Clark Burn Center marks National Burn Awareness Week on Feb. 5

In recognition of National Burn Awareness Week, Clark Burn Center will share educational information on reducing burn risks in homes and apartments today, Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside Café 750 on the second floor of Upstate University Hospital. The Upstate community is welcome to stop by. Questions? Email Kara Judd at [email protected].

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2025 Fay Whitney Lectureship is Feb. 5

The 2025 Fay Whitney Lectureship will be held today, Feb. 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the CNY Biotech Accelerator or virtually via livestream. Registration is required. To register, visit: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/7Tlf6A?vid=1h49se. This year’s event features a screening of the documentary Everybody's Work by SHIFT Films, followed by a panel discussion with nursing leaders featured in the film and from Upstate and beyond. The event is complimentary and offers 2.0 contact hours of continuing education through ICNE. All employees, students, and faculty are encouraged to attend. The event is also open to the public. Questions? Email Spencer Champagne at [email protected].

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Black History Month award nominations deadline extended through Feb. 6

Upstate’s Black History Month committee seeks nominations to recognize individuals, groups, and community organizations that have worked to advance the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at Upstate and in our community. To nominate, visit: https://forms.office.com/r/8nHa6ckS8X. Nominations are due by Feb. 6 and award recipients will be announced the week of Feb.10. Awards will be presented at the SNMA Gala on Saturday, Feb. 22.  Questions? Email [email protected].

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World Cancer Day event is Feb. 7

Join representatives from Upstate Cancer Center, She Matters, We Matter, and Upstate’s Mammography Van Friday, Feb. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Salt City Market for a World Cancer Day information and screening event. Information tables with valuable resources about cancer prevention, screenings, and treatment will be open for all. The Upstate Mammovan will be onsite from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. offering breast cancer screenings. To schedule a mammogram, call 315-464-2588 or visit: www.upstate.edu/noexcuses. Questions about the event? Email Chris Benton at [email protected].

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Women in Medicine symposium is Feb. 7

The Department of Medicine will host the second annual Women in Medicine symposium Friday, Feb. 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. in 4414 B/C Academic Building. The first hour is a networking event. The symposium will celebrate achievements, share stories, and discuss challenges faced by women in the field of medicine.  Juliet Aires Giglio—a screenwriter, novelist and tenured professor at SUNY Oswego where she teaches screenwriting—will deliver the keynote address: Lessons learned from Hollywood to real life and to Medicine. To register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-in-medicine-tickets-1203668768689?aff=oddtdtcreator. Questions? Email Nitch Jones at [email protected].

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Cardiology Grand Rounds is Feb. 7

Matthew W. Martinez, MD, director of Atlantic Health Systems Sports Cardiology, will present SCA Risk in Athletes: Has the Data Changed the Risk Friday Feb. 7 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. in 0103 Weiskotten Hall and via WebEx. To join: https://upstate.webex.com/upstate/j.php?MTID=m307dd8c651c2364633ed8fc49129fdf3(meeting number: 2319 763 7076 password: Cardiology1). For more information, email Lisa Carroll at [email protected]. CME Credit Designation: SUNY Upstate Medical University designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.

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Upstate Cancer Center funding applications due Feb. 7

Applications for the Upstate Foundation’s Cancer Center Annual Fund funding are due Friday, Feb. 7 by noon. This small-project funding is for programs that enhance the patient experience at Upstate Cancer Center, clinics, and satellite locations. Guidelines and applications are available here: https://forms.office.com/r/rns3xdEVnZ. All details can be entered in electronic format. The Cancer Center Annual Fund is supported through donations from grateful patients and their families, as well as members of the Upstate family and the community. Questions? Email Pamela Wells at [email protected].

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Friend in Deed funding applications due Feb. 7

Applications for funding through The Upstate Foundation’s Friend in Deed program are due Feb. 7. Upstate staff are welcome to apply for funding to support projects that enhance the patient experience at Upstate University Hospital and Community. 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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Walk with a Doc is Feb. 8

Felizen S Agno, MD, will lead Upstate’s Walk with a Doc event Saturday, Feb. 8 at 9 a.m. on the indoor track upstairs at the Baldwinsville YMCA, 8040 River Rd. Before the walk begins, Agno will briefly present on why “your heart is worth it.” Agno specializes in cardiology and internal medicine. 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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Cardiac Rehabilitation Week is Feb. 8 to 15

Upstate Cardiac Rehab staff will celebrate National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week by spreading the word about the importance of a cardiac rehab program and handing out heart healthy tips to patients and their families Feb. 10 to 14 in the clinic at UHCC. Cardiac Rehab is a structured 12-week program of exercise and risk factor reduction education for patients who have experienced a heart attack, coronary stent placement, angioplasty, coronary artery bypass surgery, valve surgery, or CHF.

