We largely know what makes people healthy, and what doesn’t. Access to nutritious food is one key driver of health. So, it is doubly unjustifiable to threaten food that children, older people, and families need to thrive and contribute to the economy and to communities. Stopping coverage of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is unfair and unwise. New York Academy of Medicine calls for the US government to meet its obligation to run the SNAP program as Congress has designated. At New York Academy of Medicine we have always supported the best practices to protect and advance health for all, from advocating for vaccines, to guiding communities through the COVID pandemic, to today, supporting the reinstalment of SNAP benefits for all recipients.

Basic Nutrition is a Prerequisite for Health

The ongoing federal government shutdown is already affecting communities across the nation and here in the tri-state area. This past Friday, two federal judges determined that the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) should remain in place during the ongoing government dispute. However, the Trump administration recently stated they would stated they would not supply any SNAP benefits until the government shutdown has concluded. This is concerning from a health perspective to our communities because 1.8 million New Yorkers are vulnerable to food scarcity and malnutrition. At New York Academy of Medicine, we are aware that the brunt of this impact is happening to members of our communities who are least able to cover this crucial gap.

“We have always known how crucial nutrition is to personal and civic health,” Ann Kurth, PhD, CNM, MPH, New York Academy of Medicine’s president said. “We have 10,000 cookbooks and related items in our medical historical library that show how people have used food as literal medicine for as long as societies have existed. Adequate food for pregnant people, growing children, people with disabilities, older folks, and everyone in between, benefits us all.”

Stances from Other Leading Health Advocacy and Food Security Organizations

Our position aligns with other organizations whose expertise led them to the conclusion that this suspension of SNAP benefits needlessly harms the most resource-scarce New Yorkers. We agree with Food Bank for NYC that New Yorkers should stand together to combat hunger and malnutrition as the government shutdown continues. New York Health Foundation rightly states that no one should have to decide between eating, keeping the lights on, or paying rent. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with WIN (formerly Women in Need) in recognizing that SNAP benefits are essential to covering baby formula and children’s meals for thousands of families across the five boroughs.

Our Commitment

New York Academy of Medicine remains committed to food security and access to nutritious foods for all by:

  • Advancing equitable access to a nutritious diet: everyone needs food
  • Supporting rigorous, independent food security and nutrition research
  • Promoting clear communication about the link between access to nutritious food and positive health outcomes
  • Fostering dialogue and action between communities and providers

Building Trust

Access to nutritious food is a fundamental baseline for healthy people and healthier communities.  Through research, education, and community partnerships, we are committed to providing accurate, evidence-based information.

If you, your family, or anyone else you know relies on SNAP benefits, here are some resources you might find helpful:

New York Academy of Medicine is determined to help all New Yorkers and members of our wider community live healthier, longer lives. To that end, we will continue to keep you informed about the ongoing situation with SNAP benefits and other food security issues.

Ann Kurth, PhD, CNM, MPH
President, New York Academy of Medicine		 Wayne J. Riley, MD, MPH, MBA, MACP
Chair, Board of Trustees
New York Academy of Medicine

New York, NY (October 23, 2025) – New York Academy of Medicine hosted its 30th annual gala on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Nearly 250 people in attendance gathered in the organization’s historic library to honor three healthcare champions and to unite behind one unified purpose: healthier, longer lives for all.  

Kristine Johnson, an Emmy-award winning CBS News New York anchor and TV news journalist, hosted the gala for the first time. Johnson welcomed all in attendance with her signature conversational style, charm, and warmth. 

“Your presence here tonight is a testament to your compassion and your commitment to our shared mission,” Johnson said during her opening remarks. “Tonight, we stand together, united by a shared goal of healthier, longer lives for everyone. It’s not just an aspiration; it’s a responsibility we all embrace together.” 

Johnson welcomed Ann Kurth, PhD, CNM, MPH, New York Academy of Medicine president, who spoke passionately about the nonprofit’s mission and exciting work on the horizon. Dr. Kurth emphasized that New York Academy of Medicine is both a long-standing and forward-looking institution. 

“From pioneering public health and sanitation, from transforming safer childbirth, and accessible vaccine programs, to tackling the urgent challenges of a warming climate, we have consistently stood at the forefront of progress,” she explained. “By keeping our eyes on the future, we turn the possibility of healthier, longer lives into a reality for our fellow New Yorkers and for communities around the globe.” 

Each of New York Academy of Medicine’s three annual awards were given to deserving health equity advocates at the annual gala. The first award, the Healthcare Legacy award, was given to John ‘Jack’ W. Rowe, MD, Julius B. Richmond Professor of Health Policy and Aging, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. Johnson asked Dr. Rowe to talk in depth about the term ‘successful aging’ that he coined in 1987. He is a subject matter expert regarding addressing health outcomes in older adults. 

“At any given age, say 65, with advances in the prevention of disease and in treatment, the portion of remaining life going forward would be more healthy and less disabled. That’s the optimistic vision,” he elaborated before providing important nuance. “We now have emerging evidence that it’s only happening for people in higher socioeconomic groups.” 

