PhD Candidate Bryce Rowan Shares How the Resources at Mount Sinai Are Instrumental in Helping Him Reach His Goals

Apr 22, 2024 | Featured

Bryce Rowan

Bryce Rowan is a third-year doctoral candidate in the Genetics and Genomics multidisciplinary training area (MTA) of the PhD in Biomedical Sciences program. In this Q & A, he discusses why he chose to study at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

What attracted you to this area of study?

I am interested in translational work and being able to apply my findings to human studies in attempts to aid in improving the equitable study and treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases.

Why continue your education with a PhD in Biomedical Sciences?

I need a PhD to understand research strategies and manage multiple projects. This will enable me to become a Principal Investigator one day.

 Why did you choose to study at Icahn Mount Sinai?

The resources at Icahn Mount Sinai drew me to the program. We have functional genomics datasets and biobank datasets with plenty of computational storage and computing power to properly analyze these datasets.

What activities outside the classroom have contributed to your success?

Finding community, specifically friends outside of the graduate program, helps provide balance and is necessary for work-life balance. Volunteering my time by mentoring and working to produce an environment that better accounts for mental health and wellness through the Trainee Health and Wellness program also provides me with a way to give back to the graduate school community. Having a life outside of work is imperative, and giving back is crucial to success.

What are your plans after you complete your PhD?

I’m seeking a job as a postdoctoral fellow where I can gain independent funding, while also having more independent projects. My training in the PhD program makes this a good next step for my career.

Learn more about the PhD in Biomedical Sciences program at Icahn Mount Sinai

Annual Gala Celebrates Advances in Prostate Cancer Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai

Updated on Apr 22, 2024 | Featured, Research

Frorm left: James Tisch, Co-Chairman of the Boards of Trustees of the Mount Sinai Health System, Dennis Charney, MD, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Ash Tewari, MBBS, MCh.

The Milton and Carroll Petrie Department of Urology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai hosted its annual Prostate Cancer Research Gala and exceeded its goal of raising more than $1 million for the Center of Excellence for Prostate Cancer within the Department of Urology. Its mission is to eliminate prostate cancer through programs that support innovative research, patient care, prevention, and education for students, trainees, professionals, and the public.

“We are fortunate that at Mount Sinai the best minds across specialties like immunology, pathology, medical oncology, radiology, and others collaborate with the common goal of making prostate cancer insignificant while improving the quality of life for our patients,” said Ash Tewari, MBBS, MCh, Chair of the Department of Urology at the Mount Sinai Health System and the Kyung Hyun Kim, MD Professor of Urology at Icahn Mount Sinai, who spearheaded the gala and directs the Center of Excellence.

Goutam Chakraborty, PhD, left, and Dr. Charney

More than 200 people attended the event, which was held Wednesday, April 10, at the Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center. Actor and singer Peter Gallagher served as the emcee for the evening.

At the event, the second annual Steven Southwick, MD Memorial Award was presented to Goutam Chakraborty, PhD, Assistant Professor, Urology, and Oncological Sciences and a member of The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai. Named after renowned researcher and scientist Steven M. Southwick—a leading expert in psychological trauma and human resilience, who passed away in 2022 after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer—this award recognizes outstanding achievements in prostate cancer research.

Dr. Chakraborty was honored for his focus on lethal metastatic prostate cancer, which has no available treatments. He and his team made the groundbreaking discovery that the BRCA2 gene—most commonly known for its link to breast cancer—also has a connection to prostate cancer. Dr. Chakraborty is now looking at how mutations of genes like BRCA2 change cells from benign to metastatic disease, potentially leading to important new therapies.

“Research is like climbing a mountain, like climbing Everest, but we have not reached the top of Everest yet,” said Dr. Chakraborty in a video shown at the event. “Every day is a different challenge.”

Dr. Tewari, left, and John A. Levin

The gala also honored John A. Levin, who was recognized for his extraordinary commitment to the Prostate Cancer Program and longtime leadership on the Mount Sinai Board of Trustees. Dr. Tewari praised Mr. Levin’s unwavering support of the Mount Sinai Health System’s efforts to redefine cancer care, including his involvement with the International Prostate Cancer and Urology Symposium held at Mount Sinai, which draws the world’s top experts together to explore the latest advancements and challenges in urological cancer.

“His philanthropy has made an immense impact, not just on our prostate cancer program, but on a global understanding of prostate cancer, and to Mount Sinai itself, guiding and supporting research in different subspecialties,” said Dr. Tewari in a video.