Tips for Upstate staff who know of a patient who might benefit from cardiac rehab:

• In-hospital referrals for patients who could benefit from cardiac rehab can be ordered and sent via Epic signed by an MD (usually a cardiologist).
• Remind patients to discuss cardiac rehab with their cardiologist, who can send a referral to a cardiac rehab program near them. 
• Call Upstate Cardiac Rehab at 315-464-8695 for more information about the referral process. 

The Upstate Cardiac Rehab program located on the fifth floor of Upstate Health Care Center (90 Presidential Plaza). For more information about the Upstate Cardiac Rehab program, visit, https://www.upstate.edu/cardiology/cardiac-phase2.php or email Donelle Mills at [email protected].

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Seminar on managing heart failure and blood pressure is Feb. 11

Kristin Ramella, NP, will discuss managing heart failure and blood pressure Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Ramella will discuss managing blood pressure, medications, lowering risk of heart failure, minimizing symptoms, and how to successfully manage the condition. With the right treatment and lifestyle choices, heart failure can be managed effectively, improving quality of life and reducing hospital visits. Register here: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMrcOiupzMqE93IMXNRV0QV1VgyZG2YwD1k. For more information, email Amy Allen at [email protected].

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Radiothon for Kids seeks volunteers for Feb. 11 and 12

The Radiothon for Kids to benefit Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital will be held Feb. 11 and 12 from 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the lobby of Upstate University Hospital. Volunteers are sought in two-hour shifts. Refreshments and parking passes will be provided. To sign up to volunteer by the Feb. 8 deadline, visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A45ABAE2DA6F5C07-54456970-radiothon#/. For more information about Radiothon for Kids, visit: https://www.upstatefoundation.org/GCHRadiothon. Questions? Email Cynthia Rotella at [email protected].

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Cooking session on healthy eating for diabetes is Feb. 12

A hands-on cooking session demonstrating techniques for creating a diabetes-friendly recipe will be held Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the teaching kitchen at Nappi Wellness Institute. The event is free and open to the public. To register by Feb. 10 at noon, call Upstate Connect at 315-464-8668. A chef will discuss ingredients for a specific recipe while a registered dietician talks about the nutritional benefits. The presenters will answer questions about diabetes-friendly cooking throughout the session. All are welcome but registration is required.

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Parent resource seminar on trauma informed yoga is Feb. 12

A parent resource seminar on feeling safe with trauma informed yoga will be held Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Karen Dygert, MSN, PPCNP-BC, and Nayla Khoury, MD, will present. Register here: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJApcOmuqzsiHdKUzERYGAtgywFNyPI0w-fh. For more information, email Amy Allen at [email protected].

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Getting the most out of medical appointments is Feb. 13

A HealthLink seminar focused on how to get the most out of medical appointments will be held Thursday, Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Survivorship navigator Susan Tiffany, BSN, RN, OCN, and patient navigator Maureen Garvey, BSN, RNC, will share strategies for receiving the best care, collaborating effectively with the healthcare team, seeking second opinions, and using Open Notes to enhance communication and care. Survivorship will also be discussed, as it relates to cancer and other medical conditions. Register here: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYodu-prz8vHtICHO4hqK5cok6m13XUnThP. For more information, email Amy Allen at [email protected].

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Self-Care Extravaganza is Feb. 14

Be Your Own Valentine: Self-Care Extravaganza will be held Friday, Feb. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in rooms 5001/5007 at Nappi Wellness Institute. Staff will have a chance to explore wellness tools, relax with a chair massage, write a love letter to themselves, experience reiki, and savor chocolate meditation. Lauren Angelone, staff wellness support social worker, will also share information about the importance of self-care. The event is open to all Upstate staff who are welcome to drop in anytime during open hours. Questions can be directed to Bethany Sullivan [email protected] 

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Valentine campaign to benefit Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital ends Feb. 14

Burger Kings throughout Syracuse, Binghamton, Watertown, and Rome/Utica (Carrols Corporation-operated) will hold their annual Valentine campaign to benefit Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Purchase a Valentine sheet now through Feb. 14 for a $1 donation and get $6 worth of free coupons in return. Coupons may be used from Feb. 14 to March 31. For more information, contact Danielle Bright at [email protected].

