News from NYU Langone Health
TCTMD
In a Day 1 wrap-up from the ACC 2026 conference, Sunil Rao, MD, director of interventional cardiology at NYU Langone Health, joined a discussion about a late-breaking clinical trial session. Dr. Rao, who served as a panelist for the session, was asked to comment on the interventional trials that were presented.
3/29/2026
CHAMPION-AF: A Win for Watchman FLX, but With Caveats
TCTMD
The CHAMPION-AF trial found that the Watchman FLX device was noninferior to oral anticoagulants for preventing stroke, systemic embolization, and cardiovascular death in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, experts noted limitations, including more ischemic strokes in the device group. Commenting on the findings, Gregory Katz, MD, cardiologist at NYU Langone Health, expressed concern about the stroke risk and cautioned against broad use. Sunil V. Rao, MD, director of interventional cardiology at NYU Langone, added that the results complicate clinical decision-making for left atrial appendage occlusion.
3/27/2026
Dual Imaging Identifies Cause of Heart Attack in Patients Without Blocked Arteries
Associated Press: Press Releases
New research led by Harmony Reynolds, MD, the Joel E. and Joan L. Smilow Professor of Cardiology in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and director of NYU Langone’s Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, shows that combining two advanced imaging tests—coronary optical coherence tomography (OCT) and cardiac MRI—can identify the underlying cause of heart attacks in most patients who do not have significantly blocked arteries (a condition known as MINOCA). The international study, presented at the American College of Cardiology's 2026 session, found a cause in 79% of participants. "Our results support the need to do specialized imaging in all patients with MINOCA," said Dr. Reynolds. One such patient, Ashley Perlow, found answers after being referred to Dr. Reynolds at NYU Langone. After months of uncertainty following her heart attack, the specialized testing officially diagnosed her condition and guided her care.
Also reporting was: National Today
3/27/2026
Heart Attacks in Younger Women: AHA Calls for Better Diagnosis and Management
JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association
A new American Heart Association scientific statement calls for improved diagnosis and management of heart attacks in younger women, who are often misdiagnosed. The statement highlights unique risk factors and gaps in care. Harmony R. Reynolds, MD, cardiologist, the Joel E. and Joan L. Smilow Professor of Cardiology in the Department of Medicine, the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, and director of the Sarah Ross Soter Center for Women's Cardiovascular Research at NYU Langone Health, co-authored the statement and noted that many women seek multiple opinions to get a confident diagnosis. Sunil V. Rao, MD, director of Interventional Cardiology at NYU Langone Health, called the statement a 'call to action' for clinicians.
3/26/2026
The Cancer Letter
Lisa G. Roth, MD, was named director of the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone and Perlmutter Cancer Center. Roth is a pediatric oncologist, physician-scientist, and a lymphoma survivor.
3/27/2026
Why do so many young men suddenly have erectile dysfunction?
New York Post
A growing number of men under 40 are experiencing erectile dysfunction, a trend experts attribute more to psychological factors than physical ailments. According to urologists and sex therapists, stress, performance anxiety, and pornography consumption are significant contributors. Joel Hillelsohn, MD, a board-certified urologist at NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Chelsea, explains that anxiety releases adrenaline, which constricts blood vessels and hinders erections. He notes that a single negative experience can create a persistent pattern of performance anxiety, leading young men to believe they have a physical problem.
Also reporting was: Dnyuz, USTimes Mirror
3/27/2026
Barbershop Effort Falls Short for Hypertension Prevention in Black Men
TCTMD
At the American College of Cardiology 2026 Scientific Session, Joseph E. Ravenell, MD, associate professor in the Departments of Population Health and Medicine at NYU Langone Health, presented findings from a study on a barbershop-based initiative for hypertension prevention in Black men. The community health worker-led program did not significantly impact blood pressure over one year but showed promise in slowing progression to stage 2 hypertension. The trial involved 430 men in Staten Island. Ravenell stated that such community-based approaches show promise for connecting men with healthcare services.
Also reporting was: Pharmacy Times
3/27/2026
Women's Health
An article details 18 common skin bumps, including cystic acne, milia, and ingrown hairs, advising against popping them to prevent infection and scarring. According to NYU Langone Health, treatment options for cystic acne include prescription oral medications like antibiotics, which can kill the bacteria causing the infection. The piece also features expert commentary on various treatments from dermatologists at several institutions, including Mount Sinai West and Mount Sinai Hospital.