The Bold and Brave award was given next to Tom Wright, president and CEO of Regional Plan Association (RPA), in recognition for his innovative urban planning work and advocacy. Wright spoke about some of the challenges and opportunities in creating more livable cities for all, and the effect that urban planning has on health outcomes. He talked about the potential successes of congestion pricing, including health outcomes. 

“Traffic fatalities in New York City are down by about a third this year,” Wright emphasized, referencing data on the first six months of this year compared to the previous one, and noting that air quality comparisons will be another measure to watch.

The evening’s final honor, the Health Equity Champion Award, was given to Pat Wang, president and CEO of Healthfirst, who has worked tirelessly in support of high-quality, equitable care. Wang spoke about the pressing need to focus on providing dignified care for vulnerable populations. 

“We all are driven by personal experience, and health is personal,” she explained. “When you start from that premise of doing a good thing for communities and people who are uninsured, the question is ‘What’s next? What do we do to make sure that people have the experience and the care they want?’”  

Each awardee shared a unique message and perspective, yet all emphatically spoke in alignment with New York Academy of Medicine’s mission to create healthier, longer lives for all. The Academy is grateful to Kristine Johnson for being a gracious emcee, to our three honorees for sharing their knowledge and advice, and for all in attendance for their time, generosity, and for building a forward-looking health advocacy community alongside us. 

About New York Academy of Medicine 
New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) is a leading voice for innovation in population health. With over 178 years of history, NYAM is committed to a future where everyone has what they need for a healthier, longer life. Guided by the expertise of its 1,800 Fellows, a world-class historical medical library, and its convening, capacity-building and community-informed research, NYAM creates actionable solutions to today’s most pressing health challenges. To learn more, visit www.nyam.org.  

Media Contact:  

Max Mallet 
Marketing Content Manager 
[email protected]
212-822-7314 

New York, NY (October 17, 2025) — New York Academy of Medicine is proud to announce its upcoming 30th annual gala to celebrate health luminaries and to empower healthier, longer lives for all. The gala will take place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 6:00-9:00 P.M., at the Academy’s home on Museum Mile.

“This year’s gala is significant for many reasons, among them being the celebration of the 100th anniversary of New York Academy of Medicine opening the doors of our beautiful building on Fifth Avenue,” President Ann Kurth, PhD, CNM, MPH, said. “We are excited and proud to bring our community together in our historical library to honor three exemplary leaders, innovators, and friends of New York Academy of Medicine.”

This year’s honorees are:

  • John ‘Jack’ W. Rowe, MD, Julius B. Richmond Professor of Health Policy and Aging, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, will be honored with this year’s Healthcare Legacy award. Dr. Rowe is a pioneering researcher whose knowledge of health systems and the healthcare industry has benefited New Yorkers and older adults nationwide. 
  • Tom Wright, president and CEO of Regional Plan Association (RPA), will be bestowed with this year’s Bold and Brave Award. Wright has passionately worked to address climate change and advocated for affordable, livable communities in the greater New York City region. 
  • Pat Wang, president and CEO of Healthfirst, will receive this year’s Health Equity Champion Award. Wang has demonstrated proactive leadership and unwavering support towards quality and equitable care for all. She has emphasized focusing on those who experience healthcare disparities. 

This year, New York Academy of Medicine will welcome a new emcee, Kristine Johnson, anchor and TV news journalist for CBS News New York. 

“New York Academy of Medicine is grateful to have Kristine Johnson, a multi-Emmy award-winning journalist, lend her talents to our annual gala,” Dr. Kurth elaborated. “She’s a familiar face and voice that New Yorkers trust.  With her enthusiasm and insightfulness, she will bring so much life to our program.  We are thrilled to welcome her to the Academy for the first time.” 

Click here to learn more about this year’s annual gala. Thank you for your generous support that helps us empower healthier, longer lives, for all. 

About New York Academy of Medicine
New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) is a leading voice for innovation in population health. With over 178 years of history, NYAM is committed to a future that where everyone has what they need for a healthier, longer life. Guided by the expertise of its 1,800 Fellows, a world-class historical medical library, and its renowned research efforts, NYAM creates actionable solutions to today’s most pressing health challenges. To learn more, visit www.nyam.org. 

Media Contact: 

Max Mallet  
Marketing Content Manager  
[email protected]
212-822-7314

New York, NY – August 7, 2025 – New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) has officially released its 2024 Annual Report, showcasing a year of innovation, groundbreaking research, and steadfast commitment to advancing population health. The report reflects NYAM’s dedication to creating healthier, longer lives for all through impactful engagement and forward-thinking solutions.
For 178 years, New York Academy of Medicine has stood as a leader in health progress, consistently addressing society’s most pressing health challenges. The 2024 Annual Report highlights the organization’s work across New York City and beyond, including initiatives focused on improving health outcomes, addressing disparities in care, and tackling issues such as mental health, maternal and child health, and climate resilience.

“Although the world around us may feel unpredictable, New York Academy of Medicine remains focused,” said Ann Kurth, PhD, CNM, MPH, President of NYAM. “We passionately protect evidence-based knowledge, advance the next generation of leaders, and work to build trust in health and medicine.”

This year’s achievements include:

  • Innovative research efforts aimed at extending both lifespan and healthspan.
  • Inclusive convenings of policymakers, health professionals, and community voices to address urgent health topics.
  • A newly inducted, diverse class of Fellows and editorial leadership at the Journal of Urban Health.

