Fall 2017 Fall 2017

Home , NYU Langone Health, Robert Grossman, The Elite (audio drama)

THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE OF NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE FALL 2017 FALL 2017

THE BEST OF HUMANITY From disaster zones to local clinics, doctors THE BEST OF like Hernando Garzon ’88 HUMANITY are there to help. From disaster zones to local clinics, doctors like Elizabeth Lutas ’76 are there to help. SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS AND CREATE YOUR OWN LEGACY.

Your gift of $30,000 (payable over up to three years) will be acknowledged with a named dorm room in Vilcek Hall. Planned gifts may qualify as well. One hundred percent of your contribution will support scholarships for NYU School of Medicine students.

LEARN MORE: Visit nyulangone.org/give/vilcek-hall-campaign, or contact Diana Robertson at 212-404-3510 or [email protected]. DEAN’S MESSAGE What Sets Us Apart

Even after a decade of tremendous progress, the momentum at NYU Langone Health continues to grow. As the following accolades and statistics make clear, our mission to serve, teach, and discover remains steadfast and strong.

Our innovative approach to medical training Of course, these numbers tell only part of continues to attract the most talented aspiring the story. The less heralded engine of our doctors, and our matriculating students rate success—and the critical if unquantifiable among the elite in GPA and MCAT scores. In reason the best still lies ahead—is the unique fact, NYU School of Medicine has rocketed in blend of values, talent, and dynamism that the rankings from #34 to #12 according to the generations of students, faculty, and staff U.S. News & World Report list of “Best Graduate have instilled here. “WE REMAIN Schools” for research. Today, we celebrate and reward the boldest AS COMMITTED Recent gifts will grow our scholarship ideas in medicine, offering a climate of endowment to more than $200 million in possibility that draws physicians and scientists AS EVER TO support of medical students. In the 2016–17 who are eager to push the boundaries of SERVING AS academic year, 35 students received full innovation. And we remain as committed as scholarships financed completely by ever to serving as stewards of our city, STEWARDS philanthropy. advancing an array of neighborhood-based OF OUR CITY.” In the past nine years our research portfolio initiatives that leverage healthcare’s potential has grown dramatically, with total grant to strengthen entire communities. revenue increasing 84%. Our upward trajectory In this issue of Grapevine, we focus on our is all the more remarkable in an environment institution’s pioneering humanitarian spirit of unpredictable federal funding. and shine a light on some of the alumni who Our clinical enterprise has expanded to have carried it forward through their work. encompass more than 200 locations through- Individuals like Elizabeth Lutas ’76 and out the New York metropolitan area, headlined Hernando Garzon ’88 (see page 10) embody by new partnerships with NYU Langone the spirit and culture that our School and Hospital–Brooklyn in Sunset Park and NYU institution hold dear. We are delighted to share Winthrop Hospital on Long Island. their stories with you, and I am sure you will As we expand our network, we continue to find them as inspiring as I do. enhance our facilities. The 7 million-square- foot transformation of our main campus is nearly complete, and we have just launched

a $700 million investment in NYU Langone ROBERT I. GROSSMAN, MD Hospital–Brooklyn. THE SAUL J. FARBER DEAN AND CEO Photo: John Photo: Carnett

1 | GRAPEVINE ALUMNI MAGAZINE FALL 2017 FEATURES THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE FALL 2017

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY William R. Berkley, BS (STERN ’66) Chairman, Board of Trustees

Andrew D. Hamilton, MSc, PhD President

NYU LANGONE HEALTH Kenneth G. Langone, MBA (STERN ’60), (Hon. ’01) Chairman, Board of Trustees

The Best of The Next Generation: Robert I. Grossman, MD (Hon. ’08) Humanity Students Give Back The Saul J. Farber Dean and CEO 10 16 OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI AFFAIRS Hernando Garzon ’88 and Elizabeth Lutas ’76 At NYU School of Medicine, even first-year Grace Y. Ko share why they’ve dedicated their careers to medical students have opportunities to work Senior Vice President caring for patients in dire circumstances. with underserved populations. Anthony J. Grieco ’63, BS (ARTS ’60) Associate Dean, Alumni Affairs

Timothy L. Higdon, MPA (WAG ’08) Senior Division Director, Campaigns

Christine Beeby NEW(S) HEARD Senior Division Director, Donor Engagement and Communications 3 6 20 Meryl Schwartz, MSW (SSSW ’13) Match results Recent appointments, Class Notes Director, Alumni Affairs volunteers needed, class of 4 21 GRAPEVINE 2021 statistics, books Meryl Schwartz A recap of graduation, honor Profile: Jay Steinberg ’83 and Managing Editor society members, awards 8 Ellen Steinberg ’83 Jen Swetzoff Alumni reunion weekend 24 Senior Editor

Profile: M. Natalie Achong ’92 Barbara Mlawer Dhania Nair 26 Contributing Editors

Q+A: A Conversation Opto Design with Eugene Braunwald ’52, Publication Design the “Father of Modern CONTACT INFORMATION Cardiology” We’d love to hear from you! To ask questions, make comments, or share 28 your own stories, please contact us In Memoriam at [email protected] or 212-263-5390. You can also write to 30 us or visit our website.

Look Back NYU School of Medicine Office of Development and Alumni Affairs We produced two different covers One Park Avenue, 5th Floor for this issue, with photography by New York, NY 10016 Aaron Kotowski Photography, LLC. To see both images, please visit med.nyu.edu/alumni med.nyu.edu/alumni. NYU Langone Health comprises NYU Langone Hospitals and NYU School of Medicine. New(s) ACHIEVEMENTS

MOST MATCHED PROGRAMS* Gabe Campion ‘17 shows off his match letter 2017 Match Day NYU (45) Columbia (9) More than 75 percent of graduates Harvard (7) Northwestern (7) land at the top 25 residency programs Mount Sinai (6) UCLA (6) IN MARCH, NYU School of Medicine students tore open Penn (6) envelopes to discover where they had matched for residency Yale (5) programs. MOST POPULAR SPECIALTIES* “This was a very strong match year,” said Linda Tewksbury, MD, associate dean for student affairs, noting that more than Internal medicine (32) 75 percent of the class of 2017 matched at programs affiliated Emergency with the top 25 medical schools* in the United States. More medicine (20) than 52 percent of the graduating class will stay in the Big Apple, Obstetrics and gynecology (13) with 45 new doctors doing their residencies at NYU Langone, Pediatrics (10) including the 19 Three-Year Accelerated MD Pathway graduates. Anesthesiology (9)

*Based on categorical specialty programs only– Dermatology (9)

Photo: Alan Barnett Photography Alan Barnett Photo: U.S. News & World Report *Out of 162 placements

3 | GRAPEVINE ALUMNI MAGAZINE FALL 2017 New(s) CELEBRATIONS

Class of 2017 taking the Hippocratic Oath A Recap of the 2017 Graduation Ceremony NYU School of Medicine applauds 166 new doctors

IN MAY, during the graduation honor society (see page 5). save lives, discover amazing ceremony in Alice Tully Hall at Seven students graduated medical breakthroughs and Lincoln Center, NYU School as Silverstein Scholars, cures, and win Nobel Prizes of Medicine recognized the recipients of a scholarship along the way. You will help accomplishments of 166 fund created by Larry A. and shape the future of medicine graduates as they received Klara Silverstein that provides and we all salute you on a their doctor of medicine full tuition and room and remarkable achievement.” degrees. The class included 19 board for selected students Robert I. Grossman, MD, students from the Three-Year largely based on academic the Saul J. Farber dean and Accelerated MD Pathway pro- merit, though financial need CEO of NYU Langone, also gram and 31 students who re- is also considered. addressed the class of 2017, ceived dual degrees: six MD/ In his keynote address, reminding graduates to have MS degrees; one MD/MPH Mr. Silverstein, chairman of courage during their careers. degree; 15 MD/MBA degrees; Silverstein Properties, Inc., “What really has the poten- and nine MD/PhD degrees and a member of the NYU tial to change the world,” he through the Sackler Insti- Langone Health Board of said, “is everyday courage— tute of Graduate Biomedical Trustees, said to graduates: the quiet commitment to do Sciences. Seven degrees were “We can’t thank you enough what’s right, no matter how conferred with honors, and for the sacrifices you have tough it is to do so. Don’t be 30 members of the class were made and will continue afraid to criticize attendings inducted into Alpha Omega to make in order to better who fail to wash their hands

