Featured | Mount Sinai Today

A Psychologist’s Approach to Multiple Sclerosis Care

Updated on Apr 29, 2026 | Featured, Your Health

Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be a highly destabilizing diagnosis to receive, leading a person to question their identity, yearn for explanations, and reorient their worldview.

“We have this belief in our society that we are in control of our lives. Unfortunately, MS really rips that away,” says Jordyn Anderson, PsyD, a neuropsychologist and Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Jordyn Anderson, PsyD

Psychotherapy can help patients move through the diagnosis acceptance process and provide guidance in navigating a life filled with uncertainties in dealing with this chronic disease, and, ultimately, living a meaningful life.

Dr. Anderson is the sole clinical psychologist at Mount Sinai’s Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, where she is developing interventions for people living with MS.

People living with MS face a number of challenges that may lead them to consult with a licensed psychologist, beginning with how to incorporate their diagnosis into their sense of self, along with how to manage anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and optimizing health behaviors such as physical activity, smoking, and diet.

“Anxiety and tolerating the uncertainty that MS presents in your life, not only from a ‘what’s going to happen’ perspective, but also with navigating the medical system, is very hard,” she says. “You are dropped into a world where insurance might determine your safety, where bureaucracy might be getting in the way of whether or not you are able to receive medication.”

A clinical psychologist specializing in MS can ease the stressors associated with adjusting to the reality of living with the disease. Dr. Anderson works with patients on magnifying their internal locus of control, focusing on what they can do to help themselves while accepting this reality.

“I focus a lot on acceptance,” she says. “A patient may never be thrilled with an MS diagnosis, but accepting this reality as part of one’s life, figuring out how to live with it rather than in defiance, can be freeing.”

Grief can be a prominent factor in people’s symptoms. “Grief is not just about death,” Dr. Anderson says. “Grief is about the loss of anything. You might be grieving your sense of self as a particular label. Or maybe you are grieving your future in some way, your beliefs for what you had in store for yourself.”

Framing it as a grief process that develops and changes with time can be a way to understand the diverse array of emotions that people face. In helping people adjust mentally to dealing with their MS, and thinking of how to get through certain lifestyle situations directly affected by the disease, a grieving process can be a significant part of acceptance.

Dr. Anderson came to Mount Sinai in 2020 on a two-year clinical neuropsychology fellowship in the MS Center’s neurocognitive clinic headed by James Sumowski, PhD, who focuses on identifying and treating cognitive deficits in people living with MS. In 2022, she became the Center’s first full-time psychologist providing therapy and behavioral health interventions for patients.

The waitlist for appointments indicates the demand and need for this kind of consultative service. In 2025, she began a psychology externship, employing graduate level students to help provide interventions in order to expand the clinical reach. Patients are usually referred to her by their neurologist, or through the MS Center’s Wellness Program, which offers guidance on prioritizing diet, exercise, and sleep that can help MS patients live healthier lives.

Another common issue for individuals with MS is insomnia. “There are a myriad of reasons insomnia is happening. Is there some sort of stressor that’s in the way?” says Dr. Anderson. She works with patients in identifying sources of sleep disruption, optimizing sleep hygiene, and developing relaxation strategies. Additionally, CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Theory for Insomnia), a treatment targeting difficulties with initiating and maintaining sleep, is sometimes recommended and can be transformative in restructuring sleep routines.

Dr. Anderson specialized in MS by chance. “I always wanted to do health, neuro, and rehab, and I was lucky to get the fellowship at the MS Center,” she recalls. “I absolutely loved it. I felt like I was able to focus and become an expert in something,”

She is inspired by working in a field of neurology and psychology imbued with optimism. “It’s an amazingly hopeful time for MS. The fact is that we have these really effective medications that they are consistently researching and we are, hopefully, finding new ones,” she says.

Dr. Anderson is also drawn to “the diversity of patients,” including the broad variety of symptoms among patients, their backgrounds, and their personal stressors that come together to create very individualized experiences of the disease.

“Every single person’s challenges are valid. I feel like I am always learning so much from my patients,” she says. “I am constantly challenged and have to flex different skills. I think I’m here for good.”

