SUNY Downstate

11/20/2025

The Brooklyn Health Equity Index (BKHI)—a simple, 10-question survey that helps us learn directly from patients about their care experiences.

Developed with support from the New York Health Foundation, Healthfirst, and our community and clinical partners, BKHI aims to identify and address healthcare disparities while promoting fairness, compassion, and cultural sensitivity.

By uplifting patient voices, we continue to advance our mission of excellence, inclusion, and equitable care for all Brooklyn residents.

Click below for more info and to see our video:

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is one of the nation's leading urban medical centers, serving the people of Brooklyn since 1860.

11/19/2025

The November 18, 2025 Edition of the President's Bulletin, is now LIVE! Don't forget to check out the latest in , , and Downstate news! CLICK LINK BELOW to READ MORE!

11/14/2025

UHD Scores a Leapfrog “B”! Big Win for Patient Safety!

We’re excited to share that University Hospital at Downstate has earned a “B” grade from The Leapfrog Group—a meaningful acknowledgment of the safety improvements happening across our hospital.

This grade reflects solid performance in preventing medical errors, injuries, and infections, based on more than 30 national safety measures. As a safety-net hospital serving Central Brooklyn, this achievement shows significant momentum in strengthening care quality and carrying forward our commitment to .

A huge congratulations to Interim CEO Dr. Patricia A. Winston and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rami Nakeshbandi for their vital leadership in this accomplishment—and to our extraordinary UHD team of clinicians, nurses, technicians, environmental services and facilities staff, patient access teams, administrators, and everyone who works each day to keep our patients safe. Your dedication made this possible!

Let’s celebrate this win—and keep pushing forward together!

How safe is Downstate Health Sciences University, University Hospital at Downstate? Click here to learn how well they protect their patients from errors, infections, injuries, and accidents.

11/13/2025

This Transgender Awareness Week, Downstate honors the strength, courage, and lived experiences of transgender and nonbinary individuals in our community and beyond.

Visibility is more than being recognized—it’s about being safe, valued, and affirmed. We proudly stand with our transgender and nonbinary students, faculty, staff, patients, and alums, whose authenticity enriches the Downstate community.

As a public academic medical center, we are committed to providing inclusive, compassionate, and affirming healthcare. Through UHD’s gender-affirming services, we ensure that every person receives respectful, evidence-based care in an environment where they are welcomed for who they are.

Our commitment to advocacy and allyship doesn’t end this week—it’s an everyday promise to build a more equitable and supportive future for all.

11/10/2025

We got together with our veterans at Downstate to honor and thank them for their service to our country. We salute their contributions to safeguarding the American Dream and strengthening our shared sense of purpose. Thank you to all our veterans.

11/10/2025

This Nurse Practitioner Week, Downstate proudly honors the essential role of nurse practitioners (NPs) and the care, compassion, and clinical excellence they bring to patients every day.

Since the first NP program began in 1965, the profession has grown to meet the evolving needs of our healthcare system—providing comprehensive care, preventing disease, and promoting wellness in communities across the nation.

At Downstate’s College of Nursing, our NP programs—offering DNP degrees and Advanced Certificates in Family and Women’s Health—prepare clinicians who deliver high-quality, patient-centered care where it’s needed most.

We celebrate our nurse practitioners for their dedication, leadership, and advocacy in building healthier communities.

11/10/2025

This Veterans Day, Downstate proudly honors those who have served—and continue to serve—in every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. We recognize your courage, sacrifices, and steadfast commitment to protecting the freedoms we hold dear.

Many veterans call Brooklyn home, and many are part of our Downstate community—retired service members, active-duty personnel, and those with family ties to the military. To our students, faculty, and staff who serve or have served: thank you.

Please join us in recognition by watching a special video featuring Clarence Bryant, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator in Emergency Medicine.



Watch here:

Veterans Day: Honoring Service, Sacrifice, and a Shared Humanity For Clarence Bryant, Veterans Day is a reflection on the enduring brotherhood and sisterhood...

11/07/2025

This month, we join the nation in observing National Diabetes Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness, promote education, and encourage our community to assess their risk for diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects many in our community and can lead to serious health complications without proper management. Early screening and healthy lifestyle choices can make a real difference.

In Brooklyn, diabetes continues to be a major public health issue. We’re grateful to our UHD Endocrinology team for their dedication to keeping our community informed and healthier through education, prevention, and care.

Let’s take steps together toward a healthier Brooklyn.

11/06/2025

Register today for our 'Talk About Healthcare' on 11/13/2025 at 5 pm. Click link below to register:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/healthfirst-talk-about-healthcare-tickets-1802763747899

11/06/2025

This November, we join the nation in celebrating Native American Heritage Month — honoring the rich cultures, wisdom, and resilience of Indigenous peoples.

Downstate stands on the traditional lands of the Lenape, including the Canarsee band, whose deep connection to this region shaped what we now know as Brooklyn and Long Island. Their ancient walking paths became Flatbush, Atlantic, and Fulton Streets — a living testament to their legacy.

We honor the healing traditions of Native peoples — the first healers, caregivers, and advocates for holistic well-being — whose understanding of balance between body, spirit, and environment continues to guide us.

This month reminds us to reflect, learn, and take action toward equity, representation, and justice for all Indigenous communities.

11/05/2025

We hosted our annual Flu Fair this week for staff and students.

Our vaccine team did an outstanding job organizing the Flu Fair and we commend the team for their dedication, professionalism, and hard work in keeping our community healthy.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Flu Fair a success and to all who continue keeping Downstate safe for ourselves and our patients!

11/05/2025

The November 4, 2025 Edition of the President's Bulletin, is now LIVE! Don't forget to check out the latest in , , and Downstate news! CLICK LINK BELOW to READ MORE!