News from NYU Langone Health
Drexel’s medical school will offer an accelerated three-year degree for future doctors
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Drexel University College of Medicine announced it will offer an accelerated three-year medical degree, joining a growing trend. The article highlights the program at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, which began in 2013, as a leading example. Joan Cangiarella, MD, executive vice dean for Education, Faculty, and Academic Affairs, and chief academic officer at NYU Langone Health, who designed NYU's program, noted that accelerated and traditional students at NYU show similar outcomes. In 2023, NYU's curriculum changed to allow the entire class the option to graduate in three years, with about half opting in.
3/08/2026
Tolvaptan vs Fluid Limits: Do Costs Outweigh pNa Gains?
Medscape
A study found that oral tolvaptan was superior to fluid restriction for raising plasma sodium in adults with hyponatremia, but showed no significant differences in outcomes like hospital stay. Commenting on the research, David S. Goldfarb, MD, clinical director of the Nephrology Division at NYU Langone Health and professor of medicine and physiology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, said the findings were not surprising. He noted that tolvaptan is effective but has a risk of overcorrecting sodium levels, and its benefit in the study was likely limited by the use of IV water to prevent this overcorrection.
3/07/2026
Warning signs of ‘silent killer’ disease that poses greater risk to women than breast cancer
Tyla
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the US, yet public awareness of this is declining. The article outlines unique risk factors for women, including early menstruation and pregnancy complications, and highlights less commonly recognized symptoms. Harmony R. Reynolds, MD, 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 Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center at NYU Langone, explains that while women can experience chest pain, it is not always severe. Other symptoms may include pain in the arms and neck, shortness of breath, sweating, stomach pain, and extreme fatigue.
3/09/2026
Get Relief From Constipation by Avoiding These 7 Foods
Everyday Health
An article on digestive health identifies several foods that can cause constipation, often due to a lack of fiber. These include dairy, red meat, fried foods, and processed snacks. Arielle Leben, MS, RD, CDN, a registered dietitian at NYU Langone’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, explains that fried foods can lead to constipation if they replace high-fiber sources like fruits and vegetables. Leben adds that many processed snacks are poor sources of fiber, and choosing them over healthier options can result in inadequate fiber intake, contributing to constipation.
3/09/2026
Electrical Systems of the Heart: Visual Guide
HealthCentral
An article explains the heart's electrical system, also known as the cardiac conduction system, which coordinates the heart's contractions. According to Alexander Kushnir, MD, PhD, a cardiac electrophysiologist at NYU Langone’s Heart Rhythm Center, the sinoatrial (SA) node serves as the heart's natural pacemaker, generating the signal for each heartbeat. He adds that the atrioventricular (AV) node acts as a gatekeeper, briefly delaying the signal before it reaches the ventricles to ensure proper coordination. The bundle of His then carries the signal from the AV node into the ventricles.
3/09/2026
Microplastics Found in Prostate Cancer Tissue
LabRoots
A new study from NYU Langone Health found microplastics in the prostate cancer tissue of nine out of ten patients. Researchers reported that the concentration of plastic was more than twice as high in cancerous tissue compared to surrounding healthy tissue. This is the first research to investigate the presence of microplastics in prostate cancer and compare levels to noncancerous tissue. The findings suggest a possible link between the accumulation of microplastics in prostate tissue and the onset of cancer, indicating a need for further investigation.
Also reporting was: WHAM AM (Radio)
3/08/2026
Colorectal Cancer Screening in 2026: Progress, Gaps, and What Comes Next, With Renee Williams, MD
HCP Live
Despite public health messaging, colorectal cancer screening rates in the United States remain below the national 80% target. According to Renee Williams, MD, associate professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Langone and associate chair health equity, these figures highlight both success and persistent gaps in prevention. She advises that while noninvasive stool-based tests are good options for average-risk individuals, colonoscopy remains essential for those with a high-risk family history or symptoms such as rectal bleeding or unexplained weight loss. Dr. Williams also noted that the most effective screening test is the one a patient actually completes.
3/08/2026
How To Shield Yourself From Skin Cancer If You Exercise Outside, According to Dermatologists
Women's Health
An article on skin cancer prevention for outdoor athletes highlights the importance of sun protection. According to Elizabeth K. Hale, MD, clinical associate professor in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Langone Health, while exercise can improve a cancer prognosis by lowering stress and boosting immune function, it is critical to shield skin from UV damage. Dr. Hale advises planning outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun hours. She also recommends using protective clothing, such as hats and UPF tops, and reapplying sunscreen at least every 90 minutes during prolonged outdoor exposure.
Also reporting was: Aol, Yahoo Health
3/09/2026
A Guide to Understanding the Severity of Obesity
Everyday Health
A guide on obesity diagnosis and management notes that body mass index is an imperfect tool. According to Priya Jaisinghani, MD, endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist at NYU Langone Medical Associates—Penn District, BMI does not distinguish fat from muscle or reflect fat distribution. Doctors also consider waist size and other ratios. Dr. Jaisinghani states that a comprehensive treatment plan should include nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, behavioral support, and medication or surgery when indicated. She adds that care requires treating the whole person, not just the numbers on a scale.
3/09/2026
CXL Plus: The Latest Nomograms
Review of Ophthalmology
The article discusses the evolution of “CXL Plus” procedures for keratoconus, which combine photorefractive keratectomy and corneal collagen cross-linking. This approach was pioneered by A. J. Kanellopoulos, MD, clinical professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, who began testing methods in the 2000s. His research led to the Athens Protocol after he found that performing PRK and CXL simultaneously was superior to sequential procedures. This protocol has since inspired the development of several other CXL-Plus surgeries, and the article details the nuances between them.
3/09/2026
The 16 Foods Most Likely to Make You Fart – and How to Minimise Gas
Men's Health (UK)
Farts are caused by a combination of swallowed air and food, according to David A. Poppers, MD, PhD, а gastroenterologist and professor in NYU Langone's Department of Medicine, and director, GI Quality and Strategic Initiatives, Center for Women's Health and Center for Men's Health. He notes that while individual gut bacteria vary, certain foods are common offenders. The article lists foods high in non-digestible carbohydrates, such as cruciferous vegetables, whole grains, and beans, as likely to cause gas. Dr. Poppers also suggests seeing a gastroenterologist for severe abdominal pain after consuming dairy. To manage gas, he recommends keeping a food log and possibly using digestive aids.
3/09/2026
Neir’s Tavern in Woodhaven salutes four female health care heroes for Women’s History Month
QNS.com
Neir’s Tavern in Woodhaven is honoring four female healthcare leaders for Women’s History Month. Among the honorees is Tina Bianco, a registered nurse with over two decades of service in the Emergency Department at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island. Bianco is being recognized for her 30 years of service and community advocacy, including supporting free health clinics and assisting unhoused people. The other honorees are from Northwell Health and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. The tavern will highlight each woman on its social media channels throughout the month.
3/09/2026
Psychology Today
This article explores whether consciousness persists after clinical death, citing scientific research on near-death experiences. It highlights the work of Sam Parnia, MD, PhD, critical care physician and director of Critical Care and Resuscitation Research at NYU Langone Health. His AWARE study found that a significant minority of cardiac arrest survivors reported awareness of events that occurred while they were clinically dead. The piece suggests that such findings challenge the current medical understanding of consciousness, indicating that awareness may not terminate with the cessation of brain activity.
3/09/2026
