Apr 3, 2026 | Community, Community Outreach, Featured, School
Sparking an Interest in Science and Medicine in Youths
It can never be too early to get children interested in the fields of science, medicine, and health care, says Kenya Townsend, Director of the Center for Excellence in Youth Education (CEYE) at Mount Sinai. That has been the mission of the program since its founding in the 1960s: helping students in New York City prepare for careers in science, technology, engineering, and medicine (STEM).
And what better way for students to learn about what it’s like to work in research and health care than hands-on learning in an academic hospital? One recent initiative from CEYE had middle-school students from Riverdale Country School in the Bronx attend an immersive three-day program at Mount Sinai’s campus in East Harlem on Monday, March 16, where they learned what being a health care professional and researcher entails.
Eighth graders from the Riverdale Country School visiting at The Mount Sinai Hospital campus, March 16, 2026.
The event was jointly supported by the BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute (BMEII), part of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and by the Talent Development and Learning division of the Mount Sinai Health System.
“I was able to deepen my understanding of different aspects of medicine,” says Athena Pearson, an eighth-grade student. “It was really interesting to see actual people in the field come and teach us about their jobs and what they do.”
“I loved how many different things we were able to cover in such a short amount of time,” says Lily Lappas, also in eighth grade.
The eighth-graders donned lab coats and toured research labs, saw magnetic resonance imaging machines in action, learned to code, and more.
“Everything we’ve been learning is very relevant, about stuff that could happen in our lives, and I’ve always been interested in medicine, so I think it was really nice for me to get a little bit of background information before heading into high school,” says Lily.
Kenya Townsend, Director of the Center for Excellence in Youth Education (CEYE) at Mount Sinai (center), introducing the three-day curriculum to the students of Riverdale Country School.
Ms. Townsend and two instructors who participated in the Riverdale Country School visit share their thoughts on what motivates them to inspire young school children to have a passion for health and science.
What was teaching in this program like?
“It was a very meaningful experience,” says Yun Soung Kim, PhD, Assistant Professor of Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology at BMEII. Dr. Kim, who participated in a CEYE program for the first time, conducted a MakerSpace session—a collaborative workspace for learning and discovery—in which students learned to measure materials, got hands-on with mixing silicone rubber, and learned to record electromyogram signals.
For Dr. Kim, meeting the students brought back memories of when he was younger and would sit in class full of questions, always asking why and what if: “Their curiosity was a powerful reminder that this mindset should not fade once you become a scientist, engineer, or educator.”
Meeting the students brought back memories of when he was younger and would sit in class full of questions, says Yun Soung Kim, PhD, Assistant Professor of Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology at BMEII, who participated in a CEYE program for the first time.
In Dr. Kim’s session, students learned about smart patches that can record health vitals, mixed silicone rubber, and learned to record electromyogram signals.
CEYE programs provide hands on, real world training that allows youth to engage in spaces not typically accessible to high school students. The programs are credit bearing and recognized by the New York City public schools as part of the students’ science experience.
“The kids asked really great questions. Some of them answered some of my questions in a very impressive way,” says Tamiesha Frempong, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, who has participated in CEYE programs for more than a decade. Dr. Frempong led a course on the eye, its anatomy, eye health, and diseases. “It’s always really fun.”
CEYE has evolved over its many decades. It serves more than 500 students annually and continues to grow, notes Ms. Townsend. Its programs are now credit-bearing at New York City public schools and are reflected on students’ transcripts as part of their science experience.
“Through our partners and students, we have learned that while students seek out these opportunities to shape their career trajectories, we also rely on them to share what they need—and to return and give back to the next generation of future scientists and medical professionals,” says Ms. Townsend.
What motivates you to be part of CEYE?
“One thing I often say is that once you are in CEYE, you become family,” notes Ms. Townsend. “Community has therefore been a consistent theme for us—and that matters, because strong support systems are one of the most critical factors in student success in STEM. Our students are mentored not only by Mount Sinai faculty, but also by CEYE alumni who return, eager to give back in meaningful ways.”
That mission resonates with Dr. Frempong, who adds that exposure gets students to think about health and science in ways they’ve never thought before.
The eye, for example, is something one might not learn very much about normally, says Dr. Frempong. “I actually thought it was dumb to go to medical school and become an eye doctor until I learned about ophthalmology in medical school,” she remarks. Early exposure to specialties is not only helpful for helping students think about their careers, but also helps with awareness about their health too.
“We know there are so many things about the eye that can impact diabetes, stroke, preventable blindness—they can use it to benefit themselves, their parents, their grandparents. It’s education, it’s exposure, it’s getting kids excited about medicine and the eye in particular,” says Dr. Frempong.
The mission of CEYE to inspire a future generation of doctors and scientists is what brings her back, says Tamiesha Frempong, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, who has participated in CEYE programs for more than a decade.