Also reporting was: AOL, Yahoo Health
3/27/2026
The shifting guidelines for blood pressure control
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Shifting guidelines for blood pressure control, backed by the SPRINT trial, now recommend more aggressive treatment, aiming for systolic readings below 120 for those at cardiovascular risk. The article notes this has changed clinical practice. John A. Dodson, MD, MPH, a cardiologist and director of NYU Cardiovascular Digital Health (CDH) Lab at NYU Langone Health, commented on this shift. He stated that while he was previously more lenient with older patients to avoid risks from overtreatment, such as falls, he now treats them more aggressively based on studies showing benefits even for frail older adults.
3/27/2026
5 Nutrients Women Need More of After 40
SELF Magazine
Women's nutritional needs shift after age 40, particularly around perimenopause and menopause. Rachel Pessah-Pollack, MD, an endocrinologist at NYU Langone Health and a clinical professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explains this is due to declining estrogen, muscle loss, and increased bone breakdown. The article outlines five key nutrients women need more of, including protein to combat muscle wasting and calcium to prevent bone loss. Dr. Pessah-Pollack emphasizes that calcium is a top priority and recommends resistance exercises to maintain muscle mass. The piece also discusses the importance of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and magnesium.
Also reporting was: MSN Ireland
3/27/2026
How to Use Natural Consequences With Kids, According to a Psychologist
Parents
Using natural consequences can be an effective parenting tool to help children learn from real-world experiences. Joseph Laino, Psy.D., assistant director of clinical operations and clinical assistant professor of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health, advises that safety must always take precedence over letting a child learn from natural consequences. Laino also notes that parents should consider the child's developmental level and maintain a calm, supportive stance to make it a learning experience. This method helps children internalize lessons and fosters critical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
Also reporting was: Yahoo Life, Aol
3/27/2026
Aligning Alzheimer Trials With Disease Demographics—From Rhetoric to Reality
JAMA Network
In a commentary, Omonigho M. Bubu, MD, PhD, MPH, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and Director of the Aging Research in Sleep Equity & Dementia Prevention (ARISE-DP) program, addresses the lack of diversity in US-based phase III Alzheimer's disease clinical trials. Citing a systematic review, he notes that populations disproportionately affected by the disease are largely missing from these trials, with White participants exceeding 90% of enrollment. The piece argues this is a structural problem for science and equity, threatening the validity of evidence guiding treatment. The author calls for standardized reporting of race and ethnicity, enrollment targets based on disease burden, and meaningful subgroup analyses.
3/26/2026
Yahoo Entertainment
Model Anok Yai revealed she underwent robotic lung surgery at NYU Langone Health for a congenital defect that was damaging her lungs. Yai shared that what began as asymptomatic progressed to severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing. She publicly thanked her surgeon, Robert J. Cerfolio, MD, MBA, chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at NYU Langone Health, and his team for the successful procedure.
3/26/2026
Why Perimenopause Can Make You Ravenous—And What to Do About It
SELF Magazine
Perimenopause can lead to increased appetite and weight gain due to fluctuating hormone levels, explains Rachel Pessah-Pollack, MD, an endocrinologist at NYU Langone Health and a clinical professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She notes that as estrogen, a natural appetite suppressant, declines, feelings of hunger can increase. The article also discusses how insulin resistance, sleep disturbances, and stress can amplify these effects. To manage increased hunger, the piece recommends lifestyle adjustments such as eating more protein, limiting simple carbohydrates, getting adequate sleep, managing stress, and incorporating regular exercise, particularly strength training.
Also reporting was: Yahoo Health, MSN Ireland
3/27/2026
46 recent hospital, health system executive moves
Becker's Hospital Review
A recent report on hospital executive moves notes that Oscar Lahoud, MD, was named chief medical officer of NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn. The article also details several leadership changes at other New York City-area health systems. At NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, Y. Michael Shim, MD, was named chief of the division of pulmonary and critical care medicine. Montefiore Nyack Hospital appointed Stacey Conklin, MSN, RN, as vice president and chief nursing officer. Additionally, Steve Glass was named executive vice president and CFO of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Hospital for Special Surgery appointed Anne Marie McDonald, EdD, RN, as chief nursing executive.
