MDNews - Central New York

Urology Chair Gennady Bratslavsky, MD, (center) leads a large robotic surgery team for prostate, kidney and bladder cancers, as well as other complex urological surgeries. In addition, he has overseen many clinical trials to evaluate new therapies for urologic cancers and introduced novel technologies such as Uronav fusion platform for prostate cancer and blue light cystoscopy for bladder cancer. Michel Nasr, MD, Interim Chair of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine oversees the region's most specialized pathology department with 36 faculty members. The department aims to provide world-class services to patients and clinicians using cutting- edge technologies. Up next: The department is looking to further develop both digital pathology services and next generation sequencing technology to offer the most advanced laboratory diagnostics throughout Central and Northern New York. aligned to create what I came here to achieve, which is to trans- form Upstate into an academic heart care program that has the highest quality and most patient-focused care in the area." Dr. Green and his colleagues are well on their way to realizing his vision. Previously, Upstate performed approximately 50 cardiac surgeries per year, and it is now on track to perform 400 annu- ally — a 700% increase. The Division of Cardiology has doubled in size, thanks to an influx of new providers, and is looking to add new techniques and treatments for heart failure and structural heart disease. In the research realm, Upstate is studying a prosthetic bypass conduit as part of a $3 million grant with Cornell University, and leaders are investigating the possibility of creating a clinical database for aortic disease. "It is time for Upstate to achieve something big in heart care, which is a high strategic priority," Dr. Green says. "All credit for the growth we're experiencing goes to the management team we have in place now. Our leaders are aligned in how they think about heart care, and we have the right personalities on the team to build an academic center of excellence in heart care." MARK CHARLAMB, MD, FACC A cardiologist and alumnus of and former chief resident at Upstate, Dr. Charlamb joined the university's faculty on Sept. 1 with his colleagues — seven physicians and five nurse practitioners — from the Cardiovascular Group of Syracuse. That move doubled the number of cardiologists at the Upstate Heart Institute and increased the number of Upstate's outpatient cardiology clinics to six. For Dr. Charlamb, joining the faculty was a homecoming after 21 years in practice. "My colleagues and I are now part of Syracuse's only academic medical center, which allows us to work with residents and fellows in a teaching program," Dr. Charlamb says. "We're excited to grow our practice by working in an academic setting and collaborating with a variety of specialists across the institution." Innovation and Leadership for Future Sri Narsipur, MD, Interim Chair of Medicine, guides the largest clinical, research, and education department at Upstate. The 11 divisions that comprise medicine have made advances that help with both common and rare conditions, as well as reach underserved communities across 17 counties in Central New York. New services in development include a center for lupus research and tele-consulting for regional physicians and providers. Dr. Charlamb points to the leadership renewal that has taken place at Upstate as playing an instrumental role in his group's decision to join the university faculty. "Dr. Corona is a people person. He is easy to work with and brings a physician's perspective to the CEO role," Dr. Charlamb says. "He made our transition seamless and welcomed us with open arms. The technology at Upstate is of the highest caliber. The connectivity is great — EHRs are available across all campuses and practices, so we can read and review patients' studies from anywhere. Technology is constantly growing and changing, and it's important to keep up with it to stay efficient and produce the best outcomes for patients." To learn more, visit upstate.edu/hospital. n GREG CONNERS, MD, MPH, MBA, CHAIR OF PEDIATRICS AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE UPSTATE GOLISANO CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, notes that the recent 10th year celebration was crowned with a special announcement. A new $3 million gift from benefactor Thomas B. Golisano will estab- lish the Golisano Center for Special Needs. The center will allow Upstate to serve 7,600 children per year, a 167% increase compared to 2018. Conners also states that improving access to mental health care for teens is a pressing concern for the region, and one that will be helped by new adolescent psychiatric beds coming online. The inpatient unit will directly connect with outpatient services. Upstate departments are working with Hutchings and the Office of Mental Health to provide a continuum of care for these patients ages 12–17. M D N E W S . C O M /// M D N E W S C E N T R A L N E W Y O R K ■ 2 019 0 9

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