Alpha, the national medical humanity. You are going to before seeing a patient. Be Photography Alan Barnett Photo:

4 | NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE HONORS

willing to denounce fudging of data. Stand up when someone is disrespectful. Provide the necessary negative feedback to a medical student who’s done an inadequate workup. Never—and I do mean never—compromise your ethics or integrity. Always put the patient first Class of 2017 AOA Members and treat those under your care as you would like to be treated.” Alpha Omega Alpha Alejandro Torres ’17, the class president, expressed his Welcomes New Members gratitude for all the people who had supported him and ON MARCH 7, NYU School of Medicine hosted the 95th Alpha his fellow graduates, and he Omega Alpha (AOA) installation dinner at the Water Club in stressed the importance of New York City. During the event, 30 outstanding NYU School community. of Medicine graduates in the top third of their class—as well as “I believe what makes alumni member Hernando Garzon ’88 (see page 10) and faculty a doctor,” he said, “is the members Mark R. Philips, MD, and Adina Kalet, MD, PhD—were willingness to put the needs inducted into the AOA national medical honor society for their of others before our own, commitment to excellence in the medical profession. to make the lives of those around us better—in short, to Class of 2017 AOA Members be active in the world around us, whether that’s through Lavinia Anzai Shehzeen Kamil research, service, academics, Elizabeth Bakacs Scott Kobner or even simply being a good Natali Baner Jessica Lewis friend or colleague.” James Barger Dennis London The graduation ceremony Jennifer Barger Nigel Madden concluded with a mean- Zoe Birnbaum Patrick Malecha ingful tradition for newly Adam Blaisdell Jonathan Massie minted medical doctors: Dr. Kelsey Campbell Michael Moses Grossman administered the Gabriel Campion Christianne Persenaire Hippocratic Oath, and grad- Alyssa Coffin Kelsey Pinson uates filed out to celebrate Elissa Driggin Gregory Rubinfeld with their classmates, men- Arielle Elmaleh-Sachs Rivfka Shenoy tors, and loved ones before Jonathan Glatt Toby Terwilliger embarking on the next phase Alexander Goldowsky Benjamin Wadowski of their careers. Andrew Hallett James Williams

COMMUNITY NYU President’s Service Award Winners

IN APRIL, the Student Diversity Initiative and its former student co-presidents Marcus Hines, MD/PhD candidate, and Courtney Toombs ’17 received the 2017 NYU President’s Service Award, both as an organization and as individuals. This honor recognizes the distinguished achievements of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students and student organizations for their commitment to civic engagement and service in local communities across NYU’s global network.

Left to right: Courtney Toombs ’17; Andrew D. Hamilton, MSc, PhD, president of New York University; and Marcus Hines, MD/PhD candidate Photos: Alan Barnett Photography; ©NYU Photo Bureau: Elena Olivio Bureau: Photo ©NYU Photography; Alan Barnett Photos:

5 | GRAPEVINE ALUMNI MAGAZINE FALL 2017 New(s) APPOINTMENTS

Joseph E. Ravenell, MD New Associate Dean for Diversity Affairs

JOSEPH E. RAVENELL, MD, house staff, and faculty. continually cultivates a multi- associate professor of popu- “I’m thrilled to be leading level approach to improving lation health and medicine our efforts to further integrate the health of populations at NYU School of Medicine, diversity and inclusion here at affected by cardiovascular dis- was recently named associ- the School of Medicine,” Dr. ease and cancer. In addition ate dean for diversity affairs. Ravenell said. “We’ve made to his responsibilities within Previously, he served as the great progress, but there is the Office of Diversity Affairs, office’s director of mentoring even more we can be doing to Dr. Ravenell practices as a programs as well as its interim foster a diverse and inclusive board-certified internist and associate dean. Now, he will environment throughout our researcher, who has led multi- lead NYU School of Medicine’s educational programs and ple NIH-funded research proj- collaborative efforts to further clinical settings.” ects to improve cardiovascular develop a diverse and inclu- Through research, clinical disease and cancer prevention sive environment for students, care, and training, Dr. Ravenell in diverse populations.

OPPORTUNITIES Volunteers Needed: Help Our Students Travel (HOST) Program

WE ARE ACTIVELY looking for alumni to host students traveling for their residency interviews between October and January. To help ease the financial burden and stress of the interview process, alumni hosts will provide housing and an insider’s view of their own medical specialty, of the profession in general, and of their city of residence and its resources. The recently relaunched HOST program provides a wonderful opportunity to build connections between students and alumni that can last a lifetime. To volunteer, visit bit.ly/volunteerhost, or contact us at

[email protected] or 212-263-5390. Blechman O. R. Bright; illustration: Joshua Photo:

6 | NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE BOOKS BY THE NUMBERS

My Patients The DSM-5(R) Were Mummies Casebook and Class of (Nova Science Treatment Guide Publishers for Child Mental 2021 Inc., 2017), by Health (Ameri- Michael R. can Psychiatric Zimmerman Association Pub- ’63, PhD, an lishing, 2016), anthropologist by Cathryn A. Galanter ’96, offers and retired pathologist, follows trainees and clinicians who provide the many adventures of an author mental health services to children whose career took him to exotic and adolescents a concise but con- parts of the world, and who has con- ceptually and clinically rich guide to tributed to our understanding of the the types of disorders commonly role that the evolution of diseases found in practice. has played in human biological and In Sonya Sahni cultural history. and the First The Art of Grade (Mindstir Jewish Pastoral Media, 2017), Counseling by Soma J. (Routledge, Mandal ’97, BA 2016), by (WSC ’93), a little girl who was psychiatrist and born in the United States to Indian psychoanalyst immigrant parents feels different Michelle E. from everyone around her—until Friedman ’78 she discovers her own identity and 7,659 with Rachel Yehuda, PhD, is a practi- learns to appreciate who she is. This applications cal guide to working with congre- inspiring picture book is based on gants in a range of settings and faiths. the author’s own childhood experi- Dr. Friedman serves as the director ence. Dr. Mandal now works as an of the pastoral counseling program internist in New Jersey, where she at the YCT Rabbinical School and is lives with her family. an associate professor of clinical psy- A Beautiful 119 chiatry at Icahn School of Medicine Poison (Lake students at Mount Sinai in New York City. Union Publishing, In Think Away 2017), by Lydia Your Pain: Your Y. Kang ’98, Brain Is the tells the riveting Solution to mystery of a Your Chronic young New York 50% Pain (Mind- socialite in 1918, women Body Medicine who questions whether the deaths Publications, of her closest friends are actually 2014), David due to the deadly Spanish influenza L. Schechter ’84 discusses how spreading through the city. Dr. Kang, to relieve suffering and eliminate who lives with her husband and chronic pain. His approach is based children in Omaha, says her inspira- on his 30 years of clinical and % tion for the book began during her 21 research experience, as well as his residency at Bellevue. underrepresented minorities work with the late John E. Sarno, In Everyday MD, professor in the Department of Ambassador: Rehabilitation Medicine. Make a The New Difference by Healthy Bread Connecting in in Five Minutes a Disconnected 3.93 a Day (Thomas World (Atria median GPA Dunne Books, Books/Beyond updated in 2016) Words, 2015), provides 33 Kate Otto Chebly ’17 discusses quick and easy recipes for nutritious how technology can limit our ability whole-grain artisan bread. This is to interact thoughtfully with each the sixth cookbook by Jeff K. other. Dr. Chebly, now a resident at % Hertzberg ’87, medical director NYU School of Medicine, previously 99 median MCAT percentile for informatics and data science worked in global health and founded at Optum in Minneapolis and head the Everyday Ambassador network of his own consulting practice, for young individuals who are study- Medformatics, Inc.

