December 2, 2019
GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO PREDICTS THAT BASED ON CURRENT TRENDS, THE AIDS EPIDEMIC IN NEW YORK WILL BE OVER BY THE END OF 2020.
"Three breakthroughs in HIV medicine during the past decade have changed the outlook for HIV-positive people and hold the promise to end the epidemic. Together, these advances have bent the HIV arc downward, giving us more reasons to celebrate World AIDS Day," says Barry Zingman, MD, Medical Director of the AIDS Center at Montefiore.
For most people with HIV, the first breakthrough is a single daily pill that replaces the multiple prescriptions of the past. These powerful new medicines are also gentler on the body, allowing 95 percent of patients to live without significant side effects.
Barry Zingman, MD
The second major breakthrough, U=U, stands for "undetectable equals untransmittable." When patients take their medicine daily, their viral load goes down to zero, making it undetectable. After six months, as long as they continue their medication, they cannot transmit the virus. This is life-changing for patients and may reduce the stigma surrounding HIV infection.
The third major breakthrough is PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis. Those at risk can practically eliminate their chance of HIV infection when taking PrEP. There is also PEP, post-exposure prophylaxis, which prevents infection when taken within 72 hours of exposure.
Montefiore, on the front lines of the AIDS epidemic since the 1980s, was the first medical center in New York State named a Center of Excellence in HIV Care thanks to our multidisciplinary, multispecialty services. Our Center for Positive Living is a model for AIDS care nationwide, and our new Oval Center focuses on the sexual health of people over 16 years old who identify as LGBTQIA+, including those who are HIV positive.
Read more on Lohud.
Montefiore cut the ribbon on a new 3D Imaging and Advanced Visualization Lab that will provide more accurate diagnoses to improve surgical planning and precision. Traditional imaging like ultrasound, MRIs and CT scans provide 2D images, so radiologists and physicians often need to look at hundreds of cross-section images before deciding on a diagnosis and course of treatment. With 3D technology, all the cross-section slices are combined into a single 3D visual. The new lab will educate physicians throughout the system and country about the many benefits of 3D technology, including volume renderings, 3D segmentation and 3D printing. In addition, through virtual reality and simulation equipment, trainees can perform patient-specific simulations, allowing for hands-on training. 3D imaging is also much easier for patients to view and understand than more conventional 2D imaging. Nicole Wake, PhD, Director, 3D Imaging Lab, is available for consultations.
From left, Peter Semczuk, DDS, MPH; Andrew Racine, MD, PhD; Nicole Wake, PhD; Judy Yee, MD, FACR; Susan Green-Lorenzen, RN; Alfredo Cabrera.
"We are excited about this unique lab that provides innovative visualization platforms for state-of-the-art patient care, cutting-edge research and novel educational opportunities," says Judy Yee, MD, FACR, Professor and Chair, Radiology, Montefiore and Einstein.
Montefiore's annual Thanksgiving turkey drive's goal of surpassing past years' donations was realized, as the Office of Government and Community Relations delivered hundreds of pounds of fresh sweet potatoes, collard greens, broccoli, kale and canned vegetables to Montefiore Medical Group's Food Pantry. The effort is part of the hospital-based volunteer program Project BRAVO, and the J.E. and Z.B. Butler Center for Children and Families, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, which provides services for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Montefiore also partnered with local social and nonprofit organizations to distribute 100 turkeys to families in the Norwood community surrounding the Moses Campus.
From left, Mohamed Al Hameli, Under Secretary, Department of Health, Abu Dhabi; Peter P. Semczuk, DDS, MPH, Senior Vice President and Executive Director, Moses Campus.
Montefiore has signed a landmark agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Department of Health to provide complex healthcare services to patients from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Montefiore is one of only a few elite hospitals in the United States to form such an agreement, ensuring that patients from the UAE in need of specialized services will have access to Montefiore's world-class physicians, technology and clinical expertise. Since the opening of the International Department in 2013, more than 800 patients needing complex care, including cardiac surgery, neurosurgery and transplant, have traveled to Montefiore from 70 countries. The International Department handles every detail for patients, including facilitating visas and addressing the needs of family members who accompany them. "When people come to us from abroad, we treat them like family, doing the best we can to provide a home away from home," says Irene Gebrael, PhD, Senior Director, International Department, Montefiore.