The report also underscores New York Academy of Medicine’s emphasis on partnerships. Despite declining federal funding to public health programs, NYAM’s voice continues to create meaningful pathways to effective solutions.

“We are deeply connected to the communities we serve,” Kurth added. “This means we are able to see what is happening on the ground, evaluate the impact of interventions, amplify community voices, and convene leaders to drive action.”

To explore these initiatives, examine the data, and learn more about NYAM’s ongoing efforts, read the full 2024 Annual Report at NYAM 2024 Annual Report – NYAM Annual Report.

About The New York Academy of Medicine
New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) is a leading voice for innovation in population health. With over 178 years of history, NYAM is committed to advancing healthier, longer lives for all. Guided by the expertise of its 1,800 Fellows, a world-class historical medical library, and its renowned research efforts, NYAM creates actionable solutions to today’s most pressing health challenges. To learn more, visit www.nyam.org.

Media Contact:

Jennifer Russo  
Director of Marketing
[email protected]
212-822-7304

NEW YORK, NY (July 30, 2025) — New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) has appointed three nationally recognized health leaders to its Board of Trustees, reinforcing its commitment to healthier, longer lives for everyone: Debra Albert, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC; Lorna Friedman, MD, MBA; and Jen Radin, MBA, MPH.

“NYAM is thrilled to welcome these innovative health leaders to our Board of Trustees,” said Ann Kurth, PhD, CNM, MPH, President of New York Academy of Medicine. “Their diverse expertise and unwavering commitment to health equity will accelerate our mission and deepen our impact across communities.”

The addition of these new trustees underscores NYAM’s bold vision: a world where everyone has what they need to live healthier, longer lives. With decades of leadership in nursing, global health strategy, and health innovation, this new cohort will help steer NYAM’s future-facing initiatives.

“I extend a heartfelt welcome to our newest Trustees, whose dedication, wisdom, and passion will strengthen our work at this critical moment in public health,” said Wayne J. Riley, MD, MPH, MBA, MACP, NYAM Board Chair and President of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University.

“I am honored to join the Board of New York Academy of Medicine and the incredible group of Trustees who are collaborating to support the mission of extending healthspan for all populations in New York City by focusing on healthy births, greater longevity for aging adults, and urban strategies for living on a warming planet,” said Jen Radin, MPH, MBA. “It’s truly an honor to be counted among such a committed and deeply experienced group of health ecosystem business leaders.”

“I am honored to serve on the Board of Trustees for New York Academy of Medicine,” added Debra Albert, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC. “Working with this distinguished group of healthcare leaders to achieve the vision of ensuring that all people have access to quality care to live healthier lives has never been more important.  I look forward to the work ahead to make this a reality for our communities.”

These new Trustees bring a wealth of experience across clinical care, health strategy, and innovation:

Debra Albert, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC is Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and the Lerner Director of Health Promotion at NYU Langone Health.  Dr. Albert is responsible for ensuring contemporary, evidence-based nursing practice across all of NYU Langone Health’s care settings.  She is a recognized leader in patient safety, transformative systems leadership, staff development and formal succession planning. She leads a diverse team of nursing leaders focused on interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve optimal patient outcomes. As a mentor for nursing and female leaders, she develops programs that help build sustainable workforces. In addition, Dr. Albert is on the strategic steering committee of the Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program, the Rush DNP Advisory Council and the Walden University Board of Directors.

Lorna Friedman is Senior Partner of Health Transformation and Sustainability at Mercer Marsh Benefits.  Dr. Friedman has extensive experience designing health solutions for multinational employee populations including risk analysis, operational and benefit design, onsite and digital delivery. Previous roles include Partner in Mercer’s Global Health Management practice, working with organizations on their health strategies.  Dr. Friedman trained in Pediatrics at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She has held academic and teaching positions at University of Pennsylvania and Cornell Medical College and holds an MBA from Columbia University.  She has served on several boards with a focus on improving access to health including the Global Business Group on Health, The American Council on Exercise and the March of Dimes. Dr. Friedman was the recipient of the Nancy C Barnhart award for Child Advocacy and is a member of the YWCA Women’s Leadership Academy.

Jen Radin is Life Science and Healthcare Principal at Deloitte.  Ms. Radin brings more than 25 years of life sciences and health care industry experience partnering with life sciences and health care system executives to embrace transformation, helping them leverage data, next-gen technologies, and the health ecosystem through applied innovation to design new models of clinical care and future-proof their business. She is deeply committed to navigating the rapidly changing health ecosystem and creating value on the journey to health and wellness.  Ms. Radin is a principal in Deloitte & Touche LLP and is a nationally acclaimed speaker on the topics of Future of Health and Future of Work as well as the women’s health marketplace.  Ms. Radin focuses on helping clients so they can unlock opportunities in the women’s health market and has been instrumental in helping advance the mission of the Deloitte Health Institute. She also oversees strategic efforts to help ensure that optimal health outcomes are considered across the organization, in its services and offerings, and in interactions with clients and the community.

She is the co-founder and executive sponsor of Deloitte’s Physician Leadership Academy, which supports the evolving leadership capabilities of clinician leaders in the era of clinical health care.

