The Clark Burn Center at Upstate

04/30/2026

Thank you to Hudson Valley Community College Department of Public Safety for inviting the Clark Burn Center to provide burn care education for first responders and healthcare professionals.

Today, Tamara Roberts, MSN, RN, CBRN, Burn Program Manager, presented “Initial Management of the Burn and/or Inhalation Injury Patient” to first responders. The session focused on the critical role first responders play in the early moments of burn care, including scene safety, decontamination, mechanism of injury, initial assessment, airway concerns, inhalation injury, hypothermia prevention, fluid resuscitation, and when to consider transfer to a burn center using American Burn Association referral guidance.

Kelly Reed, RN, CHRN, Burn Injury Prevention and Education Outreach Coordinator, also presented to healthcare professionals on burn nursing theory and the care of the burn injured patient.

Thank you to everyone who attended and for the service you provide to your communities. Your work is essential, and we appreciate your commitment to learning, preparedness, and caring for burn injured patients.

Image 1 description: Auditorium screen showing the presentation title, “Initial Management of the Burn and/or Inhalation Injury Patient,” presented by Tamara Roberts, MSN, RN, CBRN, Burn Program Manager, at Hudson Valley Community College.

Image 2 description: Tamara Roberts, MSN, RN, CBRN, Burn Program Manager, stands at a podium next to a projected “Course Purpose” slide during the burn care education presentation.

04/25/2026

The Clark Burn Center is excited to be part of Healthy Kids Day at the Oneida Family YMCA today, Saturday, April 25!

Stop by and see us to learn about burn injury prevention, fire safety, home escape planning, and ways to help keep children and families safe at home.

Thank you to the Oneida Family YMCA for inviting us to be part of this great community event. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

Today, Saturday, April 25
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Oneida Family YMCA

Get ready for a morning of non-stop action! Healthy Kids Day is almost here, and we’ve packed the schedule at both the Rome and Oneida YMCAs to keep your family moving and grooving.

From high-energy games to creative stations, there is something for every age:

👉Get Moving: Test your skills on the obstacle courses, jump around in the bounce houses, or try out youth fitness demos.

👉Get Creative: Dive into hands-on arts and crafts, face painting, and interactive STEM activities.

👉Stay Healthy: Chat with local community vendors and grab wellness tips to keep the whole family feeling their best.

👉Special for Oneida: Come hungry! The Deli-Licious food truck will be on-site serving up incredible eats while you play.

👉Special for Rome: Try out our Golf Simulator and tour our new facility renovations!

Whether you’re racing through the gym or making a masterpiece, it’s all about celebrating healthy, active kids. Best part? It’s FREE and open to everyone!

📍 Locations: Rome & Oneida Family YMCAs
🗓️ Save the Date: Saturday, April 25th from 9am to 12pm

Visit our website for a full listing of activities in each location: https://www.ymcatrivalley.org/events/hkd

04/24/2026

During Autism Awareness Month, we are proud to share a new home fire escape social story created to support children with autism and their families.

Developed by the Clark Burn Center and a team of experts, this resource helps make fire safety education clear, supportive, and accessible. A clear pocket allows families to add their own photos, helping make the story more familiar and meaningful for each child.

Coming soon in print, thanks to a generous donation through The Upstate Foundation Advocates Grant.

Image description: Cover of a children’s social story titled “My Family’s Home Fire Escape Plan.” A family stands outside their home holding a fire escape plan.

04/16/2026

We are grateful to the NYSBOC Central Chapter for supporting the Clark Burn Center. We truly appreciate your generosity and the difference it makes in the lives and healing journey of the patients and families we serve.

We are grateful to the NYS Building Officials Conference Central Chapter for their generous support of the The Clark Burn Center at Upstate Enhancement Fund.

As professionals dedicated to building safety and often serving as current or former first responders, members of the NYSBOC Central Chapter understand the critical importance of preparedness, protection and care in moments of crisis. Their gift helps ensure that patients receiving care at the Clark Burn Center have access to advanced equipment, innovative technology and the comfort and care amenities that support not just survival, but recovery and healing.

04/15/2026

The Clark Burn Center is proud to have its multidisciplinary team represented at the American Burn Association Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.

The American Burn Association Annual Conference brings together professionals from across the field of burn care to share research, clinical expertise, and best practices that advance prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery.

We are especially proud of our presenters and of the many disciplines represented by our team. Participation in conferences like this supports professional growth, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the continued strengthening of care for the patients, families, and communities we serve.



Image descriptions:
1. Dr. Joan Dolinak, Burn Program Medical Director, and Dr. Alex Helkin, Burn Attending Surgeon, pose together wearing conference badges in front of an American Burn Association backdrop.
2. Clark Burn Center multidisciplinary team members pose together in front of an American Burn Association backdrop at the conference in Orlando, Florida.

04/03/2026

The Clark Burn Center is so grateful for the opportunity to work with this team. New York State Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services,Office of Fire Prevention and Control Community Risk Reduction Unit led this collaborative effort, bringing partners together to provide burn and fire prevention education for Broome County seniors. Their work helped connect the community with valuable safety education, services, and resources. We are grateful to be part of it and excited for more to come.

03/30/2026

Celebrating excellence this National Physicians Week, we are proud to highlight Dr. Mohamed Ismail Aly!

