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Shout Outs

By Office of the President | Dec 3, 2024

Celebrating the White Coat Milestone

College of Nursing Group Photo

The College of Nursing hosted its White Coat Ceremony recently, marking a significant milestone for 148 incoming nursing students as they transitioned into their professional roles, symbolizing their commitment to patient care, compassion, and ethical practice.

Lori Escallier, Ph.D., RN, Dean of the College of Nursing, encouraged students to wear their white coats with pride to emphasize the values of compassion, integrity, and patient advocacy personified in the White Coat Ceremony Oath.

The White Coat Ceremony is a powerful rite of passage; it signifies their dedication to providing high-quality care with integrity and professionalism. It also represents the trust placed in nurses by patients, a responsibility each student embraced as they donned their white coats for the first time.

Proud families and friends of the 148 students filled the auditorium to watch their loved ones take this crucial step toward becoming professional nurses or advancing their roles at the master’s and doctoral levels.

Thank you to the Nursing faculty and the College of Nursing team for organizing the celebration, and special acknowledgment goes to Senior Staff Assistant Yvette Rogers and her team for their outstanding efforts in organizing this event.

College of Nursing White Coat Ceremony 2024


24th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by the Office of Student Life

Tuesday, November 19th marked the 24th annual Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by the Office of Student Life, where students, faculty, and staff came together to celebrate the holiday season. Over 300 members of the Downstate community participated in the dinner, as students were served by familiar faces of faculty and staff. A yearly tradition propelled by the need for community bonding after the 9/11 attacks, students find this event as a way to see faculty members “in a new light” through unconventional time with them.

Thank you to everyone who joined the Student Center in celebrating Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays!


ABPath President Visits Downstate

ABPATH Group Photo

Downstate recently welcomed Barbara Sampson, M.D., Ph.D., President of the American Board of Pathology (ABPath), to our outstanding Pathology Department for an enlightening and engaging visit.

Dr. Sampson shared insights into ABPath’s latest programs and initiatives, sparking meaningful conversations with our dedicated team. A heartfelt thank-you to our Pathology Department for hosting such an inspiring session and for continually leading the way in advancing the field of pathology!


Blood Drive Hero

Putman giving blood

Congratulations to Dr. Jeffrey Putman on an extraordinary achievement—donating his 69th and 70th units of blood at Downstate’s recent blood drive! With nearly nine gallons donated over a lifetime, Dr. Putman has demonstrated life-saving generosity that makes a difference.

Blood donations are vital to healthcare, providing critical support for patients in emergencies, surgeries, and treatments of serious illnesses. Every pint donated has the potential to save multiple lives, and Dr. Putman’s contributions have undoubtedly brought hope and healing to countless individuals.

Thank you, Dr. Putman, for being a steadfast donor and a true health hero. Your kindness inspires us all, and we look forward to celebrating many more milestones as you continue to touch lives with your compassion!


HGF Promotes the Advancement of Pediatric Endocrinology

The Human Growth Foundation (HGF) recently shared a dynamic photo video showcasing highlights from their event at Downstate. The video captures a day filled with education and collaboration, reflecting HGF’s mission to empower healthcare professionals with the latest advancements in pediatric endocrinology. By promoting knowledge-sharing and innovation, events like this help to enhance patient care.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to everyone who contributed to the success of this event, and be sure to check out the inspiring video on HGF’s X page!


$1M in Grants Target Brooklyn’s Maternal Health Crisis

Brooklyn Community Collaborative

The Brooklyn Communities Collaborative awarded nearly $1 million in grants to local organizations addressing Brooklyn’s maternal health crisis. The Anne Kastor Brooklyn Free Clinic, led by Downstate students and the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health, play pivotal roles in supporting vulnerable communities; they received funding to advance their efforts.

Brooklyn reports the highest rate of pregnancy-related deaths in New York City, with Central and East Brooklyn facing the most significant challenges. These grants strengthen community-based organizations working in these areas to reduce disparities and improve outcomes.

The Anne Kastor Brooklyn Free Clinic secured $24K to expand outreach, educational programs, and medication access across Brooklyn. The Arthur Ashe Institute received $124K to tackle maternal health inequities in neighborhoods like Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, and East New York. These investments drive progress toward healthier and more equitable communities.


Casting the Next Generation of Orthopaedics Specialists

We proudly celebrate Brittney Moncrieffe and Chellandra Samuels, two exceptional medical students, for earning a prestigious 2025 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) IDEA Grant. Their innovative initiative, the Early Exposure to College and High School Students in Orthopedics (ECHO) program, received nearly $4,000 to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in orthopaedics by engaging underrepresented women in medicine.

Brittney and Chellandra’s ECHO program, set to launch in March 2025, exemplifies these goals. The nine-week initiative will inspire Black and Latina young high school women to pursue orthopaedics through case-based lectures by local orthopaedic surgeons, hands-on workshops like casting demonstrations, application preparation for college and medical school, and mentorship opportunities. The program builds a supportive pipeline to orthopaedics, promoting inclusion in this rewarding field.

Brittney and Chellandra, both aspiring orthopaedic surgeons, will work closely with faculty and residents in the Orthopaedic Surgery Department to refine ECHO’s goals and deliver a transformative experience. Their leadership reflects Downstate’s commitment to advancing equity and opportunity in healthcare.

The AAOS IDEA Grant Program is now in its third year. It recognizes projects that reduce bias, promotes equity, and create pathways for a more inclusive orthopaedic workforce. Selection criteria focus on measurable and innovative approaches to addressing disparities, fostering diversity and inclusion, and supporting underrepresented groups. The program funds educational, community, and outreach initiatives that build diverse pipelines into orthopaedics while expanding access to mentorship and professional opportunities.

The 2025 AAOS IDEA Grant Program awarded $300,000 across 30 programs nationwide, nearly doubling its recipients compared to last year. SUNY Downstate’s ECHO program exemplifies how education, mentorship, and access can create a more equitable future in orthopaedics.

Congratulations to Brittney, Chellandra, and the Downstate team for this remarkable achievement! Your vision and dedication are shaping the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons and redefining what’s possible in medicine.