About New York Academy of Medicine

New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) is a leading voice for innovation in population health. Building on its 178-year legacy, NYAM continues to drive forward-thinking solutions to today’s most pressing health challenges: from aging populations to climate resilience. Through our innovative research, 1,800 esteemed Fellows, a world-class historical library, and an unparalleled power of convening, we create real-world advances for population health.

New York, NY, Feb 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF MEDICINE AWARDS TWO 2025-2027 JEREMIAH A. BARONDESS FELLOWSHIPS IN THE CLINICAL TRANSACTION

Dr. Jessica Lichter is an Assistant Professor and academic hospitalist at Elmhurst Hospital, part of the New York City Health + Hospital public health system located in the Borough of Queens, an affiliate of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Dr. Shyam Sundaresh is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM), in collaboration with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), is pleased to announce that the 2025-2027 Jeremiah A. Barondess Fellowship in the Clinical Transaction is awarded to Dr. Jessica Lichter and Dr. Shyam Sundaresh.

Jessica Lichter, MD, is a hospitalist at Elmhurst Hospital, NYC Health + Hospitals, (Mount Sinai Affiliate), who plans to further develop and evaluate an innovative simulation platform that she developed, ChatMD, to improve communication skills related to code status discussions in the hospital setting and to enhance humanistic care among internal medicine residents.

Shyam Sundaresh, MD, is an Assistant Professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital who plans to implement, evaluate, and disseminate the use of Brief Direct Observation of clinical encounters to provide feedback to internal medicine residents on their communication skills for patients with mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, in the ambulatory care, general internal medicine setting.

The ACGME and NYAM will recognize Drs. Lichter and Sundaresh at the ACGME Annual Educational Conference, to be held in Nashville, Tennessee from February 20th to 22nd.

The Barondess Fellowship is awarded to junior faculty members in internal medicine to enhance medical students’ and residents’ training in the clinical transaction, a fundamental element of clinical care. The two-year, $50,000 fellowship aims to improve the patient experience by innovating and strengthening the critical skills that characterize the clinical transaction, including communicating with patients, conducting the physical exam, and applying clinical reasoning.

“Preparing clinicians to enhance their communication skills, a crucial element of the clinical partnership between providers and patients could not be more critical toward advancing better health for all,” said NYAM President Ann Kurth, PhD, CNM, MPH.
“Effective communication is a critical element of patient care. It builds trust and strengthens the bond between patient and physician. The ACGME is delighted to recognize Drs. Lichter and Sundaresh, and we look forward to the outcomes of their projects,” said ACGME President and CEO Debra Weinstein, MD.

-More-

“My current research focuses on harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance physicians’ communication skills, particularly around end-of-life care. I am deeply honored to receive the Barondess Fellowship to pursue this work, and view it as both an opportunity and responsibility to create an AI that strengthens our humanity as physicians rather than diminishes it,” said Dr. Jessica Lichter.

Dr. Lichter is an assistant professor and an academic hospitalist at Elmhurst Hospital, an affiliate of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She is a trained simulation specialist and completed a fellowship in medical simulation at the NYC Health + Hospitals Simulation Center. She completed residency in internal medicine at New York University and medical school at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Prior to her medical career, Dr. Lichter obtained a master’s degree in neuroscience from the University of California, San Diego and a bachelor’s degree from Duke University. Her current research focuses on using conversational artificial intelligence to enhance communication skills among clinicians.

“We face a growing shortage of mental health care. Even more concerning, is that many who need mental health care the most are disproportionately affected by this shortage. By training Internal Medicine residents in mental health care, we can help bridge this gap. I am incredibly grateful to NYAM and the ACGME for awarding me the Barondess Fellowship, providing an opportunity to address this critical educational need,” said Shyam Sundaresh, MD.

Dr. Sundaresh is currently an Assistant Professor at the Mount Sinai Internal Medicine Residency Program. He graduated medical school at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and trained at an Internal Medicine Primary Care Residency at Weill Cornell Medical Center. Before a career in medicine, Dr. Sundaresh completed a Bachelor of Arts in Music at Northwestern University. He then became a music teacher for people with special needs. This work inspired his eventual focus in communication skills and mental health within primary care.

Dr. Jessica Lichter
The 2025-2027 Recipient of the Jeremiah A. Barondess Fellowship in the Clinical Transaction

Dr. Shyam Sundaresh
The 2025-2027 Recipient of the Jeremiah A. Barondess Fellowship in the Clinical Transaction

Healthcare and real estate executives bring expertise to NYAM’s health equity mission. 

NEW YORK, NY (April 15, 2024)—The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) has announced the appointment of six new members to its Board of Trustees: Gil Addo, Natalia Cineas, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Beth Oliver, DNP, RN, FAAN, Marie-Laure S. Romney, MD, MBA, Jannine Versi, MBA, and Mark S. Weiss.

“NYAM is pleased to welcome this dynamic group of leaders to our Board of Trustees. Their extensive experience, unique perspectives, and dedication to our mission to advance health equity will expand NYAM’s innovation and impact,” said Ann Kurth, PhD, CNM, MPH, President, The New York Academy of Medicine.