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HealthLink on heart and heart surgery is Feb. 18

Callistus Ditah, MD, will present All About the Heart and Heart Surgery: From CABG to Valve Repair Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Ditah will discuss the heart, the aorta as the highway to all blood vessels, conditions that can cause ruptures or aneurysms, and how the heart can be repaired. Register here: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIkduuvqDgvGdCnGZtjjRaqsFsIAWKHPcQM. For more information, email Amy Allen at [email protected].

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Black History Month Gala is Feb. 22

Upstate’s Black History Month Gala will be held Feb. 22 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Sky Armory, downtown Syracuse. Black Hollywood Glam: Lights, Camera, Revolution will feature Samantha Williams, MD, an Upstate graduate, as keynote speaker. Tickets are $75 general admission, $50 for students and trainees, and $40 for members of Upstate’s Student National Medical Association. Tickets include cocktail hour, dinner, awards, entertainment. Proceeds from ticket sales will fund student scholarships. Tickets will be sold Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from noon to 2 p.m. on the first floor of the Academic Building. To reserve a table for eight, email [email protected] with the names of all attendees after purchasing tickets. Formal attire is requested. Questions about the event? Email [email protected].

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Drag Brunch for Upstate Golisano is Feb. 22

The 7^th annual Drag Brunch to benefit Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital will be held Saturday, Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Springside Inn in Auburn. This year's theme is Back to the 80s. Tickets are $55 and include one show (at either time) and brunch. Raffles will be available at the event. For more information on how to get tickets, please contact Danielle Bright at [email protected].

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Advocates seek applications for grant awards by Feb. 28

Applications for the Advocates for Upstate’s Grant Funding Program are due Feb. 28 at noon. Awards will be announced in May and funds disbursed between June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026. Applications for grants are accepted from departments across Upstate Medical University and must be used for items and/or services not funded through department budgets. Review guidelines and find application form, here: https://www.upstate.edu/advocates/grants-scholarships/grant-application.php. All applications must be submitted via email, along with any questions, to [email protected].

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Student Research Day is March 12

Student Research Day will be held March 12 and will spotlight student researchers in Upstate’s Colleges of Graduate Studies, Medicine, Health Professions, and Nursing. The event includes oral presentations, a keynote address, and a poster session. The deadline to submit an abstract to be considered for an oral presentation is Sunday, Jan. 12 by 11:59 p.m. Poster presentation submissions are due by Wednesday, Feb. 12 by 11:59 p.m. To register, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/grad/students/srday-form.php. Questions? Email [email protected].

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Submissions for 38th annual Dearing Writing Awards competition due March 17

The Center for Bioethics and Humanities seeks submissions for the 38th annual Dearing Writing Awards competition now through March 17. Works of fiction, poetry, and memoir on any topic are welcome. The competition is open to all Upstate staff, faculty, residents, and matriculated students. Submit two copies: one copy including the writer’s name, home address, email address, telephone number, and category; students should indicate their college and class year. The second copy should include only the title and category with the work. One entry per writer, maximum of 2,500 words double-spaced for essays and fiction, and no more than 5 poems. Send submissions to Andrea Chiaravalloti at [email protected]. Winners will receive a monetary award. All submissions receive consideration for the Center for Bioethics and Humanities annual journal, The Healing Muse. For more on the journal, visit: www.thehealingmuse.org.

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Pathway to Wellness announcements

• Yoga for All schedule is as follows:

Feb. 7 from 8 to 8:45 a.m. in the Performance Center at Upstate Golisano

Feb. 7 from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. in 2151/2153 Nappi Wellness Institute

Feb. 10 from noon to 12:30 p.m., virtual only ( For more information and for the virtual link, please email [email protected].)

