News from NYU Langone Health
Man Gets Kidney Donation from Older Sister on His Birthday: ‘How Can I Ever Repay That? (Exclusive)
People
Troy Rowe received a kidney from his older sister, Kim Rowe, at NYU Langone Health on his 49th birthday, February 2. Rowe was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease due to hypertension and met with Lionel E. Desroches, MD, an internal medicine physician and nephrologist at NYU Langone Medical Associates—Laurelton, and adjunct instructor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. The siblings were found to be a 'low eplet match,' associated with a higher likelihood of success. The donor's surgical team was led by Bruce E. Gelb, MD, associate professor and vice chair of quality in the Department of Surgery and a surgeon at the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, and Rowe's transplant was performed by Ryan P. Robalino, DO, an abdominal transplant surgeon at the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, surgial director of the Pancreas Transplant Program, and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Surgery.
Also reporting was: Aol, Yahoo Life
5/16/2026
Can literature enhance patient care? Inside NYU Langone’s decade-old experiment
Becker's Hospital Review
Katherine Hochman, MD, MBA, director of the Division of Hospital Medicine, associate chair of Quality of Care, and associate professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, launched the Patient Experience Book Club in 2012 to explore if literature could enhance empathy and patient care. The club has since expanded into a systemwide initiative at NYU Langone Health with over 500 members, including clinicians and nonclinical staff. The philanthropically funded program meets monthly to discuss works exploring illness and human connection. Dilshad Marolia, system director of hospitals regulatory and policy management at NYU Langone Health, noted the club breaks down silos and fosters empathy.
5/15/2026
Weight Loss Medications Reducing Alcohol Consumption
Good Day New York
Rachel Pessah-Pollack, MD, an endocrinologist at NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Lake Success and clinical professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, discusses the evolving role of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Ozempic. While traditionally used for type 2 diabetes and obesity, she highlights a promising new study suggesting these drugs can also reduce alcohol cravings and consumption. Dr. Pessah-Pollack notes that while she has heard anecdotal reports of this effect for years, new clinical data is finally emerging. However, she cautions that these medications are not yet FDA-approved for treating alcohol use disorder. She emphasizes the importance of medical supervision due to risks like pancreatitis and GI side effects.
5/15/2026
Glen Cove To Let Nyc Water Taxi Use Ferry Terminal In Case Of Lirr Strike
News 12 Long Island
The City of Glen Cove has approved a plan to allow the New York City Water Taxi to use its ferry terminal for NYU Langone Health employees in the event of a Long Island Rail Road strike. City officials passed two resolutions authorizing an agreement for NYU Langone Health to pay the city for terminal use and a separate license agreement with the water taxi service. Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck stated the plan is a contingency to help the health system's staff commute on weekdays if a strike occurs.
Also reporting was: MSN, WFOR-TV (Miami, FL), News 12 Long Island
5/15/2026
Study Finds DLBCL Subtype May Have Higher Mortality Risk in Female Patients
The ASCO Post
An international research team, including a lab from NYU Grossman School of Medicine, has found that a specific subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is linked to a higher mortality risk in women. The study, co-led by Wendy Béguelin, PhD, assistant professor in the Departments of Medicine and Pathology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, identified that simultaneous faults in the SPEN and NOTCH2 genes cause this disparity. In women, this leads to the reactivation of genes on the dormant X chromosome, driving cancer growth. The findings suggest that IRAK inhibitors, a class of drugs in clinical development, may be effective treatments.
5/15/2026
Earth.com
A 13-year international study of over 84,000 adults found that invitations for colonoscopy screening reduced colorectal cancer cases by 19% but did not significantly lower the death rate from the disease. The NordICC trial, conducted in Norway, Poland, and Sweden, noted that only 42% of those invited for the procedure attended. In an accompanying commentary, Aasma Shaukat, MD, MPH, gastroenterologist at NYU Langone, the Robert M. and Mary H. Glickman Professor of Medicine, co-director of Translational Research Education and Careers (TREC), and director of Outcomes Research for Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, argued that for many people, avoiding a cancer diagnosis and its subsequent treatment is a meaningful outcome, even without a clear survival improvement.
5/15/2026
Venus Williams Continues To Prove Why She's Here To Stay!
MadameNoire
Tennis player Venus Williams is returning to the French Open after a five-year absence, following a serious health battle with uterine fibroids that were surgically removed in 2024. Speaking with NYU Langone Health, Williams shared that the condition affected her for nearly 30 years, causing severe symptoms including intense cramps, heavy bleeding, and anemia. She recalled a turning point in 2016 when she collapsed from the pain at Wimbledon. Since receiving proper treatment, Williams says she feels significantly better, with more energy and relief from the pain and iron deficiency that impacted her career.