“I extend my congratulations and warm welcome to this outstanding cohort of new Trustees who join me and our esteemed colleagues on the board in the governance of The New York Academy of Medicine,” said Wayne J. Riley, MD, MPH, MBA, MACP, NYAM Board Chair and President of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

Gil Addo

Gil Addo is co-founder of RubiconMD, a CVS Health company. RubiconMD’s digital health platform empowers primary care clinicians with access to virtual specialty care from top medical specialists to improve patient care. Founded in 2013, RubiconMD serves primary care clinicians across 37 states. The Huffington Post named RubiconMD one of the “Five Companies Defining the Future of Healthcare” and, in 2020, AllianceBernstein ranked RubiconMD no. 12 on its list of the top 25 private companies disrupting healthcare. Prior to founding RubiconMD, Gil was a consultant at Putnam Associates, a pharma strategy consultancy, where he designed payer and market access strategies for Fortune 500 clients. He previously held strategy and business development roles at Xerox, Cubist (acquired by Merck), and two early-stage healthcare ventures.  Gil has appeared in Inc., Forbes, CNBC, Fortune, and Entrepreneur Magazine. He’s been named one of Forbes’s “30 Under 30” in healthcare, Crain’s New York’s Business 40 Under 40, and Business Insider’s 30 under 40 in healthcare. In 2020, Crain’s New York Business named Gil to its list of the Most Notable in Health Care and in 2017, he received its Heritage Healthcare Innovator of the Year award. He holds a BS in economics and biomedical engineering from Yale University and an MBA from Harvard University.

“I am incredibly honored to be elected as a board member to The New York Academy of Medicine. Advancing health equity and tackling the barriers that prevent individuals from quality health care is not easy, but it is critical. It is a privilege to join NYAM and work alongside industry leaders who are inspired by the same mission and vision of health for all.”

Natalia Cineas, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN

Natalia Cineas, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, serves as Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Executive, and Co-Chair, Equity and Access Council for NYC Health + Hospitals, the largest municipal public health care system in the nation, serving more than 1.4 million New Yorkers annually in some 70 patient care locations, directing more than 9,600 nurses. Dr. Cineas previously held nursing leadership roles at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital and Columbia University Medical Center-NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. She serves as adjunct faculty at Columbia University School of Nursing.  In 2021, Dr. Cineas was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, one of the most significant milestones in a nurse leader’s career, in which their accomplishments are honored by their colleagues within and outside the profession. She is currently serving a two-year term on the Academy’s Fellow Selection Committee. She also serves as president of the New York City American Heart Association Board; s a member of the Helene Fuld College of Nursing Board; a member of the Promoting Health in Haiti Board; a member of the Women’s Leadership Council of Stony Brook University Board; as Keynote Speaker for the Nursing World Conference; a founding member of the National Black Nurses Association Greater NYC Chapter; and a board member on the Long Island University Harriet Rothkopf Heilbrunn School of Nursing Professional Nursing Advisory Board.

“I am pleased and honored to serve as a Trustee on the New York Academy of Medicine, an organization that is committed to advancing health equity and promoting healthy communities. The mission and vision of The New York Academy of Medicine dovetails perfectly with the public health mission of NYC Health + Hospitals to serve the most vulnerable patients and communities, helping all New Yorkers live longer and healthier lives.”

Marie-Laure S. Romney, MD, MBA

Marie-Laure S. Romney, MD, MBA, is Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital. In this role Dr. Romney manages day-to-day operations, oversees operating and capital budgets, and implements clinical strategy at the hospital. Dr. Romney joined NYP in 2018, and most recently served as Vice President of Operations at NYP/Columbia, where she directed the administration of clinical departments. She also served as Vice Chair of Quality and Patient Safety at Columbia University Department of Emergency Medicine. Prior to joining Columbia, she served as Director of Quality, Continuous Improvement and Patient Safety in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Kings County Hospital Center and as Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Dr. Romney holds an undergraduate degree from Cornell University, a medical degree from Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and a master of business administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

“Joining The New York Academy of Medicine as a Trustee is an immense honor for me. I am humbled to be part of an organization that is dedicated to driving access to high-quality healthcare for all. Together, we can make a profound impact on the lives of individuals and communities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to receive the care they deserve. I am excited to contribute my knowledge and passion to this noble cause, and look forward to working alongside fellow Trustees to create lasting change in the healthcare landscape.”

Beth Oliver, DNP, RN, FAAN

Beth Oliver, DNP, RN, FAAN, is Chief Nurse Executive and Senior Vice President of Cardiac Services at Mount Sinai Health System. Dr. Oliver is responsible for the practice of nursing across the Health System and collaborates with the senior executive team, as well as chief nursing officers throughout Mount Sinai. Her top priorities as the Chief Nurse Executive include ensuring the safety and quality of care for patients, supporting and advancing the professional development of the health system’s nurses, transforming care around the needs of patients and communities, and partnering on the transition from volume to value. As a nationally recognized cardiac leader, Dr. Oliver develops cardiovascular service line strategy and leads cardiac services operations while ensuring the delivery of top quality care to Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital. Dr. Oliver received her MS from Columbia University and her DNP from Case Western Reserve University, and was inducted as a fellow into the American Academy of Nursing in 2022.