In accepting the award, Mr. Levin noted that he’s proud to be part of Mount Sinai’s extraordinary service to New York City and beyond.

“We treat an enormous number of people. It is also an education arm and a research institution which creates new drugs, creates new devices,” he said in a video. “It’s really being part of a community and I want to help that community in whatever limited capacity I can.”

Learn more about the Prostate Cancer Research Gala

Team at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital Performs Milestone Procedure With Newly FDA-Approved Therapy

Updated on Apr 19, 2024 | Featured

Members of the team at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, from left: Lucy Safi, DO, FACC, FASE, FSCAI, Sahil Khera, MD, MPH, Gilbert H.L. Tang, MD, MBA, MSc, Stamatios Lerakis, MD, PhD, David H. Adams, MD, Samin K. Sharma, MD, Annapoorna S. Kini, MD, Parasuram Krishnamoorthy, MD, and Jin Kang, MD.

A team at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, with Gilbert H.L. Tang, MD, MBA, MSc, Surgical Director of the Structural Heart Program, and Annapoorna S. Kini, MD, Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, and team performing one of the first tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) procedures in the United States with a newly Food and Drug Administration-approved therapy.

This new therapy revolutionizes the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation, a condition in which the valve between the two right heart chambers (right ventricle and right atrium) doesn’t close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the right atrium of the heart. This minimally invasive therapy repairs the tricuspid valve without the need for open-heart surgery.

“Having a first transcatheter repair device approved for patients with tricuspid regurgitation is a game changer,” says Dr. Tang. “We have already performed several procedures since FDA approval and their recoveries have truly been remarkable.”

“The tricuspid TEER therapy will be a life saver for many patients who can’t undergo open heart surgery,” says Samin K. Sharma, MD, Director of Interventional Cardiology for Mount Sinai Health System.

David H. Adams, MD, Cardiac Surgeon-in-Chief of the Mount Sinai Health System, was one of the two national co-principal investigators who ran the clinical trial that secured FDA approval for tricuspid TEER. Trial results showed its safety, and found that it reduced the severity of tricuspid regurgitation and enhanced quality of life for patients.

“As we celebrate this pivotal moment, we’re filled with gratitude for the dedication of our team at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital,” says Dr. Sharma. “Together, we’re shaping a future where innovative treatments bring hope and healing to those in need.”

Learn more about the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital

How the Intersection of Biology and Technology Inspired Angie Ramirez to Study Biomedical Data Science at Mount Sinai

Updated on Apr 16, 2024 | Featured, School

Angie V Ramirez Jimenez

Angie V Ramirez Jimenez is a second-year student in the Master of Science in Biomedical Data Science program. In this Q&A, she discusses why she chose the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Why did you decide to study at Icahn Mount Sinai?

After completing my undergraduate degree, I came to Mount Sinai to work as a research associate in the lab of Michelle E. Ehrlich, MD, and Samuel Gandy, MD, PhD, in the Neurology Department. There I had the opportunity to work on various projects that investigate the mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, dystonia, and Huntington’s disease, and learn about all the research opportunities that were available at Mount Sinai. The chance to learn from professors at the forefront of biomedical research made it the ideal place for me to expand my knowledge and skills.

What attracted you to study Biomedical Data Science? What about it inspires you?

My journey into Biomedical Data Science stemmed from a fascination with the intersection of biology and technology. The realization of the potential of programming to revolutionize scientific research sparked my interest in this field. I was inspired by the ability of data science to unlock insights from various biological datasets, leading to a deeper understanding of complex biological systems. The prospect of using data to drive advancements in precision medicine and ultimately improve patient outcomes motivated me to pursue a career in Biomedical Data Science.

What were some of your achievements as a master’s student?

During my time as a master’s student, I trained and worked in the Bioinformatics for Next Generation Sequencing (BiNGS) core at The Tish Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai. At the core, I was able to contribute to various projects, in addition to my own capstone project, which included assessing the effectiveness of a novel keratinocyte differentiation protocol on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs), as well as investigating the impact of different extracellular matrix (ECM) environments on cancer cell dormancy. For my capstone project, I analyzed RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and CUT&RUN data to dissect the epigenetic and transcriptional landscapes of hepatocellular carcinoma models.

What activities outside the classroom have contributed to your success?