Illustration: Leigh Wells Illustration: Leigh ing or working abroad.

7 | GRAPEVINE ALUMNI MAGAZINE FALL 2017 New(s) REUNIONS

Alumni had a great time reconnecting at our annual reunion weekend in April 2017. Special thanks to the class of 1992 (top center), chaired by Michael C. Schwartz ’92 and Andrew S. Dunn ’92, and the class of 1967 (bottom right), chaired by Ruth P. Cohen ’67, which each pledged to raise $100,000 to establish a named endowed scholarship fund in honor of their 25th and 50th anniversaries. Alumni Reunion Weekend In April, more than 400 alumni, students, faculty, and friends came together to celebrate NYU School of Medicine’s legacy of excellence in New York City.

THE WEEKEND gave alumni an opportunity to “The work of alumni like you contributes reconnect with one another, to reminisce about to the larger story of medicine,” said Anthony their days as students, and to learn how their J. Grieco ’63, associate dean for alumni affairs. fellow alumni are leaving a personal mark in Four alumni who have had a significant hand research, on education, and in patient care. in writing the medical profession’s most In addition to attending the annual ball with recent chapters were honored with Alumni dinner and dancing at the Ritz-Carlton in Achievement Awards. Battery Park, attendees had the chance to tour The winners were Michael A. Postow ’07 the ever-growing campus and meet current (Julia Zelmanovich Young Alumni Award); medical students. Joyce Fingeroth ’77 (Solomon A. Berson Award

8 | NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE REUNIONS

in Basic Science); Nicholas contributed philanthropically BY THE NUMBERS Restifo ’87 (Solomon A. at this event, and extended Berson Award in Clinical and special thanks to the class Translational Science); and chairs and committees We Asked, Alan Rubin ’66 (Solomon of 1967, 1987, 1992, 1997, You Answered A. Berson Award in Health 2002, 2007, and 2012 for Science, Medicine, and spearheading class gifts. In the Arts). Lori Fink, NYU honor of the celebratory Langone trustee and chair weekend, alumni from these of the Perlmutter Cancer classes committed more Center Advisory Board, than $375,000 to support was also commemorated scholarships. % as an honorary alumna in 97 Save the date for the next recognition of her more than of respondents to the alumni reunion weekend! three decades of philanthropic 2017 alumni survey said April 27–28, 2018 leadership. they would recommend Dr. Grieco shared his deep Questions? NYU School of Medicine

Photos: Alan Barnett Photography Alan Barnett Photos: appreciation for everyone who [email protected] to a potential student.

9 | GRAPEVINE ALUMNI MAGAZINE FALL 2017 THE BEST of Humanity Photo: Aaron Kotowski Photography, LLC Photography, Kotowski Aaron Photo:

10 | NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE On opposite coasts of the United States, two physicians share why they’ve dedicated their careers to caring for patients in dire circumstances—from disaster victims across the globe to the uninsured in local clinics.

THE BEST of Humanity

HERNANDO GARZON ’88 Director of Emergency Management and Global Health, Kaiser Permanente

ELIZABETH LUTAS ’76, BA (WSC ’72) Cardiologist and Internist, Brightpoint Health

11 | GRAPEVINE ALUMNI MAGAZINE FALL 2017 THE BEST WHEN HERNANDO GARZON ’88 volunteered clinical practice at Kaiser Permanente in of Humanity for his first disaster response deployment, California. During his 25 years there, he has he had been working as a physician for only expanded his role in various ways, developing a few years. Since then, he has dedicated volunteer-based clinical programs in his career to helping people in crisis and to countries including Cambodia, Colombia, saving lives around the world. Ecuador, Guatemala, Kenya, Tanzania, “I think it changed me,” he recalls of Vietnam, and Zambia. One of Kaiser his experience during the aftermath of the Permanente’s newest clinical programs is at a Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. “It was hospital in Dharamsala, India, that provides hard to see the collapsed buildings up close, care to Tibetan refugees. On average, Dr. and to be pulling dead people out of the Garzon’s work allows at least 80 medical and rubble. But it was also inspiring to see the surgical residents and staff physicians from way people came together to help overcome Kaiser Permanente to complete global health adversity. I knew pretty quickly that it was rotations annually in more than 10 programs something I’d want to be involved with on a across three continents. greater scale.” In addition to his work with Kaiser Today, as director of emergency man- Permanente, Dr. Garzon has volunteered agement and director of the global health in more than 30 disaster response program for Kaiser Permanente—a non- deployments. An active participant profit prepaid health system in northern and former board member with Relief California, incorporating International, he provided medical services 21 hospitals and more in New York City after the 9/11 terrorist than 9,000 physicians— attacks, New Orleans during Hurricane Dr. Garzon is responsible Katrina, Sri Lanka after the Indian Ocean for the emergency and earthquake and tsunami, Pakistan after the disaster response capa- Kashmir earthquake, Kenya and Nigeria bilities of one of the larg- during periods of civil unrest, Haiti after the est healthcare providers earthquake, Somalia during the famine, and in the United States. West Africa during the Ebola outbreak. He also serves as Sac- “Unlike capacity-building programs, ramento County’s EMS emergency relief work isn’t about creating medical director. long-term, sustainable solutions; it’s more “What centers me,” he like putting out fires,” Dr. Garzon says. “But says, “is a belief that for me, responding to disasters is a reminder everything I do should of why I went into medicine to begin emanate from compas- with: to have that satisfaction of directly “Even in sion. Whenever I’m thinking about what’s the treating patients and making a difference in right thing to do or say, I try to consider what someone’s life. It’s remarkable to see other the most would be the most compassionate thing.” people at their best in terms of responding, devastating Born in Colombia, Dr. Garzon moved to not just the healthcare workers coming in, New York City with his family when he was but also the people who are affected. Even settings, you four years old. He grew up in Richmond Hill, in the most devastating settings, you see the Queens, excelling in science and wanting to best of the human spirit.” see the best be a doctor for as long as he can remember. When not overseas, Dr. Garzon splits of the He received his bachelor’s degree in chem- his time between New York City and istry from Williams College before attending California, where his three children (all in human spirit.” NYU School of Medicine. their 20s) have returned to live. Over the “NYU felt like the perfect place for past 10 years, his work has shifted away me,” he says. “I think it places a demand on from doing disaster relief himself to creating students to give their best, and to be the best opportunities for others to do so. He has physicians they can be. I felt tremendous served on national and California state support from my fellow students and the panels working to define guidelines for crisis faculty. I made great lifelong friends. And medical care and for pandemic flu care. He I’ll always be grateful for the international has been a medical consultant and teacher experience I received during a six-week for the U.S. Department of State and teaches rotation in New Delhi when I was a fourth- frequently on disaster medical care and year medical student.” humanitarian medical response. For his After graduating from NYU School of many accomplishments and dedication to Medicine and completing his emergency service, Dr. Garzon was recently inducted medicine residency at Long Island Jewish into the national medical honor society, Medical Center, Dr. Garzon started his Alpha Omega Alpha (see page 5).

