Dr. Sparano and the breast cancer clinical research team

Bruce Rapkin, PhD

In 2014, Montefiore and Einstein were awarded a five-year $3.4 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to participate in a multi-site cancer study to reduce healthcare disparities in cancer care. The burden of cancer falls disproportionately on minority men and women, who also have higher rates of cancer—related deaths than white Americans. Joseph A. Sparano, MD, Director, Breast Medical Oncology, Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care and Associate Director, Clinical Research, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, and Bruce Rapkin, PhD, Professor, Epidemiology & Population Health, Einstein are working to improve outcomes and access to care for minorities by making life-changing clinical trials more representative of the general population.

Joseph A. Sparano, MD

Dr. Sparano is working to bring the benefits of clinical trials and cutting-edge care to residents of the Bronx. "From tests that focus on the genomics of a person’s tumor to new immunotherapies, experimental diagnostics and treatments are making personalized medicine a reality for many patients with cancer."

To increase minority enrollment in clinical trials, Dr. Sparano publicizes the trials as widely as possible. "I've made it a priority to inform doctors in the Montefiore-Einstein network about available clinical trials, offering details that could motivate their patients to participate in trials that may help them," says Dr. Sparano.

Read the full story on the Einstein website.

Montefiore Health System and CityMD have announced a new partnership designed to improve access to primary, specialty and urgent care services for patients of both organizations. Under the agreement, Montefiore becomes CityMD’s exclusive preferred provider partner in the Bronx and Westchester. A visit to CityMD’s urgent care centers in these communities will now have the opportunity to be seamlessly connected to the necessary follow-up care with Montefiore’s primary and specialty care providers.

"The evolution and popularity of urgent care centers speaks volumes about the need for easier access to high quality healthcare for busy people juggling busy schedules," said Steven M. Safyer, MD, President and CEO, Montefiore. "We are thrilled to collaborate with CityMD, a forward thinking provider, who shares our commitment to a progressive model of care."

Learn more and find a list of CityMD locations at CityMD.com

Montefiore recognizes hundreds of social workers doing wonderful work across the health system, especially during the month of March. Our social workers provide unparalleled care and support to patients and their families, building durable bridges between our hospitals and the communities served. In honor of Social Work Month, we express our deep gratitude for their invaluable contributions.