Also reporting was: MSN
5/15/2026
The 8 Best Air Purifiers for Your Home
Popular Mechanics
In a guide to the best air purifiers, Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist at NYU Langone Health and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Medicine and Department of Pediatrics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, recommends choosing a model with a HEPA filter. She notes that HEPA filters are proven effective, filtering particles down to 0.3 microns. Dr. Parikh also advises that air purifiers must be kept clean and their filters should be changed every six months to maintain efficiency. The article reviews various models based on filtration, noise level, and convenience features, emphasizing the importance of matching the purifier to the room size.
Also reporting was: AOL
5/15/2026
Disease, Health, and Hope: A Story of Dietary Supplements
Clinical Correlations
In a peer-reviewed article, Felicia Ragucci, a medical student at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explores the history and current use of dietary supplements. The piece, reviewed by Michael Tanner, MD, internist, co-director of the Humanistic Medicine Program, and associate professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Langone Health, traces the evolution of vitamins from preventing deficiency diseases to their modern role in health preservation. Ragucci notes that while the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force finds insufficient evidence for multivitamins preventing heart disease and cancer in the general population, some recent studies suggest potential cognitive benefits for older adults.
5/15/2026
The 12 Best Probiotics for Women, According to Dietitians and Doctors
Prevention
A guide to the best probiotics for women notes that supplements should contain well-researched strains. According to Roshini Rajapaksa, MD, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health and clinical associate professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the most studied strains include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii. The article also discusses the benefits of probiotics for digestive regularity, bloating, and immune support, and provides a list of recommended products based on expert opinions and customer reviews. It also addresses the safety of taking probiotics daily and during pregnancy, advising consultation with a doctor.
Also reporting was: Yahoo Health
5/15/2026
9 Myths That Explain Why the Hormonal Disorder PCOS Got a New Name: PMOS
Everyday Health
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) to more accurately describe it as a complex endocrine and metabolic condition. The change, to be phased in over three years, aims to clear up misconceptions tied to the previous name. The article addresses common myths, explaining that PMOS involves broader hormone and metabolic changes beyond ovarian cysts and irregular periods. Discussing symptoms like excess hair growth, Loren Wissner Greene, MD, endocrinologist, as well as clinical professor in the Departments of Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, notes that ethnicity can be a predisposing factor for this symptom.
5/15/2026
HOW TO APPLY SELF TANNER FOR A STREAK-FREE LOOK
Woman's World
Doris Day, MD, dermatologist and clinical professor in NYU Langone's The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, offers several tips for achieving a streak-free look when applying self-tanner. She advises working on one area of the body at a time to prevent the product from drying too quickly. For tricky areas like hands, feet, and ankles, using a fluffy makeup brush can help blend the product effectively. Day also recommends exfoliating and applying a thin layer of moisturizer to dry spots such as elbows and knees to ensure the color goes on evenly.
5/15/2026
There's a Right and Wrong Way to Use Urgent Care
Lexington Herald-Leader - NYT News Service/Syndicate Stories
Urgent care has become one of the fastest-growing sectors in the U.S. healthcare system, with the number of clinics more than doubling since 2014. Experts note this rise is partly driven by the decline in primary care access. Leslie Miller, MD, medical director of urgent care services and care on demand at NYU Langone Health, as well as clinical associate professor of the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, states that these clinics are designed for sudden, non-life-threatening issues such as colds, sprains, cuts, and urinary tract infections. The article also cautions that urgent care is not suitable for managing chronic conditions and advises patients to research clinics beforehand, preferably choosing one affiliated with their health system.
Also reporting was: The Charlotte Observer, Tacoma News Tribune, The Island Packet, Idaho Statesman, The Sacramento Bee, Fresno Bee
5/15/2026
Doctors Explain 10 Common Causes of Fainting and Lightheadedness
Prevention
An article outlines ten common causes of fainting and lightheadedness, medically known as syncope. According to Lawrence Phillips, MD, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Cardiology Associates, medical director of Outpatient Clinical Cardiology, FGP, director of Nuclear Cardiology Laboratory, assistant clinical director of Strategic Affairs at the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, and associate fellowship program director of CARD - cardiovascular diseases, fainting is generally caused by a temporary lack of blood flow to the brain. He explains this can result from a drop in blood pressure or heart rate, or for neurological reasons. Dr. Phillips also notes that an irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, can affect blood supply to the brain, and certain medications may cause dizziness. He advises seeking emergency medical attention if lightheadedness is accompanied by muscle weakness or difficulty speaking.
Also reporting was: Aol
5/16/2026
Journal of Clinical Oncology
In a letter from the editor, ASCO Daily News outlines its goals for the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, which is focused on bridging the gap between scientific discovery and patient care delivery. The theme for the meeting is 'The Science and Practice of Translation: Improving Outcomes Worldwide.' The letter introduces the publication's associate editors, which include Marc Braunstein, MD, PhD, course co-director of the Hematology-Oncology System, fellowship program director for Hem/Onc, NYU Langone Health - Long Island, and associate professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center. The publication will provide real-time updates and expert commentary on practice-changing research. The publication will provide real-time updates and expert commentary on practice-changing research.
