation is voluntary. The survey will close Dec. 31. Questions about the survey? Email Jana Shaw, MD, MPH, at [email protected]. The survey was developed by Public Health, Infectious Diseases, and Infection Prevention.

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Department closures and adjusted hours announced

• Duplicating and Printing, and Record Storage, will close at noon Dec. 24. Duplicating will also be closed Dec. 26. Questions? Email Garrett Stetson at [email protected].
• Employee/Student Health will be closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Hours on Dec. 24, 26, 31, and Jan. 2 are: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Upstate University Hospital and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Community. Questions? Email [email protected].
• Travel Office will be closed Dec. 24 and 25. Hours will be limited Dec. 26 and 27. To make an appointment, email [email protected].
• Property Management Surplus Warehouse (1098 Erie Blvd.) will be closed Dec. 27. Questions? Email Sean Barkley at [email protected].
• Human Resources will close at 2 p.m. Dec. 24 and 31, and will be closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

 

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The Children’s Pavilion is open

Upstate’s new Children’s Pavilion is open and will house two programs. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is an extension of the services on 7W located in Upstate University Hospital. The Biobehavioral Health Unit is the first of its kind in New York state, focused on providing behavioral, mental health care, and one-to-one behavioral healthcare to individuals 5 to 17 years of age with multiple mental and behavioral health diagnoses who also display severe destructive behavior. For inquires related to the building or how to refer to the Biobehavioral Health Unit, email Jessica Giannino-Woodward at [email protected].

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Team Upstate seeks 2025 Heart Walk Team Captains

Team Upstate seeks motivated individuals to serve as team captains for the 2025 American Heart Association Heart Walk, to be held Sunday, March 30 at OCC, 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Team captains coordinate their department’s participation in the event. Team Upstate has been one of the top Heart Walk teams for the past 27 years due in large part to the efforts of its team captains. To become a team captain, complete this survey: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8031702/Heart-Walk-2025. Questions? Please contact: Becca Pesci at [email protected]

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Give to Advocates for Upstate through the Community Giving Campaign

Please consider a gift to the Advocates for Upstate through the Community Giving Campaign. To donate, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/communitygiving/ and use Fund 613-ADV. Your gift will help the Advocates provide funding to Upstate programs and services where outside funding is not available, is limited, or is needed to help keep services afloat. Donate to the Advocates through the Community Giving Campaign between now and Dec. 31 to be entered in a contest for a weekend getaway basket. A winner will be chosen Friday, Jan. 3. The winner will be notified by email or telephone no later than Jan. 14 and must be able to pick up the basket.

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Yoga for All in December

The Yoga for All schedule for the month of December is as follows:

• Dec. 12 from noon to 12:45 p.m., 4507 Setnor
• Dec. 19 from noon to 12:12:45 p.m., 4507 Setnor
• Dec. 20 from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., 2151/2153 Nappi Wellness Institute
• Dec. 27 from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., 2151/2153 Nappi Wellness Institute

For more information and for the virtual link, please email [email protected]. All upcoming sessions are listed on the Upstate Wellness calendar, here: https://calendar.upstate.edu/events/category/wellness/. 

Yoga for All is facilitated by Upstate clinicians trained in Trauma Adapted Yoga, a form of yoga based on trauma research, evidence-based yoga therapy and body-based methods with gentle exercises for self-management of common symptoms and reactions. No experience is necessary, and all are welcome. 

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Well NYS Everyday for December

Well NYS Everyday for December is to be kind with a random act of gratitude. The corresponding webinar, Share a Random Act of Gratitude, will be held Dec. 11 at noon. To register for the webinar, visit: https://meetny-gov.webex.com/weblink/register/r41dd779e559398cb154b97fd73b08caf. For more information and to sign up to receive the Well NYS Daily To-Do Challenge by email every day, visit: https://oer.ny.gov/wellnys-everyday. For more information, email Christine Cole at [email protected].

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Travel cards available for pickup Jan. 8

JP Morgan state travel cards will be available for pick up Jan. 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside Café 750 on the second floor of Upstate University Hospital. Questions? Email [email protected].

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Blood drives are Jan. 9 and 10

A blood drive will be held Jan. 9 from noon to 5 p.m. in the conference rooms on the first floor of Upstate Cancer Center and on Jan. 10 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Performance Center on the 11^th floor of Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, visit: www.upstate.edu/blood.

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Nominations for Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service due Feb. 1

Nominations are sought for the 2024-2025 Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Classified Service. This award recognizes State classified service employees represented by CSEA, PEF and PBA of NYS for excellence and superior service. Nominations are due Feb. 1 and should be emailed to Megan Chase, HR, at [email protected]. For additional information and nomination form visit: https://solutions.upstate.edu/TDClient/650/HRPortal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=10937.

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Friend in Deed applications due Feb. 7

The Upstate Foundation is accepting applications from Upstate employees for Friend in Deed funding for projects that enhance the patient experience at Upstate University Hospital and Upstate Community Hospital. Friend in Deed is the annual fund for the hospitals and is largely supported through donations from grateful patients and their families, as well as members of the Upstate family and the community. Guidelines and applications are available here: https://forms.office.com/r/x9UJeQCS74. All details can be entered in electronic format. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, Feb. 7 at noon. Questions? Email Pamela Wells at [email protected].

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Brain stimulation study seeks concussion patients

Upstate seeks volunteers for a research study using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, as a novel treatment for chronic headaches and other post-concussion symptoms in people with mild traumatic brain injury. rTMS will be administered at the Institute for Human Performance. To participate or inquire for more information, email Yi-Ling Kuo, PT, PhD, at [email protected].

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Global Health seeks study participants

RSV Study: Global Health seeks volunteers 18 and older who are currently experiencing cold symptoms—cough, wheezing, shortness of breath— for a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) study. Participants will be monitored for about one month and could be reimbursed for time and travel.

Dengue Fever Study: Global Health seeks healthy participants ages 18 to 55 to join a dengue research study focusing on prevention and treatment.

For more information on the following studies led by Upstate’s Global Health Institute, call 315-464-9869 or email [email protected].

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The Informed Patient podcast

The Informed Patient podcast recently featured interviews with Upstate experts about the IUD, stem cells, and inflammatory bowel diseases.

• The intrauterine device, or IUD, has been gaining in popularity as a birth control method in recent years, especially among younger women. Explaining how the “no-brainer” device works and who might be the best candidates for it is obstetrician/gynecologist Renee Mestad, MD.
• Stem cells are being used as treatment options for certain cancers and rheumatologic diseases. Giving an overview of how stem cells work as therapy is Frank Zhou, MD, who directs the blood and bone marrow stem transplantation and cellular therapy program.
• The digestive-system illnesses known as inflammatory bowel diseases – Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis -- are discussed by gastroenterologist Idan Goren, MD, who also goes over their treatments.

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/.

To suggest an Upstate expert or topic for a possible podcast, email Amber Smith at [email protected].