To learn more, visit www.montefiore.org/international.
Amanda Zayde, PsyD
Montefiore's Connecting and Reflecting Experience (CARE) program helps primary caregivers of babies through teens handle some of the more challenging aspects of parenting. During the 12-week group program, parents are supported in observing, better understanding and managing overwhelming emotions, as well as increasing curiosity about their children, and learning to more effectively navigate stressful parenting moments. The group provides a space to forge meaningful social connections and normalize parenting experiences. Begun in 2014, the program has expanded rapidly, and will soon be offering six parenting groups. "The evidence-based, transdiagnostic program is designed for primary caregivers who wish to come together in a safe, non-judgmental space to support one another in better understanding themselves as parents and in making sense of the thoughts and emotions underlying their children's behavior," says Program Director Amanda Zayde, PsyD, Assistant Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Montefiore and Einstein.
To learn more about the program or to make a referral, contact the CARE team at 718-304-7146.
Can you be healthier just by changing your mealtimes?
Help us find out and get free food.
WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE?
Limiting eating to two daily meals was shown to improve health in mice. By taking part in the 2-A-DAY study you are helping us find out if eating this way is also healthier for humans.
You may be eligible to participate if you are:
• Overweight • Male age 30-70, or • Female and after menopause
• Generally in good health
The study lasts about 15 weeks. Volunteers who qualify and agree to participate will receive free food for 12 weeks. We will ask you to eat the food at specific times during the day.
To learn more, contact the study team at 718-839-7326 or twoaday@einstein.yu.edu
Montefiore is celebrating National Influenza Vaccination Week by hosting events throughout the Medical Center with opportunities to get vaccinated and experience interactive wellness booths. The fun and informative events will include giveaways sponsored by To Your Health! Associate Wellness.
The goal is to have over 90 percent of Montefiore associates vaccinated this year.
Wednesday, December 4 | 7:00 – 10:00 AM
Einstein Cafeteria
Thursday, December 5 | 7:00 – 10:00 AM
Moses Grand Hall
Note: The MY SHOT COUNTS campaign continues throughout the season. Visit the intranet FLU HQ page for more information.
Join Montefiore’s Breast, Colon and Lung Cancer Screening Programs to promote awareness of the benefits of early cancer detection and prevention. Take home educational materials, screening program information and nutritional guidance, and enjoy free snacks and giveaways.
Friday, December 6 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Moses Campus Lobby
111 East 210th Street
Bronx, New York 10467
Join us at the 2019 International Center for Autism Research (ICARE) Conference on Cannabinoids, Medical Cannabis, Neurodiversity and Autism.
Learn from top international researchers, as well as participate in panels and roundtable discussions with healthcare professionals, patients and their families, educators and the business community. Speakers include Montefiore-Einstein's Eric Hollander, MD; Jonathan Alpert, MD, PhD; Sophie Molholm, PhD; Casara Jean Ferretti, MS; Chinazo Cunningham, MD, MS; along with other internationally recognized experts in the field.
Tuesday, December 17 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Robbins Auditorium (South Campus)
1300 Morris Park Avenue
Bronx, New York 10461
Register at https://bit.ly/medical-cannabis-icare4autism-conference
Enter code EDUCATE for a special institution discount.
Wednesday, December 18, 2019 | 6:00 – 10:00 PM
The Marina Del Rey
One Marina Drive
Bronx, New York 10465
$50 for Employees/$80 for Guests
Limited seating available.
Purchase tickets at www.montefiore.org/holidayparty
Montefiore ID along with email ticket confirmation must be presented at the door.
Contact Nancy Pecorelli at 718-920-8368 for more information.
