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Nurses today are likely to have more training and to seek further training than their counterparts a generation ago, say Upstate‘s chief nursing officer, Nurses today are likely to have more training and to seek further training than their counterparts a generation ago, say Upstate‘s chief nursing officer, Nancy Page, RN Nancy Page, RN (pictured, right), and clinical coordinator for palliative care, (pictured, right), and clinical coordinator for palliative care, Archie McEvers, NP Archie McEvers, NP. The nursing profession recognized that higher levels of training brought higher skill levels and better patient care, Page says. Today‘s shorter hospital stays and advances in technology demand nurses with ever higher levels of education and efficiency, so the incentive for additional training will continue, McEvers adds.. The nursing profession recognized that higher levels of training brought higher skill levels and better patient care, Page says. Today‘s shorter hospital stays and advances in technology deman

Complications often develop after a person undergoes gender reassignment surgery, and a urologist at Complications often develop after a person undergoes gender reassignment surgery, and a urologist at Upstate Upstate has developed expertise in providing surgical repair and ongoing urologic care to these patients. has developed expertise in providing surgical repair and ongoing urologic care to these patients. Dmitriy Nikolavsky, MD, Dmitriy Nikolavsky, MD, director of reconstructive urology at Upstate, says a variety of complications may develop after an operation to alter the genitalia. He welcomes patients from throughout the United States because he is one of few urologists specializing in repair work after gender reassignment surgery. "Even if they do not have complications, they still need to have continuing urologic care," Nikolavsky says. Also in the interview, director of reconstructive urology at Upstate, says a variety of complications may develop after an operation to alter the genitalia. He welco

Upstate Upstate 's new transplant division chief discusses how pancreas transplants would benefit some people with diabetes. 's new transplant division chief discusses how pancreas transplants would benefit some people with diabetes. Rainer Gruessner, MD Rainer Gruessner, MD, explains that a new pancreas can provide a person with a normal blood sugar level and halt the development of diabetic complications, such as kidney failure. "It's life saving, but it's also life enhancing," he says of the operation. And, improvements in immunosuppressant medications make pancreas transplants an option for more people., explains that a new pancreas can provide a person with a normal blood sugar level and halt the development of diabetic complications, such as kidney failure. "It's life saving, but it's also life enhancing," he says of the operation. And, improvements in immunosuppressant medications make pancreas transplants an option for more people.

Advances in cancer research are ushering in precision treatments designed to be more effective and less toxic to the patient. These treatments aim to zero in on a tumor and are less concerned with where it originated, says Advances in cancer research are ushering in precision treatments designed to be more effective and less toxic to the patient. These treatments aim to zero in on a tumor and are less concerned with where it originated, says Stephen Graziano, MD, Stephen Graziano, MD, Upstate's division chief of hematology and oncology. This could mean, for example, that a patient takes an oral medicine at home, with less nausea and hair loss than in traditional chemotherapy. Graziano cautions, however, that these treatments tend to be for a small percentage of patients and usually for more advanced cases. The high cost of these precision treatments will also need to be addressed, probably by Congress, he said. Upstate's division chief of hematology and oncology. This could mean, for example, that a patient t

Donald Siegel, PhD, a Syracuse University earth sciences professor, talks about fracking on Upstate's weekly talk radio show, HealthLInk on Air. Donald Siegel, PhD, a Syracuse University earth sciences professor, talks about fracking on Upstate's weekly talk radio show, HealthLInk on Air. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, brings with it a controversial mix of issues that range from public health and science to jobs and politics. As with any energy production process, there are drawbacks to pumping water and chemicals underground to extract oil and gas, explains Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, brings with it a controversial mix of issues that range from public health and science to jobs and politics. As with any energy production process, there are drawbacks to pumping water and chemicals underground to extract oil and gas, explains Donald Siegel, PhD, Donald Siegel, PhD, department chair of earth sciences at Syracuse University. Siegel explores the scientific evidence on fracking, advocates the use of ren

Rakesh Khanna, MD is interviewed for Upstate's weekly talk radio show, HealthLink on Air. Rakesh Khanna, MD is interviewed for Upstate's weekly talk radio show, HealthLink on Air. Men with prostate cancer are often advised to hold off on radical treatment to see whether they can maintain a normal life while a doctor monitors the disease. This strategy of “active surveillance” involves testing and exams, says Upstate urologist Men with prostate cancer are often advised to hold off on radical treatment to see whether they can maintain a normal life while a doctor monitors the disease. This strategy of “active surveillance” involves testing and exams, says Upstate urologist Rakesh Khanna, MD Rakesh Khanna, MD, and a less aggressive variation is called “watchful waiting.” Both aim to avoid the incontinence and impotence that can result from surgery or radiation treatment, says Khanna, who also explains the promise and limitations of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing to screen for prostate cancer., and a les