12 | NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Photos courtesy of Hernando Garzon of courtesy Photos Clockwise: DR. GARZON IN HAITI AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE, JANUARY 2010; IN PAKISTAN AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE, NOVEMBER 2005; IN KENYA AFTER THE POST-ELECTION VIOLENCE, JANUARY 2008; AND IN PERU AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE, AUGUST 2007

Opposite page: OKLAHOMA CITY, APRIL 1995

13 | GRAPEVINE ALUMNI MAGAZINE FALL 2017 “My focus now,” he says, “is maintaining taught me all the science I needed and, just and assessing Kaiser Permanente’s affilia- as importantly, it taught me the patient is tions around the world, and simplifying the your focus.” logistics so that more physicians can volun- A lifelong New Yorker, Dr. Lutas lived on teer in global health work. Looking ahead, I the Lower East Side until she was six years want to help other people make a difference old and then moved to a house in Sunnyside, on the ground.” Queens, where she continues to live today. She went to NYU for her undergraduate ELIZABETH LUTAS ’76, BA (WSC ’72) speaks degree as well as for medical school, her softly and tenderly, but the impact of her residency, and her fellowship. After that, work is extraordinary. She has spent the ma- she did an additional yearlong cardiology jority of her career—33 years, to be precise— fellowship at Weill Cornell Medical Center, treating homeless and poor patients, many where she was hired as an attending of who have had AIDS, in New York City. As physician and associate professor. part of the community medicine depart- “I always wanted to work in medicine,” ment at St. Vincent’s Hospital, managing she says, “and I chose NYU because of a clinic and working directly in shelters Bellevue—I knew I wanted to take care of the throughout the city, she poor. I also wanted to stay in New York to be was at the forefront of close to my aging parents, who were always caring for people with so loving and supportive of me.” HIV and AIDS in the ear- Dr. Lutas’s mother died just two weeks ly days of the epidemic. before she graduated from college; her “The homeless father suffered a massive stroke and a heart and the poor,” Dr. Lutas attack soon after she finished her fellowship. observes, “have had very To care for him, Dr. Lutas left her job at Weill difficult lives—but not Cornell and personally provided hospice just because of not hav- care for him at home for three years until ing a home or enough he passed away. She started working at St. food to eat. The biggest Vincent’s after his death. problem is they haven’t “My advice for doctors starting out in had love in their life. I their careers,” Dr. Lutas says, “is simply this: try to take my time with Be ready. You don’t know what’s going to “NYU taught each person I see. I try to instill in each of come. I didn’t know when I woke up on 9/11 them that they’re worth something and that that I’d be at a disaster site, but I left the clin- me all the they’re human beings with dignity before ic where I was working and went to oversee God. I want them to know that I love them.” the initial triage center. I didn’t know when I science After St. Vincent’s closed, Dr. Lutas spent went to NYU School of Medicine that there I needed four years at the Norwalk Community Health would be a homeless problem. But I used to Center, working with mostly undocumented say to our chairman at St. Vincent’s, ‘I think and, just as immigrants. She then joined Brightpoint God made you create this department so importantly, Health in the Bronx, where she continues that I could be happy, because I couldn’t to see about 20 patients each day. Many have asked for anything better to do in my it taught me are homeless. In recognition of her long life.’ I’ve always felt a tremendous amount of the patient is commitment to caring for the homeless and love from my patients. They’re my family.” the poor in New York City, Catholic Charities Today, Dr. Lutas continues to work your focus.” Brooklyn and Queens has honored Dr. Lutas full-time. Her morning routine starts with twice in less than five years. She received the church, from which she heads to her prestigious Ubi Caritas Award in June 2017, office, taking three subways to get there by and a Catholic Charities facility in Brooklyn 9:30 am. After she reviews lab reports and was renamed for her in January 2014: The Dr. takes care of administrative work, she starts Elizabeth Lutas Center (previously known seeing patients. as the Homebase Homelessness Prevention “It’s nonstop,” she says. “I might get Center) helps families and individuals at risk some coffee in the middle of the day, while of becoming homeless. I’m writing my notes, but that’s about it. I “I never wanted to just take care of don’t take breaks. I just focus on the person Above: YEARBOOK PHOTO OF people physically,” she says. “That part in front of me, one at a time. It’s hard work, DR. LUTAS is easy. You read a book. The hard part and it can be exhausting, but I have so much is making sure your patients know that support—from my faith, my family, and my Opposite page: DR. LUTAS AT THE someone cares about them. I’ve always felt wonderful friends. My belief is that we all CHURCH OF SAINT TERESA IN you have to take care of a person physically, have gifts from God and this work is mine. WOODSIDE, NEW YORK mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. NYU I just try to do my best and do it with love.”

14 | NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Photo: Joshua Joshua Photo: Bright

15 | GRAPEVINE ALUMNI MAGAZINE FALL 2017 THE NEXT GENERATION: Students Give Back Photo courtesy of Monica Chan Monica of courtesy Photo

16 | NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE < At NYU School of Medicine, MONICA CHAN ’18 (CENTER) THE NEXT GENERATION: even first-year medical students IN INDIA, SUMMER 2015 have opportunities to work with Students Give Back underserved populations.

17 | GRAPEVINE ALUMNI MAGAZINE FALL 2017 THE NEXT NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE’S GLOBAL HEALTH Given that one in eight New Yorkers GENERATION: INITIATIVES, managed by director Mary Ann lacks health insurance, first- and second- Students Give Hopkins, MD, MPhil, and program manager year student volunteers at NYCFC play a Elizabeth Robinson, MPH, MA, gives critical role in providing care such as blood Back medical students an introduction to clinical draws and intake interviews for people practice, research, and collaboration who would not otherwise have access to through a variety of learning opportunities affordable medical care. Third- and fourth- overseas. By working with clinicians and year students take an increasingly active patients in medical systems outside the role in treatment, leading the clinical teams United States, students gain exposure that under the supervision of NYU faculty enhances their cultural competence—an members and attending physicians from asset in any career path they might choose. the Institute for Family Health, which also Studying and working abroad also shows donates clinical space and medical supplies. students what the practice of medicine looks NYU School of Medicine donates all like in different health systems and among administrative services and office supplies, diverse cultures. as well as basic radiology services and a Students can receive funding for the range of laboratory services including blood summer between their first and second tests, urinalyses, Pap smears, and tests for years of medical school to spend six to eight sexually transmitted infection. weeks conducting independent, schol- “My parents are immigrants from Ven arly research abroad. ezuela,” says student co-director Christina Students in their third Boada ’20, “and I always wanted to work or fourth years can also with minority or marginalized populations. Destination: pursue a clinical rotation The NYC Free Clinic has been a wonderful NEW YORK CITY or research project for way for me to get started.” Objective: academic credit. Previ- NYCFC is open every Saturday from TO PROVIDE CARE FOR A ous projects have taken 9 am to 6 pm and sees an average of 40 DIVERSE PATIENT POPULATION students to a wide variety patients during that time. On an annual “When I’m working of destinations in Africa, basis, the clinic treats more than 700 Asia, Europe, and Latin patients. with patients at the America. Since 2002, when NYC Free Clinic on the Global Health Initia- LEARN MORE ABOUT NYCFC a Saturday, tives began, more than 400 nycfreeclinic.med.nyu.edu I know what I’m medical students have par- doing matters. ticipated in international LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GLOBAL projects, and many have HEALTH INITIATIVES When you’re in the presented their research at nyulmc.org/globalhealthinitiatives weeds of your first national conferences. and second years, it really reminds you CLOSER TO CAMPUS, the New York City Free Clinic CHECK OUT OUR GLOBAL HEALTH LECTURES why you’re doing (NYCFC)—founded, man- A monthly lecture series brings global all this. It has been aged, and staffed largely health experts to the NYU School of the most pivotal by NYU School of Medi- Medicine community. Speakers discuss experience in cine student volunteers, in current issues and hot topics in global medical school collaboration with the In- health, awareness of the relevance of stitute for Family Health— intercultural communication skills across so far.” provides comprehensive, medicine, and different ways of providing William Plowe ’20 high-quality healthcare and supporting high-quality medical to any uninsured people care with varying levels of resources. 18 and older, regardless of Continuing medical education credit is socioeconomic or health offered for faculty, staff, and alumni in status. At no cost to patients, the clinic in attendance at these lectures. Union Square offers a full range of healthcare services, including counseling, patient If you’d like to see a particular topic education, social services, screening and discussed in a lecture, or if you’d like to share registration for public health insurance, your own work, please contact the program and even specialty referrals to Bellevue manager, Elizabeth Robinson, MPH, MA, Hospital Center. at [email protected].