I believe that my involvement in research projects outside the classroom have been pivotal to my success. As an undergrad, I went on a research trip to Costa Rica to investigate the resilience of microbial communities in Costa Rica’s rainforests post-hurricane. This was the first time I was part of real-world scientific research, and thanks to that, I saw a side of research I had not seen in the classroom—large-scale data analysis and how powerful it can be in understanding complex biological interactions.

This experience helped me realize this was something I wanted to pursue and once I started working in the Ehrlich/Gandy lab I was able to pursue my interest in bioinformatics and work alongside great postdocs who mentored me on how to do various types of analysis.

I’ve also worked at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, New Jersey, where I taught kids how to do different lab experiences. I think working with the kids really taught me how not to make assumptions about how much people may know about a topic, which really helps me when trying to teach others. I also learned that everyone has the power to make an impact on others even when we may not realize it.

I think that just being open minded and not closing yourself off to opportunities, even when they seem very daunting or even insignificant, when they come is really what helps you learn and grow. Sometimes opportunities arise from the most unexpected places, but you will never find them if you don’t put yourself out there.

What are your plans after you have completed your degree?

I plan to continue my journey in the field of Biomedical Data Science. My goal is to help make a positive impact in the biomedical field, potentially preventing others from experiencing the loss of loved ones to diseases like cancer. In the distant future, I also hope to open a bike shop that can also serve as a sort of community center where people can connect with others and learn about bikes.

Learn more about the Master of Science in Biomedical Data Science program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Seasonal Allergies in Kids and How to Manage Them

Updated on Apr 11, 2024 | Featured, Your Health

Most everyone enjoys the warmer days of spring and the budding flowers and trees all around. But this also means that the pollen count is high and allergy season is back too. For parents, it’s always nice to send the kids outside to play. But when kids experience allergies, it can be frustrating. The sneezing, runny nose, itchy watery eyes, and nasal congestion can seem endless.

Scott Sicherer, MD

Managing spring allergies doesn’t need to be so difficult, and if you understand what triggers your child’s allergies, you can help them feel better. The key is to try to limit your child’s exposure to pollen from trees, flowers, grasses, weeds, and mold.

Here are the top ten ways to help give you child—and you—relief from seasonal allergies from a a leading pediatric allergist, Scott Sicherer, MD, Director of the Elliot and Roslyn Jaffe Food Allergy Institute and Chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology in the Department of Pediatrics.

  • Plan ahead and follow the weather and pollen counts. When the counts are elevated or when it is windy, plan for indoor activities and go outdoors when the counts go down and wind lessens. If traveling, look at the pollen count in that area and plan accordingly.
  • Keep the windows closed at home and in the car and use the air conditioner instead. Make sure to clean the filters often to keep the pollen away.
  • After being outdoors, change clothes and rinse off, and shower to wash away the pollen that may be on your child’s body.
  • Pets can bring pollen inside the home, so wipe them down with a damp cloth and bathe them regularly.
  • Wash your child’s hands after playing outdoors so pollen particles don’t go on the face or in the eyes. If your child plays outdoors, have them avoid wet moist areas where mold can grow and tall areas of grass. Keep your child indoors when the grass is mowed.
  • Use nasal rinses to eliminate the irritants.
  • Drink lots of fluids and stay well hydrated.
  • Wear a hat and sunglasses to avoid pollen going in the eyes when outdoors.
  • You can try to lessen your child’s symptoms by giving them over-the-counter medications like antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroids, and eye drops.
  • Notify your child’s school about their allergies and symptoms and be sure an allergy treatment plan is in place.

If you have questions or if you are concerned that your child may have allergies, contact your child’s pediatrician and/or a pediatric allergy specialist.

Learn more abut Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at Mount Sinai
Learn more about Pediatrics at Mount Sinai

Dear Mount Sinai: Thank You

Apr 9, 2024 | Community, Featured

For National Doctors’ Day, Mount Sinai asked patients how they felt about their doctor. About 300 people responded by leaving short notes of thanks for doctors, their staff, and for all those who made it possible. You can read the notes here on a special website.

