Dr. Rubina Heptulla to Oversee Quality Assurance and Budgetary Matters 

NEW YORK (January 7, 2012) – Rubina Heptulla, M.D., chief of the division of pediatric endocrinology and diabetes at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, has been appointed to the Westchester County Laboratories and Research Board of Managers. Dr. Heptulla will serve a three-year term starting this month and will oversee quality assurance, reporting and budgeting for Westchester laboratories.

Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino selected Dr. Heptulla, a Rye resident and professor of pediatrics and medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, to join four existing board managers who provide oversight of environmental laboratories, forensic and toxicology services and microbiological laboratories. The board works in conjunction with Medical Examiner Kunjlata Ashar, M.D., who heads the Department of Laboratories and Research, to provide reliable, accurate and rapid diagnosis of diseases to the Westchester County health community.

“Being part of Westchester community is important to me on a personal and professional level,” said Dr. Heptulla. “My appointment to the board will allow me to provide a service to the community and simultaneously extend Montefiore’s presence throughout the county.”

The board of managers, which consists of three New York State-licensed physicians, holds quarterly meetings to discuss operations of the laboratories, fees and approval of building improvements and repairs to ensure that the county’s laboratories operate effectively and efficiently.  Dr. Heptulla’s appointment is subject to approval by the Board of Legislators.

“Dr. Heptulla’s experience and qualifications made her an ideal candidate for the board of managers,” Astorino said. “She will be a great asset to the board and will help to ensure the health and safety of Westchester residents.”

Dr. Heptulla joined Montefiore in April 2010. An internationally recognized pediatric endocrinologist, she is an expert in diabetes, thyroid, growth, puberty and adrenal disorders, and leads research in these areas. She oversees six pediatric endocrinology and diabetes clinics that receive nearly 200 patient visits each week in locations across Westchester and the Bronx. A seventh clinic will open in early 2013. Dr. Heptulla has received numerous grants and awards for her work and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals.