March 19, 2018
Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) is expanding its Pediatric Fatty Liver Program to treat the growing number of children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The program currently sees about 400 patients per year, a number expected to triple in the next few years. NAFLD, defined by too much fat in the liver, becomes more common in children as obesity rates rise. The disease affects approximately 10 percent of children, with those of Mexican descent at higher risk due to a known genetic mutation. "About 70 percent of the children we see at the center have at least one parent from Mexico," says Bryan Rudolph, MD, Director, Fatty Liver Program, CHAM, and Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, Einstein.
Dr. Rudolph with a pediatric patient.
FATTY LIVER DISEASE AFFECTS ABOUT 10 PERCENT OF ALL CHILDREN, AND LEADS TO A LOSS OF LIVER FUNCTION, AND IN SEVERE CASES, THE NEED FOR A LIVER TRANSPLANT.
NAFLD can result in a loss of liver function and, in severe cases, can lead to the need for a liver transplant. Yet general pediatricians are not as aware of it as they are of other diseases such as diabetes, says Dr. Rudolph. He wants more physicians to refer children to the clinic earlier for proper treatment. Early indicators of NAFLD are detectible with a routine blood test. "Guidelines say we should consider testing liver enzymes between the ages of 9 and 11 in obese kids, and in overweight kids at that age with additional genetic risk factors," he says.
For more information, visit www.cham.org/pediatric-liver-program or call 718-741-2332.
Sheigla Smalling, Library Director
Montefiore celebrates National Library Week, April 8–14, by honoring our libraries and library workers and their vital role in providing access to a world of information. Reflecting on this year's theme, "Libraries Lead," Library Director Sheigla Smalling says, "The Montefiore Health Sciences Library helps lead our community by advocating for widespread access to crucial services and lifelong learning." Visit one of the branches at the Moses and Wakefield Campuses to study, read or simply relax in the calm environment. You'll enjoy access to approximately 1,600 books, 1,400 journals, a variety of databases, and expert-level support for your literature searches. "Associates come to the library for a quiet place to read, using a variety of devices, such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones," says Ms. Smalling. The library is also the ideal place to study or take online exams. Stop by during National Library Week to explore the various resources available, get acquainted with the staff and enter a chance to win an Amazon gift card and other promotional giveaways.
Moses Research Tower, 2nd Floor, Moses Campus
Room B11, 1st Floor, Level C, Wakefield Campus
Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care researchers advocate earlier screening methods for stomach cancer, based on their groundbreaking study published in the American Journal of Surgery. The study found that 52 percent of stomach cancer cases were diagnosed in the emergency department (ED), while half of those patients had advanced stage 4 cancers. "Our efforts should focus on developing methods for early detection of stomach cancer through personalized screening programs for high-risk individuals," says the study's lead author, Haejin In, MD, Surgical Oncologist and Assistant Professor, Surgery, Montefiore and Einstein. Stomach cancers are often diagnosed at an advanced stage because people tend to downplay early symptoms, such as poor appetite, indigestion and heartburn. But signs of advanced cancer—bleeding, weakness, fatigue and pain— are what send them to the ED. Montefiore physicians are developing new screening criteria, including family history, ethnicity, dietary habits and diabetes. Our researchers are also working with the Emergency Medicine Network to enhance education and communication between EDs and cancer specialists nationwide. To learn more, visit www.montefiore.org/research-highlights.
Congressman Crowley with Alyson Moadel- Robblee, PhD, Director, Psychosocial Oncology Program/BOLD, and Co-Director, Integrative Oncology Program, Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care (MECCC); and Roman Perez-Soler, MD, Chair, Oncology, and Chief, Medical Oncology, Montefiore.
U.S. Congressman Joseph Crowley recently met with BOLD Buddies volunteers to thank them for their ongoing support and commitment to those facing cancer. The Bronx Oncology Living Daily (BOLD) program at our Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care is home to the BOLD Buddies, most of whom are cancer survivors themselves. They offer treatment companionship to those going through cancer and provide supportive phone calls before and after medical appointments. Members of the group shared their personal stories with Congressman Crowley. "There's nothing more rewarding than seeing these generous and compassionate role models receive the recognition they deserve from Congressman Crowley," says Alyson Moadel-Robblee, PhD, Director, BOLD program, an initiative of Montefiore's Psychosocial & Integrative Oncology Program. BOLD also provides a range of free wellness workshops, support services and group classes to cancer patients, survivors families and anyone affected by cancer in the Bronx. To learn more, visit www.einstein.yu.edu/centers/cancer/support/fundraiser/.