By Kenneth Bandler, a multiple sclerosis patient, advocate, and member of The Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis Advisory Board

Mount Sinai Nurse Scientists: At the Forefront

Updated on Apr 23, 2026 | Featured, Research

Event speakers and members of the Clinically Based Nurse Scientist Summit Planning Committee (from left to right): Reynaldo Rivera, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, FAONL, Director, Nursing Research and Innovation, NewYork-Presbyterian; Deborah Stamps, EdD, MBA, MS, RN, GNP, NE-BC, CDE, FADLN, FAAN, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Deborah Stamps Consulting, LLC; Allison Andreno Norful, PhD, MPhil, MSN, BSN, ANP-BC, FAAN, Assistant Professor, Columbia University School of Nursing; Bernice Coleman, PhD, ACNP-BC, FAHA, FAAN, Director, Nursing Research, Cedars Sinai; Rose Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Emeritus Professor, Florida Atlantic University College of Nursing; Esther Chipps, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAONL, Clinical Nurse Scientist, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; Perry Gee, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Director of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Intermountain Healthcare; Kimberly Souffront, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FAAN, Associate Director, Center for Nursing Research and Innovation; and Bevin Cohen, PhD, MPH, MS, RN, FAAN, Director, Center for Nursing Research and Innovation.

The landscape of research conducted by nurses is evolving, and Mount Sinai’s Center for Nursing Research and Innovation (CNRI) is leading the charge. In June 2025, the Health System hosted the nation’s first conference on the role of the clinically based nurse scientist—a growing workforce of researchers who investigate nursing practice questions with direct impact on health care systems and patient care.

Clinically based nurse scientists are nurses with PhDs and advanced research training who work inside health care delivery settings. Their roles span designing and leading large-scale clinical trials and health services research, securing funding for research and training from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, and partnering with the clinical nursing workforce to translate research into practice and investigate timely research questions that arise from patient care.

“Schools of nursing have long been the center of robust programs of research,” says Bevin Cohen, PhD, MPH, MS, RN, FAAN, Director of the CNRI. “But today, more health systems are exploring the benefits of having nurse scientists on staff to better connect research with practice.”

There is also growing interest in clinically based roles among nurse scientists themselves, many of whom wish to remain close to patients and conduct research with immediate impact.

Mount Sinai Health System has been at the forefront of this important movement, as evidenced by the CNRI itself.

The Center is a hub at the intersection of academia and clinical practice that supports and advances nursing research throughout the Health System. Through a comprehensive offering of programs and resources, the Center serves two primary communities: nurse scientists with advanced training who lead their own panels of research, and clinical nurses who are embarking on research, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice projects.

“The clinical setting is not a space where many nurse scientists have traditionally worked,” Dr. Cohen says. “We have an unprecedented opportunity to conduct research that improves clinical nursing practice at scale, but we also need to build the infrastructure and collaborative networks to facilitate this important work.”

Across the United States, many clinically based nurse scientists have sought collaboration with colleagues in similar roles to share strategies, successes, and challenges on developing research programs within their own hospital systems.

“Until recently, we have had little opportunity to formally connect and collaborate across institutions,” says Dr. Cohen. “Over the past few years, local research interest groups have formed, along with a wonderful virtual collaborative network. Simultaneously, we began dreaming of a national summit where we could all meet in person.”

With input from fellow nurse scientists at Mount Sinai and an expert committee with representatives from across the country, Dr. Cohen wrote a grant proposal to do just that.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) awarded funding to support the three-day Clinically Based Nurse Scientist Summit hosted by Mount Sinai in June 2025, which was attended by more than 100 nurse scientists and leaders from around the country. The event brought together expert presenters and panelists, featured discussions and breakout sessions, and created opportunities for networking and collaborative forums.

“From the outset, our goal was to accelerate the scale, scope, speed, and rigor of research conducted by clinically based nurse scientists,” says Dr. Cohen. “To do this, we needed to understand both the challenges and successes of the role and focus on ways to maximize its potential.”

A major outcome of the summit will be the development of a five-year strategic framework for how the role can contribute to the AHRQ mission of enhancing the quality, safety, accessibility, affordability, and equity of health care in the United States.

Another significant outcome to emerge from the summit is an energized and engaged national community of clinically based nurse scientists who are sharing resources in partnership with similarly aligned groups.

In addition, eleven active workgroups formed by summit participants are conducting research and developing foundational manuscripts about the role of clinically based nurse scientists.

“By coming together as a nationwide community, clinically based nurse scientists are growing networks and infrastructure to support faster, larger, and more impactful research to advance nursing practice and improve patient outcomes,” says Dr. Cohen. Mount Sinai is proud to play a lead role in shaping this important work.

Learn more about the Center for Nursing Research and Innovation

Department of Emergency Medicine Hosts Annual Administrative Awards Celebration

Apr 23, 2026 | Featured

The Mount Sinai Department of Emergency Medicine recently hosted the second annual Emergency Medicine Administrative Awards Celebration. A total of 28 people from across the Mount Sinai Health System were recognized. Awardees and their families celebrated the awards.