Dr. Frempong taught a course on eye anatomy, eye health, and its diseases. CEYE programs are an opportunity for students to think about certain specialties they might not ordinarily be exposed to. “I actually thought it was dumb to go to medical school and become an eye doctor until I learned about ophthalmology in medical school,” she says.
Students were also introduced to other topics that would be helpful for entering STEM careers. Xueyan Mei, PhD, Assistant Professor of Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology in the Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, led an introductory coding lesson.
As the Riverdale Country School students toured the hospital campus, they got to see health care professionals in action, such as how magnetic resonance imaging works and is carried out.
Students also got to see research in action, as Abraham Teunissen, PhD, Assistant Professor of Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology, and Instructor at the Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute (left), gave a tour of the labs.
For Dr. Kim, the CEYE program was an opportunity to communicate science to the broader public as a researcher. “I have always found it rewarding to share my work with people outside my field,” he says. “I was excited to see how students at that age and stage of learning would respond to the work we do in the lab. I also viewed it as a valuable opportunity to reflect on how to explain complex ideas in a way that is clear, engaging, and meaningful.”
What do you hope CEYE programs can achieve?
The Center prepares students to succeed in health, science, and other professional pathways and to contribute to a more equitable future. “Getting young people interested in STEM is an investment in our future workforce,” says Ms. Townsend. “It fosters innovation, expands opportunities for those who need them most, and helps shape students’ identities while building their confidence.”
CEYE also creates opportunities for students to network with professionals whom they can continue to connect with beyond their time in the Center’s programs.
Representation in medicine influences health outcomes, says Dr. Frempong. The more diverse groups of kids CEYE can reach, the better it bodes for the future of medicine.
Dr. Frempong (center) with the students from the Riverdale Country School.
“They’re going to be our doctors, so [in a way] I’m kind of looking out for myself,” she laughs. “I’m looking to make sure we have knowledgeable, compassionate, passionate people to take care of all of us.”
Dr. Kim hopes he can help the students see that science and engineering are not just classroom subjects but fields that can directly shape human health and patient care: “I found myself wondering whether, for some of them, this visit might become one of the moments that helps shape what they choose to study in the future,” he says.
Jun 12, 2025 | Community, Featured
In one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse neighborhoods in New York City, Mount Sinai Queens demonstrates how offering personalized, inclusive care ensures that communication does not become a barrier to treatment.
Located in Astoria, where more than 150 languages are spoken, Mount Sinai Queens is home to a team of physicians and clinical staff who reflect the diversity of the community. Many health care providers are bilingual or multilingual, and the hospital offers on-demand medical interpretation services in more than 200 languages—ensuring that patients can fully understand their diagnoses, care plans, and treatment options.
“When patients feel understood, they’re more likely to follow through on care plans, attend follow-up visits, and engage in preventive care,” says George Nikoloudakis, DO. “That’s what makes a long-term difference.”
“When a patient hears their own language spoken in the exam room—especially in a moment of vulnerability—it creates a connection that goes beyond words,” said George Nikoloudakis, DO, an Internal Medicine physician at Mount Sinai Doctors-Astoria at Mount Sinai Queens. “As someone who is a Greek speaker, I understand how meaningful it is for Greek-speaking patients to feel heard and understood. It helps build trust, and trust leads to better outcomes.”
Numerous studies show that language barriers in health care can lead to miscommunication, delayed diagnoses, lower treatment adherence, and higher rates of avoidable hospital readmissions. For some New Yorkers these barriers may even deter them from seeking care altogether.
Throughout the Mount Sinai Health System, medical interpretation and translation services are provided to patients and family members who prefer to communicate in a language other than English. Assistive devices are also available to persons with disabilities to help them communicate with providers and staff during their visit. All services are provided free of charge, and a Language Assistance Program is offered at each of the main hospital campuses.
At Mount Sinai Queens, teams are delivering care that is not only clinically excellent but culturally and linguistically informed.
The hospital’s care teams include multilingual providers and support staff across departments. Professional medical interpreters are available around the clock, both in person and virtually, to help patients navigate their care with confidence and clarity. Additionally, providers use culturally sensitive care approaches that acknowledge and respect patients’ diverse backgrounds, customs, and health beliefs. Health education materials are also available in multiple languages to ensure accessibility and understanding.
For patients, this level of communication support makes it easier to ask questions, understand treatment options, and participate more actively in their care.
“Language is an essential part of health equity,” said Dr. Nikoloudakis. “When patients feel understood, they’re more likely to follow through on care plans, attend follow-up visits, and engage in preventive care. That’s what makes a long-term difference.”
May 16, 2025 | Community
Lyndia Hayden, MS, PMP, delivers opening remarks at Mount Sinai Morningside
As part of Career Discovery Week, the Site Engagement Councils at Mount Sinai Morningside and the Corporate Services Center welcomed students from Marie Curie High School for Medicine, Nursing, and Health Professions, a public high school in the Bronx.