3/27/2026
The Week in Cancer News: Bone Pain in Breast Cancer and Treatment Escalation in Lung Cancer
Cancer Today
A study found that women with breast cancer who received pegfilgrastim 72 hours after chemotherapy experienced less severe bone pain. Commenting on the research, Douglas K. Marks, MD, a breast medical oncologist at NYU Langone Health’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, said that adjusting the timing could be a “meaningful improvement in patient experience” but stressed the need for larger trials. The article also covers a combination therapy for lung cancer, the effectiveness of estradiol patches for prostate cancer, and a new FDA approval for an ovarian cancer drug.
3/27/2026
We’re in for an especially bad allergy season — why your go-to meds may no longer work
New York Post
Allergy seasons are worsening due to warmer temperatures and air pollutants, which extend the duration and increase the potency of pollen, according to Stephanie Mawhirt, DO, allergist at NYU Langone Health. She notes that stronger pollen may make standard over-the-counter medications less effective. Dr. Mawhirt recommends minimizing exposure by closing windows, using air filters, and showering before bed. If symptoms persist, she suggests consulting an allergist for specific tests and treatments like allergen immunotherapy, which can help the immune system become more tolerant to allergens.
3/27/2026
Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay honors 2026 Women of Distinction at awards ceremony
TBR News Media
Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay hosted the second annual Assembly District 4 Women of Distinction Award Ceremony on 21 March, honoring women for their community contributions. Among those recognized in the healthcare category was Madeleine Nugdalla, an operating room nurse at NYU Langone Hospital—Suffolk. She was honored for her more than 40 years of service caring for Long Island families, her professionalism in guiding surgical teams through emergencies, and her work on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
3/27/2026
Residents applaud Freeport Recreation Center’s Women’s Health Fair
Freeport Herald Leader
The Freeport Recreation Center hosted its second annual Freeport Women’s Health Fair on March 19, an event organized in partnership with the Office of Legislator Debra Mulé. The fair provided attendees with health screenings, resources, and advice on women's healthcare issues. NYU Langone Health was one of several participating organizations, alongside Mount Sinai South Nassau and the Epilepsy Foundation. This year's event featured new breakout sessions where experts discussed menopause and maternal health. Attendees and organizers emphasized the fair's role in improving access to healthcare resources for the community, particularly for those without insurance.
3/27/2026
Hormone therapy boosts weight loss drug results by 35% in women, study finds
Fox News
A Mayo Clinic study found that postmenopausal women lost about 35% more weight when combining hormone therapy with the obesity drug tirzepatide compared to taking the drug alone. The hormone therapy group lost an average of 19.2% of their body weight, while the non-hormone group lost 14.0%. Commenting on the findings, Gillian Goddard, MD, an endocrinologist and adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, noted that as an observational study, the results show a link but do not prove causation, and that the group taking estrogen may have been healthier to begin with.
Also reporting was: Head Topics, Aol, WFVX-TV (Bangor, ME), WSFX-TV (Wilmington, NC), Yahoo Health, Aol
3/28/2026
GLP-1 Medication Addiction: Risks & Signs | Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Time.News
Emerging research suggests GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Mounjaro may be a potential tool for combating addiction by modulating the brain's reward pathways. Studies show these drugs can reduce cravings and compulsive behaviors. Melanie R. Jay, MD, an addiction specialist and researcher at NYU Langone Health, explains that these medications tap into the connection between metabolic health and addiction by influencing brain areas involved in reward and impulse control. While not a cure-all, GLP-1s could become a valuable component of comprehensive addiction treatment plans, with several clinical trials currently underway.
3/28/2026
People Magazine
A 24-year-old woman, Jennifer Broyden, shares her experience with dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disease diagnosed when she was 20. Her symptoms progressed from rashes and fatigue to severe muscle weakness, which left her unable to perform daily tasks. The disease causes the immune system to attack the skin and muscles. The article cites NYU Langone Health, which states that sunlight is the most common trigger for the skin symptoms associated with the condition. Broyden now uses her TikTok platform to raise awareness and connect with others who have the disease.
3/29/2026
Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes: Allergy symptoms start earlier with climate change
WHYY-TV (Philadelphia, PA)
Allergy season is starting earlier and becoming more intense due to climate change, causing trees to bloom sooner and produce more pollen. Neelima Tummala, MD, MPH, an ear, nose and throat physician at NYU Langone Health, stated that it is important to recognize how changes in temperature and precipitation patterns impact health. She recommends patients start their medications before symptoms begin and suggests they may need to adjust their medications, as those that were effective years ago might not be sufficient now.
3/28/2026
How Does Sorbitol Cause Diarrhea—and How Long Does It Last?