In the Emergency Departments, administrative teams include a diverse array of roles and positions, from admitting representatives, business associates, emergency care associates, registrars, supply and equipment handlers, operations managers, unit secretaries, clerks, and service line team members including medical school professional staff.

Christopher Nagata, MBA, MPH, left, and Chavelle Barnett

“I am so grateful to be a part of a team, whose support, trust, and encouragement mean more to me than I can say,” said Chavelle Barnett, Education Program Coordinator for Emergency Medicine, who received a New Administrative Team Member of the Year Award. In her role in the medical school, she supports administrative processes for the Emergency Medicine Fellowship Programs.

“Showing appreciation and truly valuing our employees is one of the most important things we can do as leaders,” said Christopher Nagata, MBA, MPH, Vice Chair of Administration for Emergency Medicine. “It’s truly fulfilling to recognize our staff for the amazing work and incredible contributions they make each and every day.”

New Administrative Team Member of the Year

Awarded to an individual who has been employed within Emergency Medicine for 24 months or less who consistently strives for excellence in their work and routinely demonstrates professionalism while making a positive impact on their team. From left are awardees: Chavelle Barnett, Jose Justin Negron, Dinesh Singh, Lubaba Ahmed, and Cristal De La Cruz. Not pictured: Jamal Shepard and Christopher Lahoz.

Administrative Innovation Award

Awarded to an individual or team in honor of their creativity, initiative, and forward-thinking approach to improving our administrative processes. This award celebrates innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, strengthen processes, and set a new standard of excellence. From left are awardees: Vincent Lu, Cecilia Jaruda, Samantha Infante, Mauricio Gonzalez, Jonathan Walker, and Mornique Pawley. Not pictured: Kelly Ciarlo.

Outstanding Administrative Team Member of the Year

Awarded to an individual recognized for being a role model in their spirit of teamwork, holding themselves to the highest levels of professionalism and exceptional contributions in advancing the mission and vision of Emergency Medicine. From left are awardees: Paula Edwards, Caleb Agyemang, Kenny Zhang, and Yosef Travis. Not pictured: Nekeisha Lynn, Michael Montesano, and Angela Ventouratos.

Administrative Service Excellence Award

Awarded to an individual who goes above and beyond to deliver best in class service to patients, clients, and/or stakeholders. The individual earning this award exemplifies a true commitment to customer service as evidenced by their dedication, compassion, and reliability—it’s their mission to make a meaningful difference every day. From left are awardees: Jamie Forbes, Victoria Rodriguez, Charmaine Williams, Kayce Gray, Raymond McClinton, and Isabel Tamarez. Not pictured: Jeofrey Gacad.

Mount Sinai Helping Teens Understand and Respond to Public Health Challenges

Updated on Apr 24, 2026 | Community, Featured

A photo showing Mount Sinai EMT, Joshua Kimbrell, NRP, CCP-C, C-NPT, providing BridgeUP Health program participants a tour of an ambulance and a demonstration of a simulation.

Mount Sinai EMT, Joshua Kimbrell, NRP, CCP-C, C-NPT, provides BridgeUP Health program participants a tour of an ambulance and a demonstration of a simulation outside The Mount Sinai Hospital.

The Mount Sinai Department of Health Education’s award-winning BridgeUP Health Program encourages teens ages 15-18 to engage with some of the most pressing public health challenges of our time, exploring the intersections of science and medicine, civic engagement, and community advocacy.

For the past five years, this program has sought to build skills, foster pride, and nurture community connection so that all participants see themselves as powerful agents of change.

This year, the Department expanded the program from a summer intensive into a year-round education and empowerment offering.

Throughout the school year, participants continued their in-depth exploration of public health issues, cultivated professional skills, connected with leaders at the Mount Sinai Heath System and community guest speakers, and engaged in research skill-building activities. The Department held several in-person events where participants could engage in a range of exciting activities including CPR training, neuroscience learning and exploration, future goal-setting, and creative expression.

For their final projects, each person chose a public health topic that matters to them and conducted informal research through literature reviews, interviews with subject matter experts, and the development and dissemination of an original survey.

Participants investigated a wide range of topics such as teen mental health, disparities in air quality, and the economic impact of congestion pricing on communities across New York City. They presented their findings to Health System and community partners, showcasing their deep connection to complex public health issues.

The program was a hit among participants.