• Tranquility Tuesday will be held Feb. 11, 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 and 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].
• Testing Kitchen will be held Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Nappi Wellness Institute. To register, call 315-464-8668.
• Pet a Pooch is Feb. 12 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Community Room at Community. The event is for staff only, no patients.
• Wellness Speaks is Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. via WebEx. Lauren Angelone, staff wellness social worker, will speak about self-care. To register, visit: Wellness Speaks (February) registration - Webex.
• The Well NYS Everyday theme for February is to reset. New for 2025, a Well NYS Weekly Challenge begins every Monday and ends on Sunday. Participants who complete at least five days of the weekly challenge may share experience on the I Did It portal, visit: https://oer.ny.gov/i-did-it. For more information on the weekly challenge and to sign-up to receive the Well NYS Daily To-Dos by email every day, please visit: https://oer.ny.gov/wellnys-everyday. For more information, email Christine Cole at [email protected].
• Save the date: Yoga for healthcare staff wellbeing. Yoga for healthcare staff wellbeing, a two-day experiential workshop, will be held May 16 and 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Performance Center on the 11^th floor of Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. The workshop is free. A donation to the Upstate Well fund is welcome. Rebecca Alexander Carey, PT, DPT, and Nayla Khoury, MD, will offer wellness strategies to healthcare staff for personal self-care and to foster healthy interactions with patients and colleagues for improved wellbeing. For more information on the workshop and to register, email [email protected].

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Apparel sale information

• Vasculary Surgery is selling shirts online, here: https://www.bonfire.com/store/vascular-surgery/. Proceeds will be used for education and research. Questions? Email Courtney Martuscello at [email protected].
• Heart and Vascular Center has shirts available for purchase. Stop by the center before National Wear Red Day Friday, Feb. 7. Questions? Email Kristen Iglesias at [email protected].
• 6H Shared Governance shirt sale closes orders Feb. 17. To order, visit: https://micustpattysday.myshopify.com/. Questions? Email Teira Hawkins [email protected].

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SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund applications sought

Applications are sought for the SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund (TAF). The fund supports the advancement of SUNY innovations from the lab to the marketplace. Upstate will select two projects to submit to TAF and investments are awarded through a competitive process that evaluates each technology for innovativeness, market potential, and financial viability. The applications are due in March. Questions? Email Christopher Neville at [email protected]. For more information, visit: https://www.suny.edu/impact/research/taf/.

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Save the date: Kingston Syracuse Pathway Conference

The Kingston Syracuse Pathway Conference will be held March 27 and 28 at The Lodge in Skaneateles Falls. The conference is free and participants can register for one or both days, here: Eventbrite Registration. All Upstate researchers and those interested in the cross-border research and innovation collaborative partnership are welcome.

• Thursday, March 27 features a buffet dinner and cocktails, a discussion on psychedelic research by keynote speaker Claudio Soares, MD, from Queen’s University, and a Start-up Company Pitch Competition for early-stage innovators. Pitch Applications are accepted now through February 27.
• Friday, March 28 includes presentations on growth strategies of academic health centers, new product development, aging/wellness/rehabilitation, prenatal mental health, cancer, and end-stage drug therapeutics in the academic setting.

For a full agenda and speaker details, visit: https://cnybac.com/education/4th-annual-kingston-syracuse-pathway-conference. Questions? Email Kathi Durdon at [email protected].

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Save the date: Beyond the Doctorate Research Day

Beyond the Doctorate Research Day will be held Wednesday, April 9 from 1 to 5:30 p.m. The deadline for oral abstract submissions is Feb. 2. The deadline for paster abstract submissions is March 23. To register, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/postdoc/postdoc-life/bdrday-form.php. Questions? Email Shaunna Arnold at [email protected].

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The Informed Patient podcast

The Informed Patient podcast recently featured an interview with surgeon Callistus Ditah, MD, and nurse Lauren Calloway.

• The aortic valve in our heart helps keep the blood flowing in the correct direction through the heart. A damaged or diseased valve can affect blood flow to the rest of the heart and body. Callistus Ditah, MD, an assistant professor of surgery at Upstate specializing in thoracic, or chest, surgery, goes over the methods of repairing an aortic valve and the alternative, replacement with either tissue or a mechanical valve.
• Oncology nurse Lauren Calloway from the Upstate Cancer Center received the first annual Beth Baldwin Oncology Nurse award. She explains what she loves about her chosen specialty.

For more on The Informed Patient, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/informed.