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September 9, 2019

NEW RESEARCH: DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION EFFECTS ON LEARNING AND MEMORY

ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF THE BRAIN’S CAUDATE NUCLEUS

ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF THE BRAIN’S CAUDATE NUCLEUS (KNOWN TO PLAY A KEY ROLE IN LEARNING) IN SIX CONSCIOUS PATIENTS IMPROVED THEIR ABILITY TO LEARN AN ASSOCIATION BETWEEN IMAGES PRESENTED TO THEM AND PRESSING A KEYBOARD BUTTON.

For millions suffering from learning and memory deficits caused by brain disease or injury, deep brain stimulation is a potentially useful therapy. A recent study led by Montefiore's Emad Eskandar, MD, published online in Brain, found that brief, timed bursts of deep brain electrical stimulation can enhance learning in humans. Electrical stimulation of the brain's caudate nucleus (known to play a key role in learning) in six conscious patients improved their ability to learn an association between images presented to them and pressing a keyboard button. The findings mirror the results of prior studies with animal subjects, but are the first to demonstrate the effect in humans, pointing to the caudate nucleus as a promising target for enhancing recovery after stroke or traumatic brain injury.

Emad Eskandar, MD

Dr. Emad Eskandar is Professor, Leo M. Davidoff Department of Neurological Surgery; Professor, Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience; Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; and the Jeffrey P. Bergstein Chair in Neurological Surgery at Einstein and Montefiore.

Read the full article in Brain at https://bit.ly/brain-stimulation-study

MONTEFIORE'S DR. CUNNINGHAM TESTIFIES BEFORE NEW YORK SENATE TASK FORCE ON OPIOIDS

Montefiore physician Chinazo Cunningham, MD, MS, Professor, Medicine, Family and Social Medicine, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Einstein, offered compelling testimony about key steps to address the opioid epidemic at the New York State Joint Senate Task Force on Opioids, Addiction and Overdose Prevention hearings. She spoke about the need to treat opioid use disorders (OUD) as a medical condition, using only evidence-based medications, reducing the incarceration of people with OUD, and increasing resources for healthcare workers. The August hearing included seven senators and some 75 other people including medical professionals, activists, union leaders and members of government agencies.

Dr. Cunningham at the microphone testifying at the New York State Joint Senate Task Force on Addiction and Overdose Prevention

MONTEFIORE PROUD TO LEAD IN LGBTQ HEALTH EQUALITY

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has awarded Montefiore Leader Status in LGBTQ healthcare equality for the third year in a row. This is especially meaningful in a year during which we celebrated and participated in the World Pride 50th Anniversary.

In this year's HRC survey, Montefiore's excellent score is reflective of our commitment to provide equitable care for all patients along with a safe, inclusive workplace environment for associates. The Human Rights Campaign offers free LGBTQ training at https://www.hrc.org/hei/hei-training-on-going-training. Associates can log on using their Montefiore email address, Montefiore code 55709 and security code HRC.

To learn more about the services we provide, please visit www.montefiore.org/LGBTQcare 


NEWS

BACK(PACK) TO SCHOOL FOR CHAM PATIENTS

Aaronson Rappaport Feinstein & Deutsch, LLP, presented 370 backpacks stuffed with school supplies to patients at CHAM

Aaronson Rappaport Feinstein & Deutsch, LLP, presented 370 backpacks stuffed with school supplies to patients at Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) on August 23. This generous gift, just in time for the new school year, is part of the law firm's corporate social responsibility project. "We are grateful to our law firm partner and extend sincere thanks on behalf of our patients, their parents and our associates," says Daphne T. Hsu, MD, Division Chief, Pediatric Cardiology, Co-Director, Pediatric Heart Center and Interim Chair, Pediatrics, Children's Hospital at Montefiore.

CLINICAL RESEARCH

WOMEN’S HEALTH STUDY

Researchers at Montefiore and Albert Einstein College of Medicine are conducting a study to learn about differences in the genital tract in women diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis (BV) before and after treatment. Women with BV have an increased risk of acquiring HIV. The ultimate goal of this research is to better understand the effects of BV on the female genital tract so that methods can be developed to reduce transmission of HIV.

To take part you must be:
• 18–45 years old • Sexually active • Have symptoms of bacterial vaginosis—unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge

Reimbursement for time and travel provided.

Call Becky at 718-430-3253 or email microbicide@einstein.yu.edu to learn more.

EVENTS

NEW YORK BLOOD CENTER NEEDS YOU
DONATE BLOOD...ONE PINT CAN SAVE THREE LIVES.

Montefiore's Fall Blood Drive
Thursday, September 19, 2019 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Grand Hall, Foreman Pavilion, Moses Campus
111 East 210th Street, Bronx, New York 10467

NEW YORK BLOOD CENTER NEEDS YOU

To schedule an appointment to donate, visit the Montefiore intranet, or call New York Blood Center at 1-800-933-2566

Walk-ins welcome.


A CELEBRATION OF APPRECIATION FOR ALL YOU DO!

Mark your calendar for the annual celebration of appreciation for all Montefiore Moses Campus Associates. This year's Associate Appreciation event features a Wild West BBQ at the Moses Campus outdoor gardens, where there will be great food and fun for everyone!

Wild West BBQ at the Moses Campus outdoor gardens

Friday, September 20, 2019
Noon – 4:00 PM and 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Outdoor Gardens, Moses Campus
111 East 210th Street, Bronx, New York 10467

Bring your Montefiore ID badge.

Come one, Come all!

BRONX FOOD AND FARM WALKING TOURS: NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN EDIBLE ACADEMY TOUR

NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN EDIBLE ACADEMY TOUR

Montefiore is proud to be a founding partner and this year's exclusive sponsor of Bronx Food & Farm Walking Tours, the community gardening outreach program of the New York Botanical Garden. This family-friendly tour series gives participants an opportunity to witness urban agriculture; learn about nutrition, harvesting, composting and healthy eating; and experience a greener Bronx.

The Edible Academy, the season's final tour, is a state-of-the-art educational facility featuring hands-on activities and innovative programs that help children, families, teachers and the general public learn about growing and preparing vegetables, fruit and herbs while encouraging a lifelong interest in nutrition awareness and environmental stewardship.

Saturday, September 21 | 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Meet at the Mosholu Entrance of the NYBG

To reserve your seat, fill out the form at https://nybg.org/farmtours or call 718-817-8026.


39TH ANNUAL PEDIATRIC STAFF ALUMNI AND NETWORK PHYSICIAN DAY

Mark your calendars and join us for this pivotal Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) annual event designed to encourage collaboration, understanding, insight and sharing of best practices.

Registration is now open:
www.montefiore.org/alumniday 

Check back on www.cham.org/psand for updates.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tishman Learning Center, Moses Campus

For more Information, contact Event Coordinator Marilyn Anderson at 718-741-2458 or mdanders@montefiore.org.


BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING

Register for the 12th annual Edward S. Greenwald, MD, Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening event. All exams are FREE for people who are uninsured or underinsured. No documentation or insurance required.

  • Breast exams and Pap smears for women 18 and older
  • Mammograms for women 40 and older
  • Women’s health education and information
  • Co-pays apply only to those with insurance
  • All exams are FREE for women who are uninsured or undocumented

To register, call 718-405-8076, Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Walk-ins welcome.

FREE Gift Bags and Metrocards.

Saturday, October 5, 2019 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Tower at Montefiore Medical Park, Einstein Campus
1695 Eastchester Road, Second Floor
Bronx, New York 10461