1 8 | NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE > Destination: ZAMBIA Objective: TO RESEARCH ACUTE CARE AND SURGICAL TRAINING CAPACITY “In a country of about 15 million citizens, there are fewer than 100 surgeons —which means significant morbidity and mortality due to lack of access to surgical care. It makes calling a consult feel like a luxury. I was most impressed with what the surgeons here

call ‘improvisation,’ which < really captures the spirit of Destination: making things work despite a SOUTH AFRICA significant lack of resources. Objective: One time they didn’t have TO STUDY PEDIATRIC HEALTH enough sterile cloths for hand drying after scrubbing so “The first person I met in they used the wrapper of the Langbos was Mkiza—a sterile gloves. The doctors handyman, gardener, here build up a broad range of musician, owner of a local knowledge because patients tavern, manager of the need care even when there boys’ soccer team, and isn’t a specialist around, as is highly respected member often the case.” of the town who is adored by children. For weeks, we David Wang ’18, working with Darren Sultan ’18 worked side by side on various projects, including an

> initiative to prevent infections Destination: by educating families UGANDA about the importance of Objective: handwashing. Living in TO STUDY MATERNAL HEALTH post-apartheid South Africa AND OBSTETRIC FISTULA where racial tensions persist, in a place that has been “Before I arrived in Uganda, neglected by its government, obstetric fistula was an Mkiza could be bitter. But abstraction to me. But once instead, he is optimistic.” I arrived, I had the opportunity to meet women who were Ryan Thompson ’20 suffering from obstetric fistula and women who had been cured. Now I better understand what resources women need post-surgery

to reintegrate into their < communities as empowered Destination: members of society. The idea GHANA behind my research was that Objective: while surgery is essential, TO STUDY FEMALE SEXUAL these women often need DYSFUNCTION more than stitches to be healed.” “The first day I went to the hospital, one of the patients Allison Horan ’18 wasn’t able to afford insulin, so the doctor I was with took out his wallet without hesitation to cover the cost. My experience abroad helped me appreciate the complexity and the infinite factors that affect health and patient care.” Photos courtesy of featured students featured of courtesy Photos Erica Goldstein ’18

19 | GRAPEVINE ALUMNI MAGAZINE FALL 2017 Heard Langone Health, spoke at the WE 2nd World Congress on ’40s ’60s Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, WANT ARTHUR ZITRIN ’45, MS which took place in January (GSAS ’41) received the Norman 2017 in Cannes, France. TO HEAR Redlich Capital Defense Attendees represented more Distinguished Service Award than 50 countries. In addition FROM in July 2017 from the New York to presenting excellent results City Bar Association’s Capital from the Pregnancy Loss YOU! Punishment Committee in Prevention Center, Dr. Young Please share your recognition of his outstanding gave a talk about late preg- news with us. lifetime commitment to nancy loss and stillbirths. 212-263-5390 medical ethics and for his HOWARD E. VOSS ’61, who [email protected] work in eliminating physicians’ turned 82 in August, med.nyu.edu/alumni participation in death-penalty continues to be very active executions. in the medical community and currently serves as the medical director and CEO of the Volunteers in Medi- ’50s cine Clinic. For his decades of teaching, contributing significant medical research, and treating patients without LEE S. GOLDSMITH ’64, BA (ARTS the ability to pay, he recently ’60), JD (LAW ’67), partner at received the 2017 Charlie Goldsmith & Goldsmith, LLP, Kane Award from the Council recently joined the board of on Aging at the Kane Center in the International Early Lung Florida. In 2016, Dr. Voss was Cancer Action Project, where promoted to clinical professor he will assist with the dissem- at Florida State University ination of research data and College of Medicine, after provide legal guidance. HENRY TULGAN ’58, director of receiving the Guardian of continuing medical educa- the Mission award from the tion and chief quality officer dean, and he now teaches a at Baystate Wing Hospital in third-year course in internal ’70s Massachusetts, received the medicine at the clinic. He is BENARD P. DREYER ’70, profes- 2015 Rutledge W. Howard, also the clinic’s site director sor, Department of Pediatrics, MD, Award from the Accred- and an affiliate professor with director of developmental- itation Council for Continu- the Florida Atlantic Universi- behavioral pediatrics at NYU ing Medical Education in ty’s College of Nursing. School of Medicine, and di- Chicago. He was honored for rector of pediatrics at Bellevue his major contributions and BRUCE K. YOUNG ’63, the Hospital Center, received the decades-long commitment Silverman Professor of 2016–17 NYU Distinguished to advancing high-quality, Obstetrics and Gynecology at Teaching Award in recognition community-based continuing NYU School of Medicine, and of his exceptional teaching medical education and the in- director of the Pregnancy Loss both within the classroom trastate accreditation system. Prevention Center at NYU and beyond its walls.

2 0 | NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE ’80s THOMAS P. MCCARRICK ’82, chief medical officer and chief medical informatics officer at Vanguard Medical Group, was named the 2017 New Jersey Family Physician of the Year by the New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians. In addition to providing evidence-based, patient-centered care in an empathetic and compassionate manner, he started Care at Home New Jersey, a nonprofit organization that provides medical care to the isolated elderly via visits from nurse practitioners and social workers, a website database of home services, and monthly support groups for caregivers. He also serves as a clinical instructor at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and school physician for Cedar Grove Public Schools.

ELYSE G. STOCK ’82, BA (WSUC ’78) has been appointed chief of portfolio strategy and development at Biohaven Pharma- ceuticals. She has more than 30 years of clinical and drug development experience, most recently working as vice president and global development leader at Bristol-Myers Squibb. ELLEN STEINBERG ’83 AND JAY STEINBERG ’83 CREATE AN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND Husband-and-wife physicians who RENA S. BRAND ’83, clinical met on their second day at NYU associate professor in the School of Medicine made a generous Ronald O. Perelman Depart- commitment to the place they say ment of Dermatology at NYU molded their careers. School of Medicine, received the 2016–17 NYU Alumni Association Meritorious ELLEN STEINBERG ’83, a clinical professor of Service Award in honor of anesthesiology and obstetrics and gynecology, her extraordinary service and and director of obstetric anesthesia at Stony continuing devotion to NYU, Brook School of Medicine, and JAY STEINBERG ’83, a and for her embodiment of the university’s motto, “to gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health, made

Photos courtesy of Ellen and Jay Steinberg Jay Ellen and of courtesy Photos persevere and to excel.” (continued on following page)

21 | GRAPEVINE ALUMNI MAGAZINE FALL 2017 (continued from previous page) Heard a generous pledge to NYU School of Medicine to establish the endowed Drs. Ellen and Jay Steinberg ’83 Scholarship Fund. Longtime New Yorkers who have raised their three sons and a daughter in the tristate area, they felt particularly inspired to give back after NYU’s response to Hurricane Sandy, and believe the school is stronger today than ever. “Both of us love what we do as physicians,” Ellen emphasizes. “We’re really proud that our youngest PETER KOPELSON ’83, a son—Jonathan Steinberg ’18—has entered the field cosmetic dermatologist in of medicine as a fourth-year student at NYU School private practice in Beverly of Medicine. We believe that healthcare is an amazing Hills, California, was recent- intellectual pursuit and it is a real privilege to care for ly profiled in The New York Times. According to the article, patients.” “This Doctor Will See You Now “We owe a lot to NYU,” Jay continues. “We met (if You’re a Star With a Pim- and began our medical careers here, and I did my ple),” Dr. Kopelson “belongs residency and fellowship here. Now is our chance to a small group of medical to give back. It’s very expensive to train medical professionals responsible for keeping the most recogniz- students these days, so I would strongly encourage able faces on the planet look- those who can to help.” ing always young, or at least, ‘well-rested,’ and also pimple For more information on how to establish your own named free.” Before opening the endowed scholarship fund, please contact Diana Robertson at Kopelson Clinic, he worked as 212-404-3510 or [email protected]. chief resident in the dermatology division at UCLA.