“Before BridgeUp Health, public health felt intimidating,” said Janice Nie, age 17. “This program has broken down complex issues and helped me understand how they manifest in our communities every day. I’m genuinely excited to keep learning and engaging with these topics.”

“This experience has taught me a lot about how to express myself and stand up for the things I believe in,” said Giselle Vasquez, age 15. “It’s taught me to not stay quiet when I think something should be said. I hope to do more for the problems I think are serious.”

The program was supported by the Health System, community partners, and the Helen Gurley Brown Foundation.

How AI and Machine Learning Are Preparing One Graduate Student for Medical School

Updated on Apr 24, 2026 | Featured, School

Cat Zhang-Larson

Cat Zhang-Larson is a first-year student in the Master of Science in Biomedical Data Science and AI (MDSAI) program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

In this Q&A, she explains how Mount Sinai’s investment in AI and data science inspired her to apply, and how the mentorship and resources at Mount Sinai are enabling her to pursue her clinical career goals.

What is your academic and career background?

I am a recent graduate of the University of Michigan (Class of 2025), where I completed dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science Engineering on a pre-medical track. As I progressed through my coursework and research, I found myself drawn to applying computational methods to clinically relevant problems, particularly in medical imaging. These experiences ultimately led to my current interests in surgical robotics and in integrating pre- and post-operative imaging to improve surgical outcomes.

What first attracted you to this field?

I developed a strong interest in coding and working with clinical data during my undergraduate coursework. At the same time, I started to notice how much untapped potential exists in clinical data. There is an overwhelming amount of patient information—electronic health records, imaging, and biosignals—but limited translation into meaningful, clinically actionable insights. This realization drew me toward machine learning and AI in medicine, where I became interested in applying data-driven approaches to support clinical decision-making. More recently, my interests have centered on surgical robotics, where I can integrate imaging and predictive modeling to guide procedures and improve patient outcomes.

Why did you choose to study at Mount Sinai?

As a native New Yorker, I was initially drawn to Mount Sinai because of its proximity to home, but I quickly came to appreciate both the institution’s guiding principles and the structure of the MDSAI program. I was interested in joining an institution actively investing in AI and data science, and Mount Sinai has demonstrated a clear commitment to this vision. I was also particularly drawn to this program’s flexibility, which allows students to pursue a wide range of research and professional directions. This structure fosters a diverse cohort, with students pursuing paths in industry, PhD programs, and medicine, and it has also broadened my perspective on how AI and data science can be applied across disciplines.

Who are your mentors, and what is the focus of your research?

My primary mentor is Xueyan Mei, PhD, and my research focuses on developing imaging-based machine learning models to improve patient outcomes. I have worked with large-scale imaging datasets, including RadImageNet—a dataset of over 5 million labeled images spanning PET, CT, ultrasound, and MRI—to build predictive and classification models that help clinicians better anticipate patient outcomes.

My personal research interests build on this foundation but are more focused, combining my engineering background with machine learning and medical imaging. Specifically, I am interested in surgical robotics, with the goal of developing models that enhance clinicians’ understanding and trust of robotic-assisted procedures. I am currently working on a project that analyzes arthroscopic video data to improve patient recovery time and procedural accuracy. Additionally, one idea I am exploring for my MDSAI capstone is a machine learning model that uses preoperative imaging to generate 3D anatomical reconstructions and guide robotic procedures. This direction was inspired by prior research on models that guide pedicle screw placement by generating 3D renderings of the spine from preoperative scans to improve alignment and accuracy.

What has been your greatest accomplishment in the program so far?

I think my greatest accomplishment in the program so far has been taking advantage of everything Mount Sinai has to offer outside the classroom. In addition to my coursework and research, I volunteer with the East Harlem Health Outreach Partnership and serve as the Master’s Year 1 Representative-at-Large on the Student Council. These experiences have allowed me to build meaningful relationships across the Mount Sinai community and have enriched my growth in the program beyond academics.

How have the resources at Mount Sinai contributed to your success in the program?

Access to both academic and clinical resources has played a significant role in my success. I feel confident navigating my coursework and research because my mentors and program leadership are consistently accessible and supportive. In addition, being part of a hospital-centered institution allows me to directly observe the clinical context behind my work. For example, in preparation for an upcoming study in orthopedics, I observed multiple knee arthroscopy procedures in the operating room, standing alongside surgeons and closely following intraoperative workflows. This direct exposure gave me a clearer, more grounded understanding of how imaging data is generated and how my research can be applied in practice.

What are your plans after you complete your MDSAI degree?

