College Announces New Leadership Appointments

Gregory L. Almond, M.D., M.P.H. '00, M.S. '00, Vice Chancellor for External Academic Relations and Professor and Chair of Emergency Medicine
 
As vice chancellor for external academic relations, Dr. Almond is responsible for overseeing the multi-year growth and expansion of clinical site capacity to support the mission of the SOM and the clinical health professions education and research programs of the College and Touro University (TU). He will serve as the administrative point of contact for key NYMC clinical affiliates, including Yuma Regional Medical Center in Yuma, Arizona, and Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida. In collaboration with the chancellor and deans, Dr. Almond will develop academic affiliation agreements for proposed clinical sites to include clinical core rotations and electives for third- and fourth-year medical students. Additionally, Dr. Almond coordinates the growth of clinical research programs across TU, working closely with the vice president for research and leadership at the Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute. Other responsibilities include identifying new clinical sites and leading the coordinating committee for educational resource sharing within the TU health sciences education system.
 
"I am honored to have the opportunity to expand my role at NYMC and become the first vice chancellor for external academic relations," said Dr. Almond. "I will work with our team to improve the experiential opportunities of our students which will enrich their education, while improving their opportunity for a successful match into the residency program of choice.  The anticipated growth of the research program will bring opportunities to our faculty, residents, and students."

Leonard J. Newman, M.D. ’70, Assistant Vice Chancellor of External Academic Affairs and Professor of Pediatrics and Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine
 
As assistant vice chancellor for external academic affairs, Dr. Newman will work closely with Dr. Almond and is responsible for collaborating with external contacts and ensuring the successful implementation of clinical education initiatives, including reviewing curricula and teaching standards related to pediatric programs for third- and fourth-year students and working with the leadership of Mount Sinai Medical Center to ensure the success of clinical clerkships and electives. Additionally, Dr. Newman is tasked with identifying options for a core pediatrics clerkship experience in Florida and supporting outreach efforts to establish additional pediatric clerkships and electives in the New York metropolitan area. He also will serve as a liaison with NYMC alumni in Florida to strengthen alumni relations and garner local support for clinical clerkship initiatives in Dade and Charlotte counties. 
 
"I’m looking forward to strengthening alumni and faculty relations at the