January 3, 2016 January 3, 2016 Upstate cardiologist Upstate cardiologist Harold Smulyan, MD Harold Smulyan, MD, and infectious disease expert, and infectious disease expert Donald Blair, MD Donald Blair, MD, take a historical look at a deadly heart infection. Upstate assistant vice president Thomas Pelis shares how big institutions, such as Upstate Medical University, are going green. Bioethics and humanities assistant professor, take a historical look at a deadly heart infection. Upstate assistant vice president Thomas Pelis shares how big institutions, such as Upstate Medical University, are going green. Bioethics and humanities assistant professor Thomas Curran, MD Thomas Curran, MD, and associate professor, and associate professor Robert Olick, JD, PhD Robert Olick, JD, PhD, discuss the importance of the health care proxy., discuss the importance of the health care proxy.

Professor of psychiatry Professor of psychiatry Stephen Faraone, PhD, Stephen Faraone, PhD, provides an update on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Concussion expert provides an update on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Concussion expert Brian Rieger, PhD Brian Rieger, PhD, tells about winter head injuries. Pulmonologist Lawrence Kurlandsky, MD (retired), explains his research into Christmas tree syndrome. And pediatrician, tells about winter head injuries. Pulmonologist Lawrence Kurlandsky, MD (retired), explains his research into Christmas tree syndrome. And pediatrician Steven Blatt, MD Steven Blatt, MD, discusses what to do about dry skin., discusses what to do about dry skin.

One source of stress is believing you don't have enough time, money or energy. Those feelings can hit as people deal with the “extra stuff” of the holiday season, such as socializing, decorating and gift giving, says One source of stress is believing you don't have enough time, money or energy. Those feelings can hit as people deal with the “extra stuff” of the holiday season, such as socializing, decorating and gift giving, says Upstate Upstate psychologist psychologist Rich O'Neill, PhD Rich O'Neill, PhD. To keep the holidays positive, he suggests that people set realistic expectations, do what worked well in the past, learn to say no and take time to regroup. Making simple, personal connections is a better idea than aiming for perfection, he adds.. To keep the holidays positive, he suggests that people set realistic expectations, do what worked well in the past, learn to say no and take time to regroup. Making simple, personal connections is a better idea than aiming for perfection, he adds.

December 20, 2015 December 20, 2015 Gynecologist Gynecologist Renee Mestad, MD Renee Mestad, MD, goes over the current contraceptive options. Psychologist, goes over the current contraceptive options. Psychologist Rich O'Neill, PhD Rich O'Neill, PhD, talks about how to survive holiday stress. Elizabeth Sapio from the  , talks about how to survive holiday stress. Elizabeth Sapio from the   Safe Kids Upstate NY Coalition Safe Kids Upstate NY Coalition gives tips on keeping kids safe from accidents at this time of year. gives tips on keeping kids safe from accidents at this time of year.

A cardiologist ( A cardiologist ( Harold Smulyan, MD Harold Smulyan, MD, left) and an infectious disease expert (, left) and an infectious disease expert ( Donald Blair, MD) Donald Blair, MD) from Upstate look at the history of infective endocarditis -- an inflammation of the inner lining of the heart and its tissues, usually caused by a bacterial infection -- in a paper published in the from Upstate look at the history of infective endocarditis -- an inflammation of the inner lining of the heart and its tissues, usually caused by a bacterial infection -- in a paper published in the American Journal of the Medical Sciences. American Journal of the Medical Sciences. The disease was first reported in the early 1800s, and Smulyan explains that "before the development of antibiotics, this disease was uniformly fatal." His research identifies a number of famous patients who died from infective endocarditis, including Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1796; composer Gustay Mahler in 1907; German physician Alois Alzheim

Securing a baby in a car seat or preventing a toddler from choking require added vigilance during the holiday season, as new foods, toys and brightly colored objects appear and the weather turns cold, says Elizabeth Sapio, coordinator of the Securing a baby in a car seat or preventing a toddler from choking require added vigilance during the holiday season, as new foods, toys and brightly colored objects appear and the weather turns cold, says Elizabeth Sapio, coordinator of the Safe Kids Upstate NY Coalition Safe Kids Upstate NY Coalition at the at the Upstate Golisano Children‘s Hospital. Upstate Golisano Children‘s Hospital. The program‘s website provides information on many ways to keep children safe from accidental injuries and offers links to further resources, says Sapio, who is also the pediatric injury prevention coordinator at Golisano. The program‘s website provides information on many ways to keep children safe from accidental injuries and offers links to further resources, says Sapio,

Take a moment to think before overeating during the December holiday season and remember you can make healthy choices. That‘s the advice of Maureen Franklin, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Take a moment to think before overeating during the December holiday season and remember you can make healthy choices. That‘s the advice of Maureen Franklin, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Upstate, Upstate, who offers practical tips on how to avoid mindless eating and weight gain while still enjoying yourself. who offers practical tips on how to avoid mindless eating and weight gain while still enjoying yourself.

Thomas Pelis Thomas Pelis Environmental concerns are now built into the way many big institutions work, and the results can also save money. Environmental concerns are now built into the way many big institutions work, and the results can also save money. Thomas Pelis Thomas Pelis, assistant vice president for facilities and planning sustainability at, assistant vice president for facilities and planning sustainability at Upstate Upstate, decribes the medical university‘s “holistic” process of constructing buildings to conserve water, recycling medical instruments to save money or food waste to cut trash disposal costs and looks at where this might lead in the future., decribes the medical university‘s “holistic” process of constructing buildings to conserve water, recycling medical instruments to save money or food waste to cut trash disposal costs and looks at where this might lead in the future.

    Beth Nelsen, MD Beth Nelsen, MD New guidelines New guidelines suggesting that all children be screened for high cholesterol, depression and HIV are based on research showing rising numbers of kids with those problems, explains suggesting that all children be screened for high cholesterol, depression and HIV are based on research showing rising numbers of kids with those problems, explains Upstate Upstate pediatrician pediatrician Beth Nelsen, MD Beth Nelsen, MD. Ages vary for the screenings -- from 9 to 11 for cholesterol, and from 16 to 19 for HIV – which are updated  annually by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Many tests, including for anemia and heart failure, have already been added by pediatricians during checkups, Nelsen said.. Ages vary for the screenings -- from 9 to 11 for cholesterol, and from 16 to 19 for HIV – which are updated  annually by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Many tests, including for anemia and heart failure, have already been added by pediatricians during checkups, Nelse

December 13, 2015 December 13, 2015 Upstate Upstate pediatrician pediatrician Beth Nelsen, MD Beth Nelsen, MD, discusses the new screening guidelines for children and adolescents. Health sciences librarian Cristina Pope tells about the Healthy Pets Project. Registered dietitian nutritionist Maureen Franklin gives advice on holiday eating., discusses the new screening guidelines for children and adolescents. Health sciences librarian Cristina Pope tells about the Healthy Pets Project. Registered dietitian nutritionist Maureen Franklin gives advice on holiday eating.

Urban gardening programs can yield more than just fresh produce -- they can unite neighborhoods, teach life skills and promote healthy eating and social justice. Urban gardening programs can yield more than just fresh produce -- they can unite neighborhoods, teach life skills and promote healthy eating and social justice. Several organizations Several organizations in Syracuse in Syracuse sponsor gardening projects and also work together sponsor gardening projects and also work together to promote the idea. to promote the idea. Upstate Upstate pediatricians pediatricians Travis Hobart, MD Travis Hobart, MD (left), and (left), and Joseph Nimeh, MD Joseph Nimeh, MD, describe how their interests in gardening and promoting health led them to join the process., describe how their interests in gardening and promoting health led them to join the process.

People can feel so bombarded with messages about their health that they stop listening. But they might listen to a message about their pet‘s health. That‘s the “back door” to teaching people about their own health, says the director of People can feel so bombarded with messages about their health that they stop listening. But they might listen to a message about their pet‘s health. That‘s the “back door” to teaching people about their own health, says the director of Upstate Upstate ‘s Health Sciences Library, Cristina Pope, who has started ‘s Health Sciences Library, Cristina Pope, who has started The Healthy Pet Project The Healthy Pet Project with funding from the National Institutes of Health. Through seminars at local libraries, people learn how to care for their cats and dogs, but also how closely their pets‘ needs and diseases parallel their own. with funding from the National Institutes of Health. Through seminars at local libraries, people learn how to care for their cats and dogs, but also how close

December 6, 2015 December 6, 2015 Physical therapist Patrick VanBeveren talks about lifelong brain health. Transplant surgeon Physical therapist Patrick VanBeveren talks about lifelong brain health. Transplant surgeon Rainer Gruessner, MD Rainer Gruessner, MD, discusses kidney and pancreas transplant options. Pediatricians, discusses kidney and pancreas transplant options. Pediatricians Travis Hobart, MD Travis Hobart, MD, and, and Joseph Nimeh, MD Joseph Nimeh, MD, explain how food relates to social justice and nutrition., explain how food relates to social justice and nutrition.

Upstate Upstate 's new transplant surgery chief, 's new transplant surgery chief, Rainer Gruessner, MD Rainer Gruessner, MD, talks about current kidney transplant options and the various types of pancreas transplants he plans to offer to adults and children. He says a good number of people who need a kidney would also benefit from a new pancreas., talks about current kidney transplant options and the various types of pancreas transplants he plans to offer to adults and children. He says a good number of people who need a kidney would also benefit from a new pancreas.