News | Pediatrics

NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital Raises $2.5 Million at 13th Plates For Pediatrics

March 4, 2025

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.”

Weill Cornell Pediatrics Ranked in Top 16 Nationally in NIH Research Funding

February 25, 2025

With $27.2M in National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding, we are excited to report that our department was recently ranked 16th nationally by the 2024 Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research. This ranking showcases our department's strength in securing funding for cutting-edge research, which can lead to advances in pediatric healthcare, innovations, and improved patient outcomes. Over the past few years, we have achieved significant progress in research and continue to lead the way and influence pediatric care.

This has been a collaborative effort. Congratulations to our faculty and staff whose dedication and vision have contributed to this achievement and to the success of our department.

The Blue Ridge Ranking is highly regarded in the medical field and reflects a department's success in attracting grants, the quality of research being conducted, and the impact it has on the broader medical community.

Anita Mesi chosen by Women We Admire as one of the Top 50 Women Chief Administrative Officers of 2025

February 13, 2025

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.

Cancer’s Ripple Effect May Promote Blood Clot Formation in the Lungs

February 11, 2025

Blood clots form in response to signals from the lungs of cancer patients—not from other organ sites, as previously thought—according to a preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and University of California San Diego Health. Clots are the second-leading cause of death among cancer patients with advanced disease or aggressive tumors.

While blood clots usually form to stop a wound from bleeding, cancer patients can form clots without injury, plugging up vessels and cutting off circulation to organs. The study, published Feb. 11 in Cell, shows that tumors drive clot formation (thrombosis) by releasing chemokines, secreted proteins which then circulate to the lung. Once there, the chemokines prompt immune cells called macrophages to release small vesicles that attach to cell fragments (platelets), forming life-threatening clots.

The findings may lead to diagnostic tests to determine blood clotting risk and safer therapies that target the root of the problem to prevent blood clots.

What An Undervaccinated America Would Look Like

January 30, 2025

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!

State Department Permits Distribution of H.I.V. Medications to Resume — for Now

January 30, 2025

Dr. Sallie Permar explains how H.I.V. medications work and the risk of losing the ability to make an effective vaccine due to drug resistance, if the ban of H.I.V medicines and medical services were to continue. Read The New York Times article here!

Center for Sleep Medicine Relocation

January 30, 2025

The Center for Sleep Medicine in Upper East Side Manhattan practice will be relocating from 425 East 61st Street to 525 East 68th Street, 15 Floor of F Building effective February 24, 2025. Our patients will still receive the same all-encompassing care and services as a result of this change. Learn more about the center by clicking here!

Dr. Sallie Permar Gives State of the Department Address

January 28, 2025

The WCM Pediatrics State of the Department Address, delivered by Dr. Sallie Permar, highlighted the department's achievements, innovations, and future goals. Dr. Permar emphasized advancements in pediatric research, clinical care, and education, alongside a commitment to fostering equity and community engagement. The address served as an inspiring call to action for continued excellence in improving children's health.

Watch full video here!

Understanding the Role of Fatty Acids in Neonatal Nutrition with Dr. Camilia Martin

January 24, 2025

In this episode of The Incubator Podcast, hosts Ben and Daphna welcome Dr. Cami Martin, a renowned expert in neonatal nutrition. Dr. Martin shares her insights on the evolving landscape of neonatal nutritional care, highlighting the critical role of early nutrition in shaping long-term outcomes for preterm infants. With a wealth of experience in clinical research and bedside practice, Dr. Martin delves into the latest evidence-based strategies to optimize growth and development in the NICU, addressing key challenges faced by neonatal care teams.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Martin discusses practical approaches to individualized nutrition plans, the importance of fortification strategies, and the potential of emerging innovations in the field. She also provides valuable guidance on how clinicians can implement best practices to support the unique nutritional needs of vulnerable newborns.

Whether you’re a seasoned neonatal professional or new to the field, this episode offers invaluable perspectives on advancing neonatal care through tailored nutritional interventions. Tune in to gain practical takeaways and explore the future of neonatal nutrition with one of the leading voices in the field.

What Are the Health Risks of Ultraprocessed Foods?

January 23, 2025

Dr. Michelle Loy, an integrative health specialist discusses the differences between whole, processed, and ultraprocessed foods, their potential health impacts, and practical tips for incorporating more whole foods into your diet on Health Matters. She discusses the health risks associated with ultraprocessed foods, such as increased risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health issues. Dr. Loy provides practical tips for identifying ultraprocessed foods in grocery stores and offers budget-friendly strategies for incorporating more whole foods into diets, such as meal prepping, using frozen vegetables, and making homemade sauces. Listen here!