Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Meet Renu Nandakumar, PhD. She directs the Biomarkers Core facility, which identifies and measures molecules that are the readouts of everything that happens within the body. With a single sample, her lab can detect tens of thousands of markers of health.

In recognition of Black History Month, the African, Black, and Caribbean Employee Resource Group and the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center hosted an event titled “Untold Stories in Health Equity,” highlighting overlooked leaders in health care and encouraging participants to document and share other untold stories. The event was based on a class of the same title taught by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health's Heather Butts, PhD. Following the lecture and exercise, Butts participated in a fireside chat with Columbia Children's Health's Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir, MD, to dive more deeply into issues surrounding health equity, including how untold stories can help establish social change that values making good health available to all. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/evsMBJrG

#ColumbiaMed hosted its second annual Well-Being Fair on Feb. 11. The fair aimed to promote heart health and overall well-being among faculty and staff while strengthening community connections. Attendees participated in a variety of well-being, heart health, and relaxation activities, including Zumba, acupuncture, aromatherapy, hands-only CPR training, NARCAN instruction, plus more. “Providing resources to encourage our employees to look after their physical and mental well-being is a top priority for CUIMC leadership,” says Neil McClure, chief human resources officer at CUIMC. “The Well-Being Fair was a great opportunity to get acquainted with some of the resources available...and a reminder of the importance of staying connected with your workplace community.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e2nQW2JW

Hear from one of Columbia University School of Nursing's student groups: Columbia Black Student Nurses as they reflect on the significance of #BlackHistoryMonth, the impact of nurses of color and the importance of representation in healthcare. Thank you to our participants: Valeria Estepan, BS, CNIM, Charlyn Willis, Jessica Jeanty, Bernardo B., Nicole U. and Rakeidra Davis-Hudson, MPH ????

?? This #HeartMonth, we’re kicking things off with expert-approved game day food tips to keep your heart in championship shape! Isaac George M.D., FACC, FACS calls an audible—skip the heavy dips and go for hummus. Dr. Ajay Kirtane is all about endurance—stay hydrated to keep your heart in the game. Dr. Sahil Parikh says defense wins games—choose chips & guac over buffalo wings. ?? Columbia University Football's Chase Goodwin and Titus Evans back the play—because even athletes know that small swaps = big wins for your health! ?? Who are you rooting for? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Last week, Katrina A. Armstrong, interim president, Columbia University, joined #ColumbiaMed faculty and staff for a virtual event in observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day: Bridges of Solidarity: What We Can Learn about Jewish-Muslim Relations in North Africa During the Holocaust. The event was hosted by the CUIMC Jewish Cultural Employee Resource group. "As we come together to carry these memories forward, we both honor those lives that were lost [during the Holocaust], and the belief that we must never forget. We must never become desensitized to those atrocities. We know that this day and this moment to come together and remember the Holocaust has never been more important.”

Columbia University College of Dental Medicine held a white coat ceremony on Jan. 27 for fifteen internationally trained dentists, all of whom hope to practice in the US. The ceremony represents the beginning of the journey to achieving their goals. ?? Class of 2026 Advanced Standing representative Bintee Koirala addressed her peers, saying the white coat represents both opportunity and responsibility. "As Advanced Standing students, you bring a tremendous wealth of knowledge, experience, and life skills. Lean into that.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/eu9dPu3J

Our pediatric community came together last week to showcase the exceptional achievements of our Columbia University Irving Medical Center faculty and learners at the 2nd Annual Columbia Children’s Health Innovation and Learning Day.?“The symposium's format, with scientific presentations, breakout workshops, and a poster session, encouraged people to come together and learn from each other,” said Dr. Cristina Fernandez, who, along with Dr. Emily Mace, led the organization of the symposium. A special congratulations to all the recipients of the 2025 Innovation Nucleation Fund Awards, which were presented at the end of Thursday’s program. Let’s continue working towards improving pediatric care for all in 2025!

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, #ColumbiaMed honors the memory of the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the countless others who suffered under Nazi persecution. This day calls us to reflect on the devastating consequences of antisemitism and hatred and challenges us to renew our commitment to confronting bigotry and fostering a world rooted in compassion, tolerance, and justice.

Twenty-one graduate students from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons successfully competed for prestigious The National Institutes of Health (NIH) fellowships in the latter half of 2024. Their achievements were celebrated at a special event that brought together research education leaders, directors of graduate studies, and thesis mentors. Learn more about the students, their mentors, and their projects: https://lnkd.in/e9SD5k6G