Students from Marie Curie High School for Medicine, Nursing, and Health Profession, at Mount Sinai Morningside, alongside speakers from Mount Sinai Health System
Career Discovery Week, launched in 2020 as a joint initiative between the Partnership for New York City and New York City Public Schools, brings high school students into workplaces for hands-on career exploration.
More than 200 of the city’s major employers have joined forces to build a bridge from classrooms to workplaces, offering more than 11,000 public high school students the opportunity to better understand future job opportunities by spending a day immersed in varied industries and career possibilities, according to the Partnership.
At Mount Sinai Morningside, the day included a dynamic panel discussion that showcased a variety of careers within the Mount Sinai Health System. Students had the opportunity to talk with medical professionals and gain firsthand insight into what it’s like to work in a hospital environment. The event took place Thursday, April 10.
Stephan Lestin, MD, speaks with students in the simulation lab
In alignment with the school’s mission to provide an academically rigorous, career-bound education rooted in experiential learning, students explored a range of fields, expressing interest in nursing, radiology, psychology, sonography, gynecology, and social work.
“It was an exciting and educational day filled with connection, inspiration, and career exploration,” said Lyndia Hayden, MS, PMP, Senior Director, Data Integrity and Equity Analytics. “A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success.”
Updated on Apr 15, 2025 | Community, Featured
Vivian Leonard, RPh, Director of Pharmacy for Mount Sinai Queens, stands beside a drug collection kiosk.
Have you ever noticed old bottles of prescription medications in your medicine cabinet and wondered how you can properly dispose of them?
Experts say you shouldn’t flush unwanted pharmaceuticals down the toilet or throw them in the trash. Studies over the last decade reveal potential environmental and public health hazards associated with this practice.
To provide the community with a safer, more sustainable method of discarding over-the-counter and prescription drugs, Mount Sinai offers free, 24/7 drug collection kiosks at six locations—Mount Sinai Pharmacy on Madison, The Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside, Mount Sinai Queens, Mount Sinai West, and Mount Sinai South Nassau. The service is the result of a collaboration with an organization called MED-Project, which offers a drug take back program. Med-Project is a nonprofit formed by the pharmaceutical industry.
Gina Caliendo, PharmD, BCPS,
“This program gets unwanted drugs out of homes and into a secure location, so that they don’t end up with children and teens, or pets, or on the street for illicit use,” says Gina Caliendo, PharmD, BCPS, Senior Director of Pharmacy at The Mount Sinai Hospital. “It is an effort to get drugs out of circulation as much as possible.” The service is available at no charge for employees and members of the public. Since it began in 2022, the program has helped to dispose of more than 1,300 pounds of unwanted medications.
The medication can be in the original container or sealed in a plastic bag. The program does not accept medical devices, batteries, or “sharps,” like needles or injectors. Mount Sinai will send everything deposited in the kiosks directly to a waste management company that incinerates the boxes and their contents.
The program is one of many prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts funded by the settlements reached with drug manufacturers for their role in the opioid crisis. It is one of many collaborative interventions between environmental and health care scientists to establish more sustainable practices at all stages of the pharmaceutical lifecycle.
“It’s a public safety measure,” says Dr. Caliendo. “We are inviting the community to do this as an effort to protect children and the environment, and to decrease access to drugs on the street.”
Keeping unused medications around the house or disposing of them through less secure means can be hazardous, especially for children and adolescents. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, teenagers often obtain drugs via leftover prescriptions they find at home. If not disposed of safely, opioids, stimulants, and other drugs with potential recreational uses may also be diverted into illegal markets, contributing to harmful cycles of drug misuse, addiction, and even overdose.
Also, virtually all medications can pose a threat if consumed by the wrong person, at the incorrect dosage, or past its expiration date.
While flushing drugs down the toilet may seem like a safe alternative, this can contaminate the water and expose others to potentially harmful chemicals.
“While water purification eliminates a lot of things, it does not necessarily eliminate all of these soluble chemicals,” says Dr. Caliendo.
In addition, research shows that pharmaceuticals released to the environment through flushing or other means can hurt the environment, including fish and other animal populations. Consuming active pharmaceutical ingredients can harm a diverse range of wildlife, leading to death or interfering with their ability to reproduce.
Pharmaceuticals discarded in the environment can also increasingly contribute to the problem of antimicrobial resistance—in both animal and human populations—which occurs when germs develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them.
Since opening its first kiosk in 2022, Mount Sinai has collected more than 700 pounds of discarded medication, making it a leader of this effort among New York City hospitals, according to Dr. Caliendo.
If Mount Sinai’s three collection kiosk locations are not convenient for you, you can find additional kiosks near you by searching the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Drug Drop Sites map, or find a collector authorized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in your community.
In addition to permanent collection sites at participating pharmacies and hospitals, you can also find community take-back sites sponsored by the DEA during the twice-annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which are held in April and October.
If you are unable to bring your unwanted or expired medications to a free disposal site or event, you can request mail-in packages from the New York State Department of Health.