Notes like this: “Mount Sinai doctors have saved my life on more than one occasion. First when I had a brain aneurysm and then when I had an appendectomy. Thank you to all of them and to my present team of care. Gratitude to all the staff at Mount Sinai.” – Gladys Franceschi

Or this: “I am beyond blessed to have the following Mount Sinai physicians: Dr. Thomas Schiano has pulled me through so many rough times since my liver transplant. Dr. Kevin Dunsky has literally saved my life. Mount Sinai saved my life at least 3 times!”  – Colleen Jackson

Or this: “Dr. Kathryn Dubowski, your care at Mount Sinai changed my life. I arrived struggling to breathe, but thanks to your dedication, I can now breathe normally. Your compassion is unmatched, and I’m endlessly grateful.” – Bryan Medina

Their reasons for giving thanks were many and varied. Some expressed thanks to their doctor for saving their life. Or giving them back their life. Some for helping them get through a very difficult period in their life.

Some for diagnosing a problem others outside Mount Sinai had been unable to find. Some for many years, even decades, of expert medical treatment. Some for contributions to the community.

Some for advocating on their behalf, for giving them confidence, for understanding their pain, for offering relief.

Even some out of towners who ended up in a Mount Sinai emergency department expressed thanks. “In the past few years, I have become so disenchanted with our medical system. In a visit to NYC last year, I fell and hit my head. While at the ER, my faith was restored. Everyone there was so supportive and caring. I have never been treated so kind.” – Catherine Patrick

Many expressed thanks to their Mount Sinai doctors and staff for just listening, for answering their questions, for spending extra time with them, for always offering a friendly greeting, for expressing compassion.

In a word, for caring.

Here are some more notes:

Dr. Fabian at the Dickenson Center for MS has been a life changing doctor. She goes above and beyond to listen, understand, have compassion for and offer compassion to her patients. She is the greatest medical professional I’ve ever worked with. – Kirsten Hughson

Dr. Irie has been my oncologist for the past 5 years. In those 5 years she has shown me nothing but empathy, respect, and compassion. As a young cancer survivor I’m grateful to have a doctor who I can trust. Thank you for all that you do Dr. Irie!  – Roshni Kamta

Dr. Dubinsky was my doctor throughout my two pregnancies, including between my pregnancies when my Crohns was out of control, and she gave it all to get it under control and I’ve been in remission ever since – deepest remission I’ve ever been in!

Dr. John Mascarenhas made a difference in our lives. When my husband was dealing with leukemia, Dr. Mascarenhas was not just a doctor but acted as a family member. He put the best team together, he came on a day he was not for a consult. Incredible  – Kikelomo Ogundiran

I had a 14 hour surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from my nasal septum. Dr. Genden and his surgical team were absolutely amazing! They saved my life and I am forever grateful to them for all their top notch skills and dedication! Awesome doctors!  – Claire Lisanti

Dr. Blair Hammond is an incredible physician. She listens to our needs, concerns, and makes us feel as she has all the time in the world for us despite having a bustling waiting room of sick children. She’s just simply a pediatric gem! – Jacqueline Rose Zeigler

Dr. Kapka is passionate about population health and encourages changes towards it. Her effort in promoting healthy behaviors and addressing social determinants of health is commendable. She is making a real difference in the lives of patients/community

Dr. Anuradha Singh has been my specialist doctor for many years, I followed her from Bellevue Hospital. She has been empathetic, a good listener, an encourager, and my supportor thru out the years. She has help me feel empowered to improve my health – Felipe Rosado Jr.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my father’s highly skilled and compassionate surgeon Dr. Ismail El-Hamamsy and his entire cardiac team for safely repairing his ascending aortic aneurysm and valve. Dr. El-Hamamsy and his team are the best! – Lucia Panico

Happy Doctors’ Day! Dr. Zaw Naing – Thank you for your almost 30 years of incredible service to our healthcare community. Your dedication, compassion, and expertise have improved countless lives, and we are grateful for all that you do.  – Michele Ramirez

Dr. Mocco has been my doctor and he and his team have been fantastic pre, during, and post! I’d like to give a toast to them all! I saw him late in the fall and he dealt with my blocked right artery and ended up putting two stents in to open it up! – Dave Sweeney

Dr. Ripp does more than just listen to my complaints– many because I am almost 103! He acts on them promptly and thoughtfully. I feel totally cared for since Dr. Ripp and his team have become part of my team. – Sophie Gerber

My right hand was painful and swollen to the point I could use it. My local rheumatologist prescribed prednisone, but couldn’t find the cause. At Mount Sinai, Dr Olivia Ghaw was able to diagnose and treat me for psoriatic arthritis. I am so grateful! – Sheryl Rain Worthington

Read all of the notes to Mount Sinai doctors and staff. The annual observance is March 30.

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