News from NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone Appoints New CEO. (Crain's New York Business)
Paywalled* Crain’s New York Business (3/31) Alec Kimmelman, MD, PhD, the Anita Steckler and Joseph Steckler Chair, and professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Perlmutter Cancer Center,, has been appointed as the next CEO of NYU Langone Health and dean of the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, effective September 1. Kimmelman, who joined NYU Langone Health in 2016 and currently serves as chair of radiation oncology and director of NYU Langone Health’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, said, “I am humbled and excited to be the next CEO and dean of NYU Langone Health and appreciate the confidence the board of trustees and the search committee have placed in me.” The story also appeared in Modern Healthcare (3/31)*.
The New York Post (3/31) Robert I. Grossman, MD, dean and CEO, ”commended his successor’s accomplishments, particularly his groundbreaking research in molecular oncology,” saying, “Throughout his career at NYU Langone Health, most recently leading Perlmutter Cancer Center, Dr. Kimmelman has further established our integrated academic health system as a leader in research and treatment.” Incoming board chair Fiona B. Druckenmiller said, “Ken and Dr. Grossman shared a bold vision and an amazing partnership that made NYU Langone Health what it is today. I am excited to cultivate a similar working relationship with Dr. Kimmelman as we forge ahead together to bring the highest quality care to our patients and communities.”
Becker’s Hospital Review (3/31) Kenneth Langone, chair of the NYU Langone board of trustees and co-chair of the search committee, said, “We are excited to name Dr. Kimmelman to this position, given his extraordinary talent, leadership experience and strong character.” Dr. Robert Grossman will transition to executive vice president to the board, and Fiona B. Druckenmiller will take over as board chair as Kenneth Langone steps down from the role but remains a board member.
Also covering the story is CityBiz (3/31).
How To Keep Your Memory Sharp As You Age. (Washington Post)
The Washington Post (3/31) Staying physically active can enhance cognitive fitness and reduce the risk of dementia, as people who exercise regularly tend to have larger brain volumes, according to Joel Salinas, MD, MBA, clinical assistant professor, Department of Neurology, the Pearl I. Barlow Center for Memory Evaluation and Treatment, who says, “Of all my patients, those who have very structured and consistent exercise routines are the ones who tend to do the best.”
‘Shrinking My World Really Small’: How New Yorkers Are Coping With Long COVID. (Gothamist (NY))
Gothamist (NY) (3/31) Researchers and clinicians at institutions like Mount Sinai and NYU Langone Health are pioneering the understanding and treatment of long COVID, despite concerns over the Trump administration’s reported cuts to related funding and the elimination of a federal long COVID office.
Metastatic Kidney Cancer Requires A Multidisciplinary Approach To Care. (Cure Today)
Cure Today (3/31) William C. Huang, MD, vice chair for clinical affairs, professor, Department of Urology, and professor, Department of Radiology, chief, urology service, Tisch Hospital, Perlmutter Cancer Center, discussed the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach for treating metastatic kidney cancer, involving urologic surgeons, medical oncologists, and sometimes radiation oncologists, emphasizing the effectiveness of systemic agents, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies, stating, “Frequently, when patients have metastatic disease, they have other sites of the kidney cancer, [with the disease] having gone to other places,” and adding that combining these treatments with surgery can lead to the best outcomes.
How The Measles Outbreak Is A Preventable Tragedy. (Texas Public Radio)
Texas Public Radio (3/31) The measles outbreak in West Texas has reached 400 confirmed cases since late January, with 41 hospitalizations and one child fatality; Adam J. Ratner, MD, professor, Departments of Pediatrics, and Microbiology, Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, describes the outbreak as a preventable tragedy, saying that the reawakening of measles is a sign of decaying trust in science as well as an underfunded public health infrastructure.
An Expert Explains: Why Are My Allergies Getting Worse? (American Lung Association)
The American Lung Association (3/31) Neelu Tummala, MD, clinical assistant professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, discussed the impact of climate change on health, stating, “The better question is how climate change is not impacting our health, because we know its impact is extensive,” and explained that global warming contributes to longer, more severe allergy seasons due to increased pollen production and extended freeze-free periods, which exacerbates symptoms for those with allergies and chronic lung diseases like asthma or COPD.
Geoengineering Quantified: Heat Is Deadlier Than Air Pollution. (Cipher News)
Cipher News (3/24) Anna Bershteyn, PhD, assistant professor, Department of Population Health, commented on a recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences about solar geoengineering, specifically stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI), which could reduce heat-related mortality by reflecting sunlight, but also increase air pollution and harm the ozone layer; Bershteyn said, “We need maps of air conditioning penetration, electrical grid capacity and unavoidable outdoor activities” to better understand heat impacts on mortality.
