SUNY Upstate Medical University - Department of Medicine

Our Educational Program & Community Engagement Officer, Nitch Jones, recently had the honor of sitting with students from OnTech Charter School to conduct mock interviews.

We are proud to share that these students are truly workforce ready. Their preparation, confidence, and the insightful questions they brought to the table were nothing short of impressive. The level of brilliance demonstrated throughout each interaction speaks volumes about their future potential.

Experiences like this reaffirm our commitment to community engagement and supporting the next generation of professionals.

Today, Dr. Sharifeh Almasaid served as a guest presenter at the Museum of Science & Technology - MOST as part of their Future Innovators program—focused on healthcare, biomedical science, and related fields.

Her presentation was more than informative—it was inspiring. By sharing her knowledge, experience, and journey, she helped bridge the gap between curiosity and possibility for the next generation of innovators. Exposure like this is critical. It allows young minds to see themselves in these spaces, to ask questions, and to begin envisioning futures they may not have otherwise considered.

Programs like Future Innovators are essential because they create access, representation, and opportunity. They spark interest early, nurture talent, and help build a pipeline of future healthcare professionals and scientists who will go on to shape and improve our communities.

A sincere thank you to Dr. Almasaid for pouring into our youth and to the MOST for continuing to cultivate spaces where learning, innovation, and inspiration meet. The future is in good hands.

STUDENT RESEARCH DAY is Wednesday, March 4th!
Oral Presentations: 1:00-3:00 PM in WH 1159
Keynote Speaker: Paula E. Cohen, PhD, 3:00-4:00 PM
Poster Sessions: 4:00-6:30 PM in NAB A/B/C
CHP STUDENT SPEAKERS include:
Supaporn Kuthinee, Clinical Perfusion, class of 2027
Leondra Tyler, Behavior Analysis Studies, class of 2026

Join us for A Night of Impact, an evening dedicated to hope, compassion, and dignity. 💙

On April 16, 2026, we’re coming together at Drumlins Country Club to support the work of Upstate's Housecalls for the Homeless and In My Father's Kitchen.

Your presence helps provide care, connection, and critical resources to our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

🎟️ Scan the QR code to register today.

The SUNY Upstate Medical University Department of Medicine is proud to announce and welcome Dr. Ankur Kalra.

We are delighted to share that Dr. Ankur Kalra has joined SUNY Upstate Medical University as Division Chief of Cardiology and Clinical Associate Professor.

Dr. Kalra is an accomplished interventional cardiologist, researcher, and educator whose career spans several prestigious institutions. He previously served at the Cleveland Clinic as an interventional cardiologist, associate professor, and medical director of clinical research for regional cardiovascular medicine.

A graduate of B.J. Medical College, Dr. Kalra completed advanced fellowship training at Harvard Medical School and the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center.

His contributions extend far beyond the clinic:
✍️ Author of 325+ peer-reviewed manuscripts
🎙️ Host of Parallax, a top-ranked cardiology podcast
🌍 Founder of makeadent.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing global health impact

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Kalra to the SUNY Upstate community. We are excited for his leadership, expertise, and vision as we continue to advance patient care, research, and education in cardiology.

What a day to Celebrate Medicine!
Today, on Department of Medicine Day, we celebrate YOU—the heart of what we do.

As we reflect on the care, commitment, and compassion that defines our department, let’s also take a moment to honor wellness—in mind, body, and spirit. Taking care of ourselves allows us to show up even stronger for others.
Pause. Breathe. Smile. You matter.

Thank you for the strength, resilience, and dedication you bring every single day. Let’s continue to lift each other up—one healthy step at a time. Check out the pictures from todays celebration. We even were able to get the residents to meet and greet with Hero 🙂

What a day to celebrate Dr. Seuss!
Today was fantastic—and it was all because of YOU! Below are some amazing photos of teams across the Department building connection and celebrating together. From shared cakes to contagious laughter—and even another surprise visit from Hero—it was truly a day to remember. 💚

Employee Appreciation Week 2025

Today was absolutely phenomenal. The Department of Medicine’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging alongside of the departments leadership showed their gratitude to each faculty & staff member by personally handing out Blankets, cups filled with candy & retractable lanyards as we celebrated our inaugural Employee Appreciation Week! What a fantastic day it has been!