“As I step into my role as a new member of the Board of Trustees at The New York Academy of Medicine, I’m invigorated by the opportunity to contribute to our shared mission of advancing health equity. I believe that nursing plays a pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of healthcare and in fostering healthier communities. With a deep-seated commitment to this belief, I am eager to collaborate with fellow board members and work tirelessly toward a future where every individual has access to quality healthcare and where health disparities are a thing of the past.”

Jannine Versi, MBA

Jannine Versi, MBA, is the co-founder and CEO of Elektra Health, a digital health company that provides evidence-based care and support for women navigating the menopause transition and their health in the decades that follow. Jannine has spent her career in healthcare, technology, and government. She was on the founding team of Cityblock Health, which addresses the complex medical and social needs of Medicaid and dually eligible beneficiaries. Earlier on, she held roles at Google and was a senior executive in the Obama Administration. Jannine earned her BA from the University of Pennsylvania, her MBA from Harvard Business School, and was a Fulbright Scholar. She lives with her husband and twins in Brooklyn.

“I am honored to join The New York Academy of Medicine under the visionary leadership of Dr. Ann Kurth. As a student of history and an entrepreneur focused on improving women’s health outcomes, I find NYAM’s mission and contributions to women’s health and public health over nearly 18 decades simply awe-inspiring. I look forward to helping NYAM continue to make bold and ambitious progress in public health to safeguard current and future generations’ opportunities to live healthier lives.”

Mark S. Weiss 

Mark S. Weiss is an Executive Vice Chairman and member of Cushman & Wakefield Global Advisory Board. He is universally regarded as a leading commercial broker/advisor/tactician within the real estate industry with a significant practice in healthcare. His range of experience and expertise includes successfully completing some of the City’s most noteworthy and complex transactions in leasing, sales and development. He has represented Mount Sinai, MSKCC, Montefiore Medical Center, Columbia Presbyterian, and the New York Proton Center, as well as The Brooklyn Hospital. Mark has won the Real Estate Board of New York’s Most Ingenious Deal of the Year four times. Mark is also a highly regarded published author, having written an acclaimed book on the impact of breast cancer on the spouse of a breast cancer patient.  He is also on the Board of The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

“Health equity is a basic human right. We cannot be a great society if all don’t have access to the enormous stores of knowledge that reside in our great health care institutions. NYAM’s mission aligns perfectly with my deep personal commitment to a healthier New York City…all of New York City.”

About The New York Academy of Medicine
The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) is a leading voice for innovation in public health. Throughout its 177-year history, NYAM has uniquely championed bold changes to the systems that perpetuate health inequities and keep all communities from achieving good health. Today, this work includes innovative research, programs, and policy initiatives that distinctively value community input for maximum impact. Combined with NYAM’s trusted programming and historic Library, and with the support of nearly 2,000 esteemed Fellows and Members, NYAM’s impact as a health leader continues.

To learn more, visit www.nyam.org and follow @NYAMNYC on social media.

Dr. Emily Murphy of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine receives prestigious fellowship to integrate social determinants of health learning into resident training.

New York, NY (March 8, 2024) – The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM), in collaboration with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), is pleased to announce that the 2024-2026 Jeremiah A. Barondess Fellowship in the Clinical Transaction is awarded to Dr. Emily Murphy, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Dr. Murphy’s educational intervention supported by the Fellowship focuses on teaching residents to integrate social determinants of health (SDoH) into clinical reasoning and developing patient-centered plans. In short, she will teach clinicians at the bedside how they should interpret and apply social determinants of health data in the clinical care of patients to affect meaningful change in patient outcomes.

The ACGME will recognize Dr. Murphy at its Annual Educational Conference, to be held in Orlando, Florida, from March 7 to 9, 2024.

The Barondess Fellowship is awarded to junior faculty members in internal medicine to enhance medical students’ and residents’ training in the clinical transaction, a fundamental element of clinical care. The two-year, $50,000 fellowship aims to improve the patient experience by innovating and strengthening the critical skills that characterize the clinical transaction, including communicating with patients, conducting the physical exam, and applying clinical reasoning.

“Preparing clinicians to address the social determinants of health for their patients couldn’t be more critical toward advancing patient health and health equity,” said NYAM President Ann Kurth, PhD, CNM, MPH. “Meeting the training needs of residents will help strengthen their understanding of patient needs and providing necessary care.”

“The ACGME is proud to co-present the Barondess Fellowship to Dr. Murphy for her important intervention to integrate social determinants of health into resident training,” said ACGME President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas J. Nasca, MD, MACP. “Her work in this area is more important than ever in promoting patient-centered care.”

SDoH Curriculum for Internal Medicine Residents

Data suggest that at baseline, internal medicine residents have significant performance gaps in integrating the SDoH into clinical reasoning, indicating a need for formal education. To meet this need, Dr. Murphy will develop a curriculum for internal medicine residents in the Osler Medical Residency Program at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. This proposed curriculum will include multidisciplinary problem-based learning and supervised clinical experiences, and will assess impact on resident education and patient outcomes.