SHARE YOUR STORIES AND STAY CONNECTED

IF YOU’VE: DIANE S. BERSON ’84, clinical assistant professor of PUBLISHED RESEARCH dermatology at Weill Cornell PRESENTED NEW FINDINGS Medical College and assistant WRITTEN AN ARTICLE OR A BOOK attending dermatologist at STARTED A PRIVATE PRACTICE NewYork-Presbyterian in RECEIVED AN AWARD New York City, was recently elected to the American GOTTEN MARRIED Academy of Dermatology’s HAD A BABY (AADs) board of directors. OR DONE SOMETHING ELSE She will serve a four-year EXCITING… term, beginning at the WE’D LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT IT. conclusion of the 2018 AAD Annual Meeting in February. 212-263-5390 [email protected] TODD H. GOLDBERG ’84 is now med.nyu.edu/alumni the chief of geriatric medicine at Abington Memorial Hospi-

tal in Abington, Pennsylvania, Torchia Brad Photo: Kopelson Peter

2 2 | NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE following nine years of service received the American Cancer Department of Homeland at West Virginia University. Society 2016 Medical Honoree Security. In addition to her Award at the 37th Annual work as a pediatrician, Dr. CHARLES H. ADLER ’86, MS Diamond Ball for his work in Lee serves as an officer in (GSAS ’84), PHD (GSAS ’86), treating lung cancer. the Washington, DC, chapter professor of neurology at of the North American Mayo Clinic’s campus in ANDREW S. DUNN ’92, a Taiwanese Medical Associa- Phoenix, Arizona, will serve professor at the Icahn School tion, and is the proud mother on the executive committee of Medicine at Mount Sinai in of a nine-year-old daughter of the International Parkin- New York City and chief of the and two teenage sons. son and Movement Disorder Division of Hospital Medicine Society, after completing a of the Mount Sinai Health two-year term as chair of System, has been named the education committee. In chair-elect of the board of re- ’00s 2016, together with his peers, gents of the American College CHRISTOPHER F. VALENTE ’08 he received an award for of Physicians, the national was named chief of Penn- best original research paper, organization of internists. His sylvania’s Reading Health “Peripheral Synucleinopathy term began during the 2017 System’s Pediatric Emergency in Early Parkinson’s Disease: Internal Medicine Meeting in Medicine Division in January Submandibular Gland San Diego, California. 2017. In this new role, he FOLLOW Needle Biopsy Findings,” oversees the development which was published in of a pediatric emergency US! Stay connected on social Movement Disorders. department, works collabo- media and be the first to learn ratively with the departments about news and events. of pediatrics and surgery to standardize the care of INSTAGRAM: @NYUSCHOOLOFMED pediatric patients, and serves TWITTER: @NYUSCHOOLOFMED as a core faculty member of FACEBOOK: @NYUSCHOOLOFMEDICINE the emergency medicine residency program. He completed his residency and internship in pediatrics at Johns Hop- ANTHONY SHIH ’97, MPH, kins Children’s Center and executive vice president of completed a fellowship in the New York Academy of pediatric emergency medi- Medicine, which promotes cine at the Children’s Hospital ROBERT M. AARONSON ’88, a the health and well-being of Philadelphia. pulmonologist and executive of people in cities worldwide, director of Tucson Hospitals has been named president Medical Education Program, and CEO of the United began his term as governor Hospital Fund, an inde- for the Arizona chapter of the pendent nonprofit working American College of Physi- to build a more effective cians in 2014 and will serve healthcare system for every until April 2019. Representing New Yorker. his home state, he serves as an advisor to the board of regents—the college’s policymaking body—and DONATO PERRETTA ’10 recently helps implement national joined CareMount Medical projects and initiatives at the in Westchester, New York, chapter level while represent- as an orthopaedic hand ing member concerns at the surgeon with privileges national level. at NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortlandt Manor. He completed his orthopaedic ’90s VICTORIA M. LEE ’98, a partner surgery residency at HOWARD S. BLAUSTEIN ’92, a at Olney Pediatrics in NYU Langone Orthopedic pulmonologist and internist Maryland, was recently Hospital and a hand surgery at Summit Medical Group in engaged to Reuben Geisner, fellowship at Massachusetts

Peter Kopelson Photo: Brad Torchia Brad Photo: Kopelson Peter Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, a senior analyst with the General Hospital.

23 | GRAPEVINE ALUMNI MAGAZINE FALL 2017 Heard M. NATALIE ACHONG ’92 NAMED FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT OF HARTFORD MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

A passionate OB/GYN, assistant clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine, and social activist has been recognized for her commitment to maternal care and population health.

M. NATALIE ACHONG ’92, MD, MHL, has been appointed the first black president of the 225-year-old Hartford County Medical Association, one of the oldest and largest American Medical Association affiliates in Connecticut. Effective October 2017, she will serve as the county’s principal representative for more than 3,000 physicians across a wide variety of specialties. As a teaching clinical faculty member in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at Yale School of Medicine, and the section chair for one of the largest community health centers in Connecticut, Dr. Achong has dedicated her career to improving healthcare for underserved and marginalized communities. In her personal time, she volunteers with regional student mentor programs and philanthropic organizations. She also has worked with patients in the South, the Caribbean, and Africa. Last year, she received her executive master of healthcare leadership degree from Brown University, and she plans to focus the next stage of her career on changing the healthcare system on a larger scale through policy and programming development. “I went back to school because I want to have the greatest possible impact on patients, and I believe today’s physicians need to continue learning,” Dr. Achong says. “Some days I see patients, some days I teach, and other days I’m working on legislation or doing research. I believe that the juggling act is part of being a relevant physician.” As part of her master’s degree program at Brown, she conducted an innovative analysis through the Connecticut State Medical Society: “Population- based Intervention to Reduce Disparities in Early Hospital Postpartum Readmissions at Connecticut Hospitals.” Dr. Achong studied the significant racial disparities in early postpartum readmissions at Connecticut’s acute care hospitals. The findings were presented at two conferences and published in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Ambitious by nature, Dr. Achong came to NYU School of Medicine through the competitive Sophie Davis accelerated seven-year BS/MD dual-degree program and graduated from medical school at the age of 24. After completing her BS at the City University of New York School of Medicine, where she was asked to give the commencement speech last year, she completed her final two years at NYU School of Medicine before doing her residency at Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Achong has lived and worked in Connecticut with her family ever since, but says that her experience at NYU School of Medicine is what initially

sparked her passion for providing care to diverse patient populations. Achong Natalie M. of courtesy Photo

2 4 | NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Upcoming Continuing Medical Education Courses 2017–18

Alumni are eligible for continuing medical education courses at a reduced cost. Here are some highlights of the many programs available in the next few months:

MEN’S HEALTH SYMPOSIUM: MEN AS AN CLINICAL IMAGING SYMPOSIUM ENDANGERED SPECIES January 21–25 October 20–21 Oahu, HI

BONING UP ON OSTEOPOROSIS THIRD ANNUAL ADVANCED MULTISPECIALTY October 25 ROBOTIC SURGERY: A TEAM APPROACH February 10–11 BREAST CANCER 101 October 28 FIFTH ANNUAL CONCUSSION ACROSS THE SPECTRUM OF INJURY: CASE STUDIES AND THE ABCs OF PEDIATRIC ORTHOPAEDICS, LATEST FOR DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT SPORTS MEDICINE, AND REHABILITATION February 15–17 November 3 Scottsdale, Arizona

CURRENT CONCEPTS IN THE TREATMENT OF RUSK COMPLEX CASE SERIES: REHABILITATION ROTATOR CUFF TEARS MEDICINE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PATIENT November 18 WITH COMPLEX CARDIAC DISEASE March 10 SURGICAL, PHARMACOLOGICAL, AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN UROLOGY 43rd ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF December 7–9 PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION March 19–24 NEW YORK NEUROSURGERY UPDATE: A ONE-DAY SYMPOSIUM ADVANCES IN FEMALE PELVIC MEDICINE AND December 8 RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY March 23–24 CURRENT CONCEPTS OF OPHTHALMOLOGY January 5–6 Atlantic City, New Jersey

Note: All courses take place in New York City unless otherwise noted.