Intensive Medical Therapy Does Not Help Or Harm Women With Chest Pain: WARRIOR. (Healio)
Healio (3/29) Researchers presented findings at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Session indicating that an intensive medical therapy strategy did not reduce major adverse cardiovascular events over five years for women with suspected ischemia with nonobstructive coronary disease (INOCA) compared to usual care; Harmony R. Reynolds, MD, the Joel E. and Joan L. Smilow Professor of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, expressed satisfaction with the trial’s completion, emphasizing its importance in addressing a disabling problem with increased risk for major adverse cardiovascular events.
TCTMD (3/29) Harmony R. Reynolds, MD, the Joel E. and Joan L. Smilow Professor of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, said, “We all love our positive trials and are disappointed when we don’t get a positive trial. That’s just human nature,” but “having WARRIOR on the stage at the American College of Cardiology – a completed large, several-thousand-patient clinical trial – is a really important step.”
Certain Kinds Of Coffee Could Be Sabotaging Your Cholesterol. (Everyday Health)
Everyday Health (3/31) New research indicates that coffee from workplace machines, which often have higher levels of cholesterol-raising diterpenes like cafestol and kahweol compared to paper-filtered coffee, could contribute to increased LDL cholesterol levels, with NYU Langone Health cardiologist Gregory Katz, MD, assistant professor, Department of Medicine, the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, commenting on the study’s limitations regarding cardiovascular disease risk.
Adopting A Healthy Midlife Diet May Help You Age Better In Your 70s, Study Finds. (Verywell Health1)
Verywell Health (3/31) New research published in Nature Medicine found that adhering to one of eight healthy dietary patterns in midlife significantly increases the likelihood of healthy aging, while a 2023 study in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia supports these findings with the DASH diet, according to Yu Chen, MPH, PhD, professor, Department of Population Health and senior author of the 2023 study, who noted, “A healthy diet during midlife can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are linked to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease – major risk factors for cognitive impairment.”
The Best Plastic-Free Bowls, Plates, Cups, And Utensils For Babies And Kids: How We Picked. (New York Times)
The New York Times (4/1) Jessica Bernhard, in her guide for NYT Wirecutter, explores the safety of kids’ feeding tools, discussing concerns about plastics leaching harmful chemicals and the benefits of alternatives like stainless steel, glass, and silicone; Gillian Goddard, MD, adjunct assistant professor, Department of Medicine, the Holman Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, said, “We have less understanding regarding nanoparticles from silicone than we do about microplastics,” while Leonardo Trasande, MD, MPP, director of the Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards at NYU Langone Health, was also consulted, emphasizing the need for cautious selection of materials in children’s products.
What ‘Chia Seed Water’ Can, And Cannot, Do For You. (Straits Times (SGP))
The Straits Times (SGP) (3/31) Chia seed water, popular on social media for its purported benefits in aiding constipation, bowel regularity, and weight loss, contains chia seeds, water, and lemon juice; Sophie M. Balzora, MD, clinical professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Inflammatory Bowel Disease, explains that chia seeds provide both soluble and insoluble fiber, promoting softer and bulkier stools.
Terri Schiavo’s Death 20 Years Ago Sparked Lingering Debate About Death And Politics. (USA Today)
USA Today (3/31) Monday marked the 20th anniversary of Terri Schiavo’s death, highlighting the enduring impact of her highly publicized legal battle over the right to die, which “became the most reviewed, debated end-of-life case in history,” according to Arthur L. Caplan, PhD, the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor of Bioethics, Division of Medical Ethics, Department of Population Health.
When Is The Best Time To Measure Blood Pressure? Cardiologists Weigh In. (TODAY)
TODAY (3/31) During a TODAY Show segment on February 18, Natalie E. Azar, MD, clinical associate professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, emphasized the critical nature of monitoring high blood pressure, saying, “We often talk about high blood pressure as the ‘silent killer,’ which I know sounds a little bit strong, but a lot of people – the majority of people, actually – don’t know that they have it.”
In a separate article, TODAY (3/31) Two new studies have identified promising treatments for uncontrolled high blood pressure and Lipoprotein(a), a “stealth” cholesterol previously thought untreatable, as explained by Natalie E. Azar, MD, clinical associate professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology.
Death Of Ex-Yankee’s Son In Costa Rica Has Experts Sounding Alarm On Healthy Travel. (KTTV-TV Los Angeles)
KTTV-TV Los Angeles (3/31) Marc K. Siegel, MD, clinical professor, Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Clinical Innovation, advised travelers in Costa Rica and similar regions to use bottled water for activities like brushing teeth and to exercise caution when eating at local restaurants, suggesting avoidance of salads or uncooked vegetables due to potential bacteria or parasites, and he also recommended using insect repellents to protect against mosquito-borne diseases.
Also reporting is Fox News (3/31).
News from NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island
Daily Protein And Prebiotic May Sharpen Aging Brains, Study Finds. (Verywell Health)
Verywell Health (3/31) A study published in Nature Communications revealed that individuals over 60 who consumed daily protein powder and prebiotic supplements for three months performed better on memory tests, with Shae Datta, MD, clinical assistant professor, Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, saying, “These findings support the idea that feeding our gut bacteria with prebiotics and supporting them with protein helps this flora become healthier and helps memory.”