“In 2024, we will learn more about the social determinants of health impacting our patients than ever before due to required inpatient SDoH screening. If met with appropriate education, we have the opportunity to effectively incorporate SDoH into clinical reasoning to improve patient outcomes. I am thrilled to have been awarded the Barondess Fellowship to create a curriculum to meet this educational need and am grateful to NYAM and the ACGME for their support,” said Emily Murphy, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Dr. Murphy is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (JHUSOM). Born in Massachusetts, she completed her medical education at JHUSOM and her residency at the Harvard Brigham & Women’s Hospital/Boston Children’s Hospital Medicine – Pediatrics Residency. Dr. Murphy practices as an academic Med-Peds hospitalist and is a clinician educator for both undergraduate and graduate medical learners. She is interested in how to teach future and current physicians to address social determinants of health. She is the 2023-2024 recipient of the Society of Bedside Medicine Fellowship, during which she designed and implemented a novel SDoH curriculum for the medicine clerkship. She plans to use the Barondess Fellowship to develop a practical, patient-facing SDoH curriculum for the Osler Medical Residency Training Program at JHUSOM.

 About The New York Academy of Medicine  

The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) is a leading voice for innovation in public health. Throughout its 177-year history, NYAM has uniquely championed bold changes to the systems that perpetuate health inequities and keep all communities from achieving good health. Today, this work includes innovative research, programs, and policy initiatives that distinctively value community input for maximum impact. Combined with NYAM’s trusted programming and historic Library, and with the support of nearly 2,000 esteemed Fellows and Members, NYAM’s impact as a health leader continues. To learn more,visit www.nyam.org and follow @NYAMNYC on social media.

About the ACGME   

The ACGME is a private, nonprofit, professional organization responsible for the accreditation of approximately 11,700 residency and fellowship programs and the approximately 850 institutions that sponsor these programs in the United States. Residency and fellowship programs educate approximately 140,500 resident and fellow physicians in 181 specialties and subspecialties. The ACGME’s mission is to improve health care and population health by assessing and advancing the quality of resident physicians’ education through accreditation.

New York, NY (February 6, 2024)– The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM), an innovator in public health for more than 176 years, launches its first initiative in a multiyear plan to help build more resilient health systems in the era of climate change.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare and public health systems have confronted unprecedented and co-occurring challenges. Like the rest of the nation, New York’s workforce lost health workers to burnout, with communities at risk of new threats. Canadian wildfires in June 2023 spread pollutants that doubled New York City’s asthma-related emergency room visits. Record flooding in late September impacted NYC’s public and hospital systems.

“Our systems are reeling from workforce shortages, financial stresses, and a climate crisis impact that will only increase,” said NYAM President Dr. Ann Kurth. “The time is now to reimagine health and reorient healthcare to better support systems, workers, and communities. Working together to build more resilient systems that can recover from disasters and prepare us for new stressors will be key in creating a healthier and more equitable future for all. We firmly believe New Yorkers can lead the way,” she added.

Designing Health Systems Resilience, a full-day event at NYAM on Monday, February 26, will feature outstanding health industry leaders, including Jonathan B. Perlin, President and CEO of The Joint Commission, Vivian Lee, of Harvard Business School, and Jodi Sherman, Chair, Lancet Commission on Healthcare Sustainability, alongside other prominent national and New York health-industry leaders, including Ashwin Vasan, Commissioner, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Rohit T. “Rit” Aggarwala, New York City’s Chief Climate Officer and Commissioner, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, and Peggy Shepard, Co-founder and Executive Director, WE ACT for Environmental Justice. Discussion topics will include system adaptation, empowering next-generation change-makers, community advocacy, and resilience data and tracking.

NYAM’s Designing Health Systems Resilience program will begin to establish a community of practice among health executives, public health officials, payers, and policy-makers as a first step toward building a “Roadmap to Resilience,” providing recommendations for programming and partnerships to support healthcare and public health system resilience across New York. Recommendations will be published as a special section in NYAM’s Journal of Urban Health.

Designing Health Systems Resilience is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors, including the Commonwealth Fund, Mount Sinai Health System, Netflix, and Northwell Health, and our media partner City & State New York.

Future phases of NYAM’s work with public health and health systems will explore support of resilience strategies and assessment for impact, sustainability, and potential for broader replication.

To learn more about Designing Health Systems Resilience and to register, visit NYAM.org/resilience.

About The New York Academy of Medicine
The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) is a leading voice for innovation in public health. Throughout its 176-year history, NYAM has uniquely championed bold changes to the systems that perpetuate health inequities and keep all communities from achieving good health. Today, this work includes innovative research, programs, and policy initiatives that distinctively value community input for maximum impact. Combined with NYAM’s trusted programming and historic Library, and with the support of nearly 2,000 esteemed Fellows and Members, NYAM’s impact as a health leader continues.

To learn more, visit www.nyam.org and follow @NYAMNYC on social media.

New York, NY (October 24, 2023) – The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) has honored Michael Sneed, Executive Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer, Johnson & Johnson (retired),Terry T. Fulmer, President, The John A. Hartford Foundation, and Peggy Shepard, Co-founder and Executive Director, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, at its 2023 Gala: Together for Health Equity on October 10, 2023. Held at NYAM’s historic headquarters on Museum Mile in East Harlem, the evening was emceed by Emmy Award-winning journalist and author Cheryl Wills. The evening’s awards recognized each honoree’s contributions to advancing health equity. View photos from the event here and the program here.

