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A new Weill Cornell Medicine and Oregon Health & Science University co-authored study provides critical insight for the development of a vaccine that can more effectively block the spread of cytomegalovirus, or CMV, across the placenta to babies before they are born.

CMV is one of the most common viruses and most people don’t even know they’ve been infected. However, it carries significant risks to the developing fetus, including lifelong health complications such as hearing loss, developmental delays and neurological impairment. An effective vaccine would help protect babies from future health impacts.

The new study, published March 12 in Science Translational Medicine, finds that CMV lacking a certain viral protein complex – thought to be a critical vaccine target to prevent cross-placental spread – can still be transmitted and cause significant harm to the developing fetus. These results strongly suggest that additional vaccine targets providing superior protection need to be identified and explored.

NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital of Children’s Hospital of New York raised $2.5 million at the 13th Plates for Pediatrics benefit. A collaboration with luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue, the benefit drew more than 400 attendees to Cipriani South Street at Casa Cipriani on Tuesday, February 25.

The benefit was hosted by Dr. Sallie Permar, pediatrician-in-chief at NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children's Hospital and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine, along with co-chairs Michelle Antonini, Beth Cayre, Robin Chaus, Kate Davis, Jessica Page Greenberg, Breanna Khoury, Lindsay Kraus, Brittany Morgan Kurz, Cheri Mowrey, Courtney Nataraj, Amy Pack, Colby Podolsky, Jillian Simon, Alexandra Toccin, Lesley Vecsler.

“If it weren’t for NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital, I don’t know what would have happened with my son or where we would be today,” said Candice Johnson, mom of a pediatric kidney transplant patient whose story was featured at the event. “They are the biggest reason why he is who he is today, and I just want to thank them for taking care of him.”

Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Chief Administrative Officers of 2025. As a key executive, the Chief Administrative Officer plays a vital role in overseeing the day-to-day administrative operations of an organization. They are leaders within multiple departments, often including HR, IT, and accounting, as well as employee compliance. These leaders are strategic, analytical, and collaborative.

In her current role, Anita provides executive leadership and oversight of the department’s administrative, financial, and operational functions. She collaborates closely with the Chair, faculty, and institutional leadership to advance the department’s mission in clinical care, research, and education. She is instrumental in strategic planning and resource allocation, ensuring the department’s long-term sustainability and growth. Mesi has been pivotal in fostering a culture of collaboration and efficiency, spearheading initiatives to enhance operational effectiveness, streamline workflows, and optimize financial performance.

Dr. Sallie Permar and other medical experts discuss the dangers of vaccine decline in the U.S., and she notes that kids would be particularly susceptible. Read full article here!