Health
Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol used in sugar-free gum, can function as a laxative, causing bloating and diarrhea. According to Roshini Raj, MD, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health, sorbitol can cause osmotic diarrhea when the bowel absorbs excess water. Dr. Raj notes that individual sensitivity varies and the sweetener is not harmful if no symptoms occur. Digestive issues related to sorbitol typically resolve one to three days after a person stops consuming it. People with chronic bloating may want to avoid gum altogether.
3/29/2026
New hypermutated Cicada Covid in 23 countries - full list of symptoms
Kent Live
A new 'hyper-mutated' COVID-19 variant, nicknamed 'Cicada' (BA.3.2), has spread to 23 countries, including the UK. The variant, a descendant of the Omicron lineage, carries 70-75 mutations in its spike protein. While symptoms are similar to other Omicron variants, some reports note a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal issues and severe sore throats. There is no evidence it causes more severe disease. Marc Siegel, MD, clinical professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Langone Health, noted that while there is concern it could pose a public health risk, it is too soon to predict its community-wide impact.
Also reporting was: Buckinghamshire Live, Daily Post, The Chronicle, Somerset Live, Plymouth Live, LancsLive, Devon Live, Belfast Live, Essex Chronicle, Cambridge News, Edinburgh Live
3/30/2026
DSN’s Issue Summit explores a better healthcare experience for patients
Drug Store News
At DSN’s 27th annual Issue Summit, Yin Aphinyanaphongs, MD, PhD, director of operational data science and machine learning at NYU Langone Health, described two AI models in production at the institution. The first model reads physicians' progress notes to identify the intent to prescribe a critical medication and verifies if the order was placed. The second model uses AI to reconcile discharge summaries and medications in after-visit summaries. The summit explored various ways companies are improving the healthcare experience for patients, with a focus on AI's impact.
3/27/2026
A skin health expert explains why red light therapy helps your skin and thinning hair
The Independent (US)
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a growing market projected to exceed $1 billion by 2030. The non-invasive treatment uses near-infrared light to stimulate mitochondria, potentially increasing collagen, improving skin conditions, and regrowing thinning hair. While research supports some dermatological uses, with the FDA clearing several at-home devices, experts note more studies are needed for other claims. For those trying the treatment, Mary Stevenson, MD, a dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon at NYU Langone Health, advises starting with short sessions and increasing to about three times a week.
3/27/2026
Changes in organ donor status can fall through cracks in the system
The Lowell Sun
The U.S. organ donation system lacks a clear, nationally binding method for individuals to opt out, which can result in a person's revocation of consent not being honored. This gap has prompted bipartisan congressional concern over organ procurement organizations' practices. The article highlights the case of a woman whose decision to reverse her donor registration was not followed. Discussing potential solutions for better oversight, Art Caplan, PhD, the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor of Bioethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, suggests that spot audits, similar to the IRS, could be an effective way to ensure compliance.
Also reporting was: The Reporter (Lansdale, PA), Standard Speaker, Redlands Daily Facts, Daily Freeman, Oneida Daily Dispatch, South Florida Sun Sentinel, The Monterey County Herald, The Saratogian, Sentinel and Enterprise, Whittier Daily News, The Virginian-Pilot, The Orange County Register, Main Line Media News, Macomb Daily, Oakland Press, Los Angeles Daily News, Oroville Mercury-Register, Marin Independent Journal, The Press-Enterprise, The News-Herald (Willoughby, OH), Willits News, The Sun (San Bernardino, CA), The Morning Sun, Daily Press (Newport News, VA), Broomfield Enterprise, The Mercury (Pottstown, PA), Chico Enterprise-Record, Daily Breeze, Fort Morgan Times, Times Herald (Norristown, PA), The Morning Call, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Loveland Reporter-Herald, Scranton Times-Tribune, Sterling Journal-Advocate, The Delaware County Daily Times, Orlando Sentinel, The Trentonian, Daily Camera, The Reporter (Vacaville, CA), Republican Herald, Daily Local News, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Ukiah Daily Journal, The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH), The News Herald (Southgate, MI), Red Bluff Daily News, Greeley Tribune, Lake County Record-Bee, Paradise Post, The Press Democrat, Pioneer Press, Canon City Daily Record, Pasadena Star-News, Boston Herald, Santa Cruz Sentinel, Longmont Times-Call, Vallejo Times-Herald, Financial Content, The Record (Troy, NY), Hartford Courant, Citizens Voice, Daily Democrat, Reading Eagle
3/29/2026