5/15/2026
How a game of sudoku helped doctors diagnose a 25-year-old man's bizarre ailment
Upworthy
A 25-year-old German man developed seizures triggered by playing Sudoku after suffering from hypoxia in an avalanche. While initial MRI scans were clear, a specialized imaging technique revealed damaged inhibitory fibers in his brain. Jacqueline French, MD, epileptologist, director of The Epilepsy Study Consortium (TESC) and professor in the Department of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, identified the condition as a form of 'reflex epilepsy.' The seizures occurred during visual-motor tasks but not while reading or writing. The man was treated with anti-epileptic medication and advised to stop playing Sudoku.
5/16/2026
12 Things Doctors Always Do When They Travel To Avoid Getting Sick
HuffPost
In an article offering travel health advice, Sarah Battistich, MD, an emergency medicine specialist with NYU Langone Health’s Virtual Urgent Care, recommends wearing masks in transit to avoid illness. She also advises limiting contact with shared surfaces, staying hydrated on long flights, and prioritizing rest. Other tips from physicians, including Heather Viola, MD, of Mount Sinai, include frequent hand washing, using immune system boosters, getting adequate rest, and packing a medical kit with over-the-counter medications for common travel-related ailments.
Also reporting was: Yahoo Health, Aol
5/17/2026
AUA 2026: State-of-the-Art Lecture: Climate Change and Stone Disease
UroToday
In a lecture at the AUA 2026 meeting, David S. Goldfarb, MD, clinical director of the Division of Nephrology at NYU Langone Health, and professor in the Departments of Medicine and Physiology & Neuroscience at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, discussed the link between climate change and kidney disease. He presented data showing that rising global temperatures and urban heat islands are driving upward trends in kidney stones and acute kidney injury. Dr. Goldfarb noted that stone prevalence has risen significantly and that clinical events often manifest approximately three days after a severe heat spike. He also highlighted health disparities, noting that historically redlined neighborhoods experience hotter temperatures, disproportionately affecting residents.
5/16/2026
Do Red Light Masks Really Work? I Used One for 6 Months to Find Out
TODAY
An article reviews the effectiveness of at-home red light therapy masks, citing expert commentary from Mary Stevenson, MD, a dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon at NYU Langone Health, and associate professor in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She explained that the masks use a process called photomodulation, exposing skin to specific light wavelengths to help cells function more efficiently, which can boost collagen and reduce inflammation. While experts note that at-home results are modest compared to in-office treatments, the author reported subtle improvements in fine lines and skin texture after six months of consistent use.
5/15/2026
Episode 166: Understanding RNFL Asymmetry as a Biomarker in Pediatric MS
NeurologyLive
In a podcast interview, Scott Grossman, MD, neuro-ophthalmologist and assistant professor of neurology and ophthalmology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, discussed emerging research on inter-eye retinal nerve fiber layer asymmetry as a biomarker for prior optic neuritis in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis. He explained how optical coherence tomography may improve diagnostic confidence by identifying remote optic nerve injury. Grossman also covered the role of the technology within the updated 2024 McDonald Criteria, the feasibility of integrating it into routine neurology practice, and future research directions.
5/15/2026
OCT as an Emerging Diagnostic Tool in Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis: Scott Grossman, MD
NeurologyLive
In an interview, Scott Grossman, MD, neuro-ophthalmologist and assistant professor of neurology and ophthalmology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, discussed findings from a study on using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to diagnose pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis. Presented at the 2026 American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, the research explored how OCT-derived retinal nerve fiber layer differences could be applied to pediatric patients. Dr. Grossman noted that OCT is a simple and reliable technology that could support earlier recognition of optic nerve involvement, aligning with recent updates to diagnostic criteria for the condition.
5/17/2026
Taltz, Zepbound combo spurs ‘dramatic’ improvements in psoriasis clearance, body weight
Healio Dermatology
A study in JAMA Dermatology found that combining ixekizumab and tirzepatide resulted in significantly better skin clearance and weight loss for patients with psoriasis and obesity compared to ixekizumab monotherapy. In a related editorial, Michael S. Garshick, MD, a preventive cardiologist, director of the Cardio-Rheumatology Program at NYU Langone Health, and assistant professor in the Department of Medicine and the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and a co-author called the findings a 'call to action.' They urged dermatologists to screen psoriasis patients for cardiovascular disease risk factors, including blood pressure, lipids, and BMI. The study's principal investigator was from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
5/15/2026
What’s Possible at 40? A Bold Conversation on Reinvention & Health
World Today News
An article explores the science of athletic longevity and performance-enhancing regenerative medicine for athletes over 40. It details interventions such as selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), myostatin inhibitors, and platelet-rich plasma therapy. The piece also addresses the significant accessibility gap for these cutting-edge treatments. Commenting on this disparity, Rajesh Patel, MD, a sports cardiologist at NYU Langone Health and adjunct assistant professor at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, notes that while elite athletes have extensive support teams, many others lack access to personalized medicine, creating a wide gap in care and performance potential.
5/18/2026