For a full calendar of upcoming programs, and to learn more, please contact 212-263-5295 or

Photo courtesy of M. Natalie Achong Natalie M. of courtesy Photo Moran Karsten Photo: [email protected], or visit med.nyu.edu/cme.

25 | GRAPEVINE ALUMNI MAGAZINE FALL 2017 Heard

THE “FATHER OF MODERN CARDIOLOGY” ESTABLISHES ASSISTANT PROFESSORSHIP

Eugene Braunwald ’52, BA (WSC ’49), Distinguished Hersey Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, shares how he found his passion for cardiology at NYU School of Medicine and why he decided to give back.

WHAT WERE YOUR EARLY of the school, the progress and the medical school. At YEARS LIKE? that it’s made, and the that time, there were very I was born and lived in Austria standard that it sets, and we few women going to medical until I was eight years old, should be as supportive as school. She also did her in- when the Nazis annexed possible of its future. ternship and the first portion Austria. Being Jewish created of her surgical residency at a very dangerous situation for WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO Bellevue Hospital, where she my family. We escaped to Lon- FOCUS ON CARDIOLOGY? was one of the first women don and then to Brooklyn just I didn’t have a specialty in to train as a general surgeon. a few months after World War mind when I started medical Nina became a pioneer in the II started. I attended Brooklyn school, but I was very anxious field of heart surgery—she led Technical High School before to start working with patients. the surgical team that was the going to New York University So I jumped at the first oppor- first to implant a prosthetic for my undergraduate and tunity to put on a white coat, heart valve, which she also medical degrees. which happened to be in car- designed—so I think that NYU diology. It was called TNCC, showed pretty good judgment WHY DID YOU CHOOSE NYU the Thursday Night Cardiac in admitting her. SCHOOL OF MEDICINE? Clinic, and it took second-year I wanted to stay in New York, students. I got hooked—and WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR but it was quite difficult for a I worked there for the rest of GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Jewish person to be accept- medical school. That experi- My colleagues and I devel- ed to certain schools during ence gave me great confidence oped the concept that a myo- those days. There were very later on in my career. I didn’t cardial infarction occurs over strict quotas. At the time, I shy away from rolling up my a number of hours, though don’t think I knew how lucky sleeves and getting into the the pain may arise suddenly, I was to be admitted to NYU center of the action. and that it’s possible to limit School of Medicine. But in the amount of damage to the retrospect, of all the places I WHAT STANDS OUT FROM heart muscle with proper Dr. Eugene Braunwald (far right) was have been privileged to work YOUR TIME AT NYU? interventions. Today, those recognized at NYU School of Medicine during Dean’s Honors Day in 2016. during my life, the greatest Well, I met my first wife, findings are part of standard Also pictured, left to right: Dean Robert privilege that I look back on Nina Starr Braunwald ’52, BA management worldwide, and I. Grossman, MD; Kenneth G. Langone; is having gone to NYU School (WSC ’49), now deceased, at the mortality from acute myo- and Jonathan Newman, MD, the first holder of the Eugene Braunwald, MD, of Medicine. As alumni, we NYU. She was my classmate cardial infarction has been

Assistant Professorship of Cardiology should be enormously proud at Washington Square College reduced substantially. (right) Braunwald Eugene of courtesy (above), Photography Brady Jay Photos:

2 6 | NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE and don’t try to do everything to define your identity. You To learn more about YOUR SUCCESS? at once. don’t want to go too far from getting involved and I work extremely hard. I your parents or your men- giving back, please always have, and I work just as WHAT’S SOMETHING OTHER tors, but on the other hand visit our website: hard now as I did 65 years ago. ALUMNI MIGHT NOT KNOW you have to become your med.nyu.edu/alumni ABOUT YOU? own person. Of course, the WHAT’S THE FOCUS OF YOUR When I was at NYU, first at best people coming out of WORK NOW? the college and then at the residency and fellowship are I’m researching heart failure medical school, I was an extra the ones hired to be assistant and the effects of some novel at the Metropolitan Opera. professors, so they’ve already new drugs. I read a great deal. I would be on the stage in a jumped through a lot of I write. I also spend a lot of costume in the crowd scenes, hoops, but then it can be hard time educating cardiology fel- and it gave me a chance to to establish themselves. Where lows, students, and residents, see and hear the opera in a does the money come from and I should say that I’m very totally different way. When for that? I hope that my gift to proud of the achievements of you’re surrounded, it’s like a create an endowed assistant the people who have trained three-dimensional sound with professorship at NYU School in my department or labora- 85 speakers. of Medicine might be an ex- tory—many of whom have ample for others considering gone on to have spectacular WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GIVE making similar contributions. careers. That means a great BACK TO NYU SCHOOL OF deal to me. MEDICINE? I’ve been extremely pleased In June 2017, Dr. Braunwald WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY with the direction of the received an honorary doctor OUTSIDE WORK? school and I’m very proud to of science degree from the I’m lucky. I have three daugh- be an alumnus. Also, I feel that University of Oxford. NYU ters, and they all live in the one of the things most needed School of Medicine is deeply Boston area, which is terrific in academic medicine is a way grateful to Dr. Braunwald because it’s not too far from of supporting people of great for establishing the Eugene where I now live with my sec- promise—people in what you Braunwald, MD, Assistant ond wife, Elaine. I also have might call their professional Professorship of Cardiology, seven grandchildren, who live adolescence. In other words, which is currently held by throughout the country. And as an adolescent, you’re trying Jonathan Newman, MD, MPH. you could say I’m addicted to classical music and to opera. My parents first took me to “I FEEL THAT ONE the Vienna State Opera when I was five years old. Even now, OF THE THINGS I spend several hours a day MOST NEEDED listening to classical music when I write or study. It helps IN ACADEMIC me relax. MEDICINE IS

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A WAY OF TO DOCTORS STARTING OUT? SUPPORTING Your MD degree should be viewed as a passport. You PEOPLE OF can do anything from public GREAT PROMISE— health to medical economics to the most basic, fundamen- PEOPLE IN WHAT tal science. But take your time YOU MIGHT CALL THEIR PROFESSIONAL ADOLESCENCE.” Photos: Jay Brady Photography (above), courtesy of Eugene Braunwald (right) Braunwald Eugene of courtesy (above), Photography Brady Jay Photos:

27 | GRAPEVINE ALUMNI MAGAZINE FALL 2017 IN MEMORIAM

Heard Lewis Thomas, Ivan Bennett, Saul Farber, Robert Glickman, and Robert Grossman. Mike, as he was known to all his friends, joined NYU Langone in 1968 as a pro- jectionist in the audiovisual department and was soon promoted to manager, a role that kept him in the center of daily activities—as he provided sight, sound, and technical support in the training of more than 7,000 medical students. In addition, he worked tirelessly at hundreds of special events, JOHN ERNEST SARNO, a long- Body Connection, as well as including alumni weekends, time member of the faculty of The Mindbody Prescription: Dean’s Honors Day, GME NYU School of Medicine, died Healing the Body, Healing the courses, board meetings, on June 22, 2017, at age 93. Pain; The Divided Mind: The and the weekly department Dr. Sarno was a well-known Epidemic of Mindbody Dis- chair meetings. For 35 years, physician who maintained a orders; and Mind Over Back he served as chief proctor for faculty appointment in the Pain. Dr. Sarno is survived the medical student NBME Department of Rehabilitation by his wife, Martha T. Sarno, shelf exams, and continued for more than five decades. MA, MD (hon.), a research to do so into his retirement. Dr. Sarno developed a new professor and innovator in Mike also ran the student film model for the diagnosis and her field who served as the festival for 25 years (a weekly treatment of chronic pain, director of speech language Tuesday movie night), show- which he termed the tension pathology at Rusk for several ing feature films in Farkas myoneural syndrome. He re- decades, and by four children, Auditorium, and volunteered ceived glowing endorsements four grandchildren, and a to work at 36 medical school from well-known public great-grandson. graduations. figures, including a number Mike was a medical center of celebrities. A story on Dr. MICHAEL BLOOM (HON. ’12), an icon throughout his career, Sarno’s work was featured on integral part of our medical thanks to his spirited pres- the television news magazine education program and aca- cence and performance; the 20/20, and a new documentary demic mission for more than class of 1975 even made him film,All the Rage (Saved by Sar- 44 years, died on February 6, an unofficial member. More no), premiered in June 2017. 2017, at age 71. Beloved by formally, in recognition of his Dr. Sarno was born in faculty, administration, and many achievements, Mike was Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and students, he served under the designated an honorary alum- attended Kalamazoo College leadership of five deans: Drs. nus of the class of 2012. in Michigan, after which he served in the U.S. Army and worked in field hospitals in Europe during World War II. He received his medical degree from Columbia Uni- Our condolences to the versity College of Physicians families and friends who and Surgeons in 1950, joined have recently lost loved ones. the faculty of the Rusk Insti- Please notify us of alumni tute in 1965, and maintained and faculty passings, so his clinical practice there until that we may recognize and his retirement in 2012. honor our community During his career, he pub- members in future issues. lished several books regarding 212-263-5390 his treatment techniques, [email protected] including the bestseller Michael Bloom (Hon. ’12) (center, flanked by Dean Robert I. Grossman, MD, and med.nyu.edu/alumni Healing Back Pain: The Mind- Kenneth G. Langone) became an honorary alumnus at Dean’s Honors Day.