GET TO KNOW MONTEFIORE'S NEWEST LEADERS
Miguelina Germán, PhD
Assistant Clinical Director, Pediatric Behavioral Health Integration Program (BHIP)
David Prince, MD
Director, Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Thomas Ullman, MD
Chief, Gastroenterology
Polina Umylny, PhD
Assistant Clinical Director, Pediatric BHIP
View Montefiore Update online at www.montefiore.org/march-19-2018 for links to these profiles.
Samuel Johnson, Senior IT Manager, Deployment Services, Montefiore Information Technology
Among the myriad ways our associates step up to give back to our global community, Samuel Johnson, Senior IT Manager, Deployment Services, Montefiore Information Technology (MIT), has made it his mission to help people from his hometown of Kerala, India, to literally get back on their feet. During a vacation in Kerala, Mr. Johnson witnessed the hardship of economically disadvantaged amputees, who not only are ostracized but also face considerable emotional challenges. Upon his return he established the nonprofit Life and Limb Organization to donate and deliver high-quality custom-made prosthetic devices to this population. Life and Limb aims to enable amputees to lead normal lives. During Mr. Johnson's latest trip to India in January, Life and Limb provided prosthetic legs to more than 100 people. "It's an amazing thing when you think about the impact you make on someone else's life," he says. Visit Life and Limb's gofundme page to donate.
HAVE YOU BEEN UNABLE TO FIND RELIEF WITH STANDARD ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICATION?
If so, you may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial at Montefiore Medical Center. This study is testing whether the combination of the drugs brexpiprazole and intranasal ketamine can safely and effectively treat people who are already taking an antidepressant medication, but have not had a satisfactory response.
Participants will be compensated for each study visit.
For more information contact:
Jennifer Alexander 929-429-5644 | Dr. Jonathan Alpert 718-430-2730
Email: jealexan@montefiore.org
BREAKING THE ICE THAT IS NEUROSURGERY: DISRUPTIONS IN NEUROSURGICAL CARE, AND HOW TO ADVANCE PROGRESS
This free lecture, held by the Leo M. Davidoff Department of Neurological Surgery, features guest speaker Douglas Kondziolka, MD, MSc, FRCSC, FACS, Gray Family Professor, Neurosurgery; Vice-Chair, Clinical Research (Neurosurgery) Professor, Radiation Oncology; and Director, Center for Advanced Radiosurgery, NYU Langone Medical Center.
Wednesday, March 21 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tishman Learning Center, Grand Hall, Moses Campus
111 East 210th Street, Bronx, New York 10467
Lunch will be served.
RSVP by Friday, March 9. Please contact Nacllies J. Richards at nacricha@montefiore.org or at 718-839-7934 for more information.
Montefiore, a recognized leader in LGBTQ healthcare and workplace culture, is hosting the Associate LGBTQ & Ally Social. The New York City Gay Men's Chorus will perform, and refreshments and appetizers will be served. RSVP at https://bit.ly/2I0iLOS.
Thursday, March 22 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Grand Hall, Moses Campus
In celebration of Nutrition Month, attend the “Diets to Know in 2018—What's Trending?” event, during which Montefiore's Registered Dietitians will discuss and share their perspectives on the most talked about diets of the year.
Thursday, March 29 | 12:30 PM
TLC Room 1, Moses Campus
Zoom Registration
The Departments of Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Radiology are holding the Montefiore Spine Center Symposium to highlight the diagnosis and management of spinal disease. The course reviews the clinical presentation, history and diagnostic workup, as well as both nonoperative and operative treatments for common spinal disorders. The Montefiore Spine Center has provided comprehensive, multidisciplinary care to patients with spine disease for two years, and staff will share their expertise during the symposium. For more information and to register, email npiacent@montefiore.org or call 718-920-6674.
Saturday, April 7 | 7:00 AM
Tishman Learning Center, Moses Campus
