News from NYU Langone Health
Newsweek
Anirban Maitra, MD, has been named director of the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health. A prominent physician-scientist, he joined NYU Langone in August as co-director of its GI Cancer Center. He previously served as the inaugural scientific director of the Pancreatic Cancer Research Center at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
1/29/2026
Becker's Hospital Review
Oscar Lahoud, MD, has been named chief medical officer of NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn. The appointment is featured in a list of recent clinical executive moves at health systems across the country since January 1. In the New York market, Hospital for Special Surgery appointed Anne Marie McDonald, EdD, RN, as chief nursing executive.
1/29/2026
An infection liquefied a man’s lungs. This invention kept him alive.
The Washington Post
Surgeons at Northwestern Medicine saved a patient with necrotizing pneumonia by using a new device they call a total artificial lung. The patient, whose lungs had been liquefied by an infection, was kept alive for 48 hours on the device before receiving a successful lung transplant. Commenting on the procedure, Stephanie H. Chang, MD, surgical director of the Lung Transplant Program at the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, called the work 'heroic' and stated the patient would have '1,000 percent died without it.'
Also reporting was: The Boston Globe, The Spokesman-Review
1/29/2026
Expert Algorithm Offered for Treating Lichen Planopilaris
Medscape
An expert algorithm for treating lichen planopilaris (LPP), an inflammatory scarring alopecia, has been proposed by Jerry Shapiro, MD, professor in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. The algorithm individualizes therapy based on the rate of progression and extent of involvement. Dr. Shapiro considers rapid progression a 'trichologic emergency,' treating it with oral prednisone. For less severe cases, treatments include intralesional injections, topical compounds, and other medications like doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine. The approach aims to optimize the benefit-to-risk ratio for patients with this challenging condition.
1/30/2026
How to Make Your Watch’s VO2 Max Estimate More Accurate—and Avoid Paying for a Lab Test
Runner's World
VO2 max, a measure of how efficiently the body uses oxygen during exercise, is a valuable metric for health and athletic performance. According to Heather A. Milton, MS, RCEP, CSCS, senior exercise physiologist supervisor at NYU Langone’s Sports Performance Center, tracking VO2 max helps determine training effectiveness and set workout intensities. While lab tests are the gold standard, the article provides tips for improving the accuracy of estimates from running watches, such as ensuring user profile data is complete and using a chest strap. It also details the Cooper 12-minute run test as an alternative method for self-assessment.
1/29/2026
When It's OK to Ask Someone if They're on Ozempic—And When It's Not
TIME
An article explores the social etiquette of asking someone if they are taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic for weight loss. According to Rachel Goldman, PhD, a licensed psychologist and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the intention behind the question is the most crucial factor. She advises that it may be acceptable to ask if you are genuinely considering the medication for yourself, but not if you are simply curious. Goldman suggests phrasing the question in a non-assuming way that allows the other person to easily opt out of the conversation.
Also reporting was: Dnyuz, Yahoo Life, Aol
1/29/2026
Best Pillows for Chronic Neck Pain
HealthCentral
An article on choosing the best pillows for chronic neck pain highlights the importance of maintaining a neutral neck position during sleep. Deirdre S. Rodericks, MD, a physiatrist at Hospital for Special Surgery, notes that the wrong pillow can aggravate pain. Meghan Durney, PT, DPT, clinical supervisor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn, advises that side sleepers typically need a thicker pillow, while back sleepers require more support for the neck's natural curve. The piece recommends specific pillows for different sleeping positions, such as the Sleep Number ComfortFit and the Original Groove Pillow.
1/29/2026
The Future of Beauty: Skin Care Trends for 2026
Runaway Magazine
The skincare industry is shifting towards science-backed simplicity for 2026, focusing on biotechnological advancements and barrier-first philosophies. Key trends include gentle retinol and vitamin C delivery systems, precision targeting with peptides, and innovations in sunscreen. The convergence of longevity science and skincare is also growing, with ingredients like NAD+ gaining prominence. Highlighting the link between medical procedures and home care, Doris J. Day, MD, clinical associate professor in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Langone Health, notes that proper product use is crucial for optimizing in-office treatment results.
1/29/2026
NYS rejects federal vaccine recommendations
Newsday
New York State health officials announced they are rejecting federal recommendations to reduce the number of required childhood vaccinations, opting instead to follow guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The CDC recently suggested that vaccines for diseases like meningitis and hepatitis B only be recommended for high-risk children. Commenting on the decision, Asif M. Noor, MD, chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, stated that most pediatricians will continue to follow evidence-based guidance. He emphasized that serious infections like meningococcal disease can be prevented with a simple vaccination.
1/30/2026
COVID deaths drop by half on Long Island, in U.S.
Newsday
COVID-19-related deaths on Long Island and nationwide fell sharply in 2025, a trend attributed to strengthened immunity from vaccines and prior infections. Martín Bäcker, MD, an infectious disease physician at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, explained that because most people have had COVID-19 or been vaccinated, their immune systems now respond more rapidly to new infections. Bruce Farber, MD, chief of public health and epidemiology for Northwell Health, added that a pivot point came in 2022 when the milder Omicron variant became dominant.
1/30/2026
Scientists: Teeth Whitening Powder Can Activate Through An Electric Toothbrush
FOX 5 THE 5 O'CLOCK NEWS
Purvi S. Parikh, MD, immunologist and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, discusses a new teeth-whitening powder that uses an electric field activated by a toothbrush to whiten teeth and repair enamel without the damaging effects of peroxide. She also advises against taking certain vitamins with coffee. Dr. Parikh explains that coffee can decrease iron absorption, is not ideal for fat-soluble vitamin D, and can cause water-soluble vitamins like B to be flushed from the system more quickly.
1/29/2026
From Health Benefits to Lake Views, Inside New York’s First Floating Sauna
Hudson Valley Post
A new floating sauna, KOS Sauna, has opened in Saratoga Springs, New York, offering sessions on Saratoga Lake. The article discusses the health benefits of sauna use, including improved skin, blood pressure, and joint health. Citing expert commentary, Purvi Parikh, MD, immunologist and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explains that sitting in a sauna is 'almost like walking on a treadmill at a regular pace' and can help improve circulation.
1/29/2026