Welcoming guests to her first NYAM gala as President, Dr. Ann Kurth said, “As NYAM moves into its 176th year and beyond, we resolutely accept the call to continue to innovate for the health of New York City, the nation, and the planet. In a world where there are increasing disparities, compounded by the pressures of climate change impact, we’re up to the challenge.”

NYAM’s work addresses challenges to health across the lifespan—from safe birth to healthy aging to a maximized healthspan (years of healthy life).

Dr. Wayne J. Riley, President, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, and NYAM Board Chair, expounded on NYAM’s role as a renowned convener and builder of a network of professionals: “Bringing people together to challenge the status quo is a long-standing role that NYAM has embraced across years. Since 1847, our founding Fellows and those who have come since have carried the torch of changing the systems that get in the way of health for everyone. And, I am humbled to be part of the modern-day era of this storied institution and to continue making groundbreaking moves for health.”

NYAM presented its 2023 Health Equity Champion Award to Michael Sneed, Executive Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer, Johnson & Johnson (retired), for his career-long dedication to advancing health, including founding Johnson & Johnson’s $100 million Race to Health Equity initiative to rebuild healthcare from a diverse perspective by supporting solutions that systemically address racial health equity. Sneed was introduced via video by special guest Henry Louis Gates Jr., Alphonse Fletcher University Professor, Director, Hutchins Center for African & African American Research, and Faculty Director, W.E.B. Du Bois Research Institute at Harvard University.

“My journey began as a young boy watching his grandparents commit their professional lives to their community on the west side of Chicago for decades…it was their work that inspired public service in me and my siblings. Healthcare has been in me, and in our family for over 100 years. That is the commitment we have made…I like to think that the work (of all of us) has only just begun. I know that you and so many others will remain committed to a world where we continue to close the equity gap and to continue the sense of urgency that we all must have as we go forward,” Michael Sneed, Executive Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer, Johnson & Johnson (retired).

NYAM presented its 2023 Healthcare Legacy Award to Terry T. Fulmer, President, The John A. Hartford Foundation, a tireless advocate for the health and safety of older populations, for her work to improve the well-being of older communities in the city, the nation, and the world. Her fierce vision of a world that supports everyone to age well has been increasingly relevant as NY rolls out its multisectoral plan for aging, to which NYAM contributed community voice to. The award was introduced by former NYAM Trustee Dr. Jack Rowe, Julius B. Richmond Professor of Health Policy and Aging, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University. 

“I’m excited to receive the Healthcare Legacy Award from The New York Academy of Medicine. I’m excited as NYAM has had a special place in my career as well as in the history of health in New York and in the entire field of medicine and healthcare. NYAM has always been on the vanguard of advancing the science of medicine and creating a space for those of us who care passionately about healthcare. It has provided a base for those of us committed to improving the health of older adults in the city and around the world,” Terry T. Fulmer, President, The John A. Hartford Foundation

NYAM presented its 2023 Bold & Brave Award to Peggy Shepard, Co-founder and Executive Director, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, a pioneer in providing the people of Northern Manhattan—and the country—with the resources and tools needed to become part of the change-making process. Her impact has reached far beyond New York, inspiring global action in the fight for environmental justice. The award was introduced by Dr. Leslie Hayes, Deputy Commissioner, Division of Family and Child Health, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

“WE ACT and I will continue to advocate for environmental public health and climate justice policies here and abroad, in Albany and in Congress, and I look forward to working with the public heath community to improve public health by reducing toxic exposures where we live, work, play and go to school. Only then can we secure health equity for all,” Peggy Shepard, Co-founder and Executive Director, WE ACT for Environmental Justice

The NYAM 2023 Gala: Together for Health Equity was sponsored by the following generous individuals and organizations:

Advocates for All: James and Kerianne Flynn

Advocates for Change: Michael Sneed; Thomas Jefferson University; and Jefferson Health

Advocates for Progress: Bristol Myers Squibb; The John A. Hartford Foundation; Mount Sinai Heart; Mount Sinai Hospital; Mount Sinai Hospital Nursing Department; Northwell Health; SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

Advocates for Dreams: APCO Worldwide; Bassett Healthcare Network; Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health; Columbia University School of Nursing; Edelman; Ann Kurth, PhD, CNM, MPH; Mercer; New York University College of Dentistry; Northeastern University Bouvé College of Health Sciences; Princeton Area Community Foundation; RiverSpring Living; Janis Smith-Gomez, MBA; WPP

Platinum Sponsor: NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Silver Sponsor: Johnson & Johnson; Montefiore-Einstein; Valerie & John W. Rowe, MD

About The New York Academy of Medicine

The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) is a leading voice for innovation in public health. Throughout its 176-year history, NYAM has uniquely championed bold changes to the systems that perpetuate health inequities and keep all communities from achieving good health. Today, this work includes innovative research, programs, and policy initiatives that distinctively value community input for maximum impact. Combined with NYAM’s trusted programming and historic Library, and with the support of nearly 2,000 esteemed Fellows and Members, NYAM’s impact as a health leader continues.

To learn more, visit www.nyam.org and follow @NYAMNYC on social media.

 

New York Academy of Medicine
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