2 8 | NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE IN MEMORIAM

Alumni WINFIELD S. GIBBS ’54 STANLEY K. KLAUSNER ’67, December 31, 2016 BA (WSC ’63) HENRY GREEN ’35 June 13, 2016 March 21, 2017 SABIN S. LEVENSON ’54 March 8, 2017 NEIL B. PHILLIPS ’69 NORMAN REITMAN ’36 April 2, 2017 February 27, 2017 JOHN C. ROY ’54 May 30, 2017 RONALD M. GREENBERG ’76 IRVING M. FISHMAN ’43M February 1, 2017 March 17, 2017 BERNARD J. SIVAK ’54 May 13, 2016 JOSEPH T. TOMANELLI ’87 ROBERT H. GLINICK ’46 April 24, 2017 June 4, 2017 HAROLD KELTZ ’55, BA (ARTS ’51) April 15, 2017 MARSHALL E. MCCABE ’46, Faculty BA (WSC ’43) LEONTI H. THOMPSON ’55 January 29, 2017 March 15, 2017 DONALD K. BRIGGS, MD November 18, 2016 RAYMOND A. RASKIN ’46, LAWRENCE R. ROSS ’56 BA (ARTS ’42) June 28, 2017 STEVEN H. FERRIS, MD April 8, 2017 April 5, 2017 MILTON SIROTA ’57 JAMES R. GUTHRIE JR. ’48 March 2, 2017 LUCIEN FLETCHER, MD March 17, 2017 August 10, 2016 HAROLD H. WECHSLER ’57 ARTHUR J. LEWIS ’48, February 8, 2017 VIVIAN FROMBERG, MD BA (WSC ’45) October 23, 2016 February 16, 2017 JORDAN W. FINKELSTEIN ’58, BA (ARTS ’54) ARTHUR F. GOLDBERG, MD MARTIN P. HUTT ’49 April 16, 2017 March 6, 2017 February 14, 2017 NOEL C. GOODMAN ’58, BA ROBERT B. GOLLANCE, MD ARTHUR TOBIN ’49 (ARTS ’54) January 20, 2016 November 21, 2016 March 10, 2017 CHAD K. KLAUSER, MD LEWIS H. WALTHER JR. ’49 SAMUEL TROCK ’58 May 14, 2017 February 11, 2017 October 13, 2016 JEROME M. LEVINE, MD GERALD L. FEINBERG ’50 EUGENE CHERNELL ’59 March 15, 2017 March 9, 2017 August 10, 2014 ROBERT A. MASLANSKY, MD GORDON Q. JONAS ’50 JOSEPH FELDSCHUH ’61 June 11, 2017 March 6, 2017 January 31, 2017 ERIC G. REDLENER, PHD RICHARD B. QUAN ’50 IRWIN HIRSHBERG ’61, May 18, 2017 October 30, 2016 BA (WSC ’57) May 23, 2017 EDWARD F. ROSSI JR., MD ELAINE T. BOSSAK FELDMAN ’51, May 6, 2017 BA (WSC ’45), MA (GSAS ’48) RICHARD E. KERBER ’64 June 5, 2017 November 8, 2016 SAMUEL SLIPP, MD April 24, 2017 ALLAN A. BERGER ’53 ANTHONY J. LATESSA ’64, MS February 14, 2017 (GSAS ’58), PHD (GSAS ’60) ANGELO TARANTA, MD March 22, 2017 July 26, 2016 ROBERT J. MONES ’53 January 31, 2017 HENRY F. RYAN ’64 MARTIN J. WEICH, MD May 21, 2017 April 18, 2016 EDWARD SPERLING ’53 February 22, 2017 RALPH G. BENNETT ’66 ALVIN C. WESELEY, MD August 22, 2016 August 1, 2016

29 | GRAPEVINE ALUMNI MAGAZINE FALL 2017 Look Back

H. SHERWOOD LAWRENCE ’43, BA (WSC ’38) A devoted humanitarian, beloved professor, and pioneering immunologist, Dr. Lawrence (1916–2004) served as the director of the former NYU Cancer Institute, now known as the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, from 1974 to 1979 and as the director of its AIDS Research Center from 1989 to 1994. He was best known for discovering, in 1949, “transfer factor,’’ a product of T-lymphocytes, which, when transferred from immune to non-immune animals, could enhance the body’s

defenses against a wide variety of infectious agents. at NYU Archives de la Chapelle Medical The Lillian and Clarence of courtesy Image

3 0 | NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE LIVE FOR TODAY, LEAVE A LEGACY FOR TOMORROW

HELP SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION OF PHYSICIANS BY INCLUDING A GIFT TO NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE IN YOUR ESTATE PLAN.

“Whatever you do in life, if you want to achieve happiness— enduring happiness—you need to give back.”

—Bernard (Bernie) L. Schapiro ’56, emeritus attending physician at Hunterdon Medical Center and former faculty member at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

WHY I GIVE Dr. Bernie Schapiro, a longtime family there. Seamen would come ashore with physician in New Jersey, says he recently infectious diseases from all over the world. decided to make a gift to NYU School of I was able to see and treat illnesses and Medicine because he feels grateful for the conditions that would take a lifetime to exceptional education and experience he encounter anywhere else. Those unique received here. By earmarking a contribution experiences helped prepare me for the rest to NYU School of Medicine in their wills, of my career.” he and his wife, Jane, are establishing As a solo practitioner in rural New Jersey, the Bernard Lewis and Jane Schapiro Dr. Schapiro did tasks as varied as making Scholarship Fund for medical students. house calls to delivering babies to covering “I learned so much at NYU, especially by the local hospital’s emergency room. Today, being exposed to the diverse patients at Bernie and Jane, who have been married for Bellevue hospital,” Dr. Schapiro recalls. 64 years, have retired to Florida. They have “People of all walks of life were treated three children and seven grandchildren.

To learn more about how you can join fellow alumni like Dr. Schapiro and make your own planned gift to NYU School of Medicine, please contact the Office of Development’s planning giving team at 212-404-3653 or [email protected], or visit nyulangone.org/legacy. Office of Development and Alumni Affairs One Park Avenue, 5th Floor New York, NY 10016

APRIL 27–28, 2018

Honoring classes ending in 3 and 8 Friday, April 27 WELCOME RECEPTION • 5 PM Location to follow New York City Saturday, April 28 ALUMNI DAY • 8:30 AM CME program, awards ceremony, alumni luncheon Farkas Auditorium and Alumni Hall 550 First Avenue

ALUMNI BALL • 7 PM The Ritz-Carlton New York Battery Park

Questions? [email protected] 212-404-4344