Dr. Aly brings over 20 years of surgical expertise to the Clark Burn Center, with advanced training completed in Scotland and England. After seven years of practice in Manchester, he joined our team in 2023, bringing a wealth of international experience and a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to plastic surgery recovery and burn care.

His clinical care is defined by precision, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to helping survivors heal, while restoring confidence after injury. Dr. Aly is known for his meticulous attention to detail, and dedication to advancing recovery outcomes. He consistently delivers the highest quality of care, leaving a lasting and meaningful impact on patients, and families. We are incredibly fortunate to have his talent, and knowledge, as part of our team.

Outside the hospital, Dr. Aly enjoys staying active through running and cycling, exploring new destinations through travel, and cheering on his favorite soccer team, Tottenham Hotspur. When it’s time to unwind, you’ll often find him in a quiet corner immersed in classical literature.

We are honored to recognize Dr. Aly for his dedication, skill, and compassionate commitment to exceptional patient care

03/30/2026

Today, on National Doctor’s Day, we are proud to recognize and celebrate one of the exceptional physicians who helps lead and shape the care we provide at the Clark Burn Center.

We are proud to highlight Dr. Alex Helkin, a dedicated member of our burn and trauma team whose journey has come full circle.

Dr. Helkin began his surgical career right here at Upstate, where he completed his residency and built the strong foundation which continues to guide his practice today. He went on to further refine his expertise with a fellowship in critical care at the University of Pennsylvania.

Before returning to Upstate, Dr. Helkin spent several years at The Ohio State University, where he contributed to a high-acuity surgical program and continued to grow as both a clinician and a leader. Now back where it all started, he brings with him a wealth of experience, a passion for excellence, and a deep commitment to patient-centered care.

As a burn and trauma surgeon, Dr. Helkin plays a vital role in caring for some of our most vulnerable patients. His clinical expertise, calm presence, and team-oriented approach make him an invaluable part of our program.

Outside of the hospital, Dr. Helkin enjoys spending his time cooking and exploring new recipes, as well as learning to play the guitar. Embracing both creativity and balance in his life beyond medicine.

Returning to Upstate was more than just a career move, it was a meaningful homecoming. Dr. Helkin is passionate about giving back to the institution which shaped him and is deeply invested in supporting and mentoring the next generation of surgeons.

We are grateful to have him at Upstate, where his dedication continues to strengthen our team and elevate the care we provide to our community.

03/30/2026

Today, on National Doctor’s Day, we are proud to recognize and celebrate one of the exceptional physicians who helps lead and shape the care we provide at the Clark Burn Center.
 
At the heart of the Clark Burn Center is exceptional leadership, and we are proud to recognize Dr. Joan Dolinak, our Medical Director, burn surgeon, and unwavering advocate for patient-centered care.
 
For over thirteen years at Upstate, Dr. Dolinak has brought passion, expertise, and innovation to every aspect of our program. From spearheading our laser clinic to advancing scar management for burn survivors, her work continues to transform recovery and restore quality of life for our patients. Her commitment extends far beyond the bedside, she is deeply engaged in education and research, always striving to elevate the standard of burn care for both patients and their families.
 
Dr. Dolinak’s compassion, energy, and dedication are felt throughout our team and community. Outside of the hospital, she finds joy in nature. Whether hiking, exploring the outdoors, gardening, or spending time with her beloved dog, Bagheera. Her love for wildlife and the natural world reflects the same care and attentiveness she brings to her patients every day.
 
We are grateful for her leadership, inspired by her passion, and proud to have her guiding the future of burn care at the Clark Burn Center.

03/26/2026

Tracey is the nurse manager of the Burn Unit and 8E, and an incredible nurse, leader, and mentor to so many. She is a strong advocate for patients and families and is deeply passionate about the care our patients receive. She is deeply committed to the professional development and well-being of her staff and has empowered her nurses to provide the best possible care for all of our patients.

Congratulations, Tracey. This recognition is so well deserved. We are so lucky to have you as part of the team!

Congratulations to our March Inpatient Nurse Manager of the Month: Tracey McKee!

Tracey takes the time to truly listen to her team’s concerns and approaches every challenge with thoughtful solutions. She consistently supports her staff, showing a genuine commitment to their well-being and professional growth.

When challenges arise, Tracey steps in to empower her team while fostering open communication and collaboration. Through her emotional intelligence, empathy, and dedication to developing others, she ensures her team has the resources they need to succeed.

Her compassionate leadership inspires those around her and makes a lasting impact on nursing practice every day.

Thank you for your incredible leadership!

03/24/2026

Today we are recognizing Diabetes Alert Day by sharing an important burn prevention reminder.
For people living with diabetes, neuropathy can make it harder to feel heat or injury. Burns may happen quickly and go unnoticed.
Take steps to stay safe:
• Check water temperature
• Keep feet away from heaters
• Avoid heating pads and hot water bottles
• Inspect feet daily
• Seek care right away for a burn
Do not delay care.

03/20/2026

We are incredibly grateful to Catholic Charities,Syracuse and The Center in Utica for welcoming us to provide burn injury prevention and fire safety education for newly arriving refugees.
Burn and fire safety education is especially valuable during times of transition. When families are adjusting to a new home and new surroundings, clear prevention education can help increase awareness, prevent injuries, and promote safer daily routines.
Thank you for the opportunity to partner in this meaningful work.