After completing my MDSAI degree, I plan to attend medical school. This program has given me the opportunity to further my academic, research, and clinical work in ways that are closely aligned with my long-term goals. Through this work, I have become increasingly motivated to pursue a career where I can directly contribute to patient care while also advancing the tools that support it. Moving forward, I hope to carry my background in AI and machine learning into my medical training, with a focus on surgical innovation. I am especially interested in continuing to explore how data-driven models and imaging technologies can enhance surgical robotics by improving procedural accuracy and making care more precise, personalized, and accessible for patients.

Learn more about the Master of Science in Biomedical Data Science and AI (MDSAI) program

A New Model for Women’s Health Care Takes Shape on Manhattan’s Upper East Side

Updated on Apr 29, 2026 | Featured, Women's Health

An image shows the lobby of the new Rowan Women's Health Center and Joanne Stone, MD, Francesco Callipari, MD, and Anna Barbieri, MD

Standing in the lobby of the new Rowan Women’s Health Center are, from left, Joanne Stone, MD, Francesco Callipari, MD, and Anna Barbieri, MD.

When the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness opens in May, Mount Sinai plans to do more than unveil a new facility. The objective is to revolutionize how women experience care—especially during the often-overlooked stages of midlife and menopause.

Located at East 99th Street and Madison Avenue, the Rowan Women’s Health Center will unite specialists across disciplines—gynecology, cardiology, endocrinology, behavioral health, nutrition, orthopedics, pelvic floor therapy, and more—under one roof. The goal is to replace the fragmented, difficult-to-navigate appointment landscape many women face with a seamless, integrated experience that guides each patient through coordinated, evidence-based care tailored to her as a whole person.

“Our patients won’t have to explain their story again and again,” said Anna Barbieri, MD, one of the Center’s founding leaders. “Every provider they meet is part of a connected team that already knows them, their goals, and their plan.”

Closing Gaps in Care

The Rowan Women’s Health Center was conceived to address a long-standing gap in women’s healthcare. For many women—particularly during perimenopause, menopause, and later life—care is often fragmented, scattered across multiple specialties with little coordination. Even as research advances, these logistical struggles create a barrier to integrated care for hormonal, cardiovascular, metabolic, and emotional well-being.

“Women deserve care that reflects the full complexity of their lives and bodies,” said Joanne Stone, MD, MS, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at Mount Sinai. “At the Center, we’re redefining what comprehensive care looks like—bringing together the best of medical science and integrative wellness in one coordinated experience.”

Guided, Integrated Care

At the heart of the Center’s approach is MyPath, a series of guided care experiences that organize services around specific areas of women’s health, such as hormonal and cardiometabolic wellness, postpartum recovery, and surgical transitions.

Rather than navigating multiple referrals and follow-up calls, patients will work with care teams who coordinate across specialties. A woman managing menopause symptoms, for example, will also be able to address her heart, metabolic, bone health, and mental health, while someone recovering postpartum will be referred to pelvic floor therapy, nutrition counseling, and emotional wellness support—all within a single, connected environment.

“It’s a new level of care coordination that truly puts women at the center,” Dr. Barbieri said.

An image of a doctor with a female patient.

The Center will unite specialists across disciplines, with the goal of replacing the fragmented, difficult-to-navigate appointment landscape many women face with a seamless, integrated experience that guides each patient through coordinated, evidence-based care tailored to her as a whole person.

Educating and Empowering Women

Studies show that many women enter perimenopause or menopause without the information or guidance they need. Nationally, only about half seek medical support, and many describe the experience as confusing or stigmatized.

The Rowan Women’s Health Center plans to address that gap through both care and education. Public programs, expert talks, and a new podcast, HERology hosted by the Center’s co-leaders, will explore topics ranging from hormonal and sexual health to mental well-being, bone strength, and longevity.

“Knowledge is empowering,” said Leslee Shaw, PhD, Director of the Blavatnik Family Women’s Health Research Institute, and Vice Chair for Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and a leading expert in women’s cardiovascular health. “By sharing insights from science and clinical experience, we will help women feel informed, confident, and in control of their health choices.”

A Model for the Future

As the first center of its kind located in New York City, the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness at the Mount Sinai Health System will become a model for how women’s health is delivered nationwide. Its multidisciplinary structure, guided care pathways, and strong emphasis on education and prevention reflect a growing movement to view women’s health as lifelong, interconnected, and central to innovation in medicine.

“Women’s health is entering a new era,” said Dr. Barbieri. “The Center is part of a larger shift to elevate the standard of care—to treat women not as an afterthought in medicine, but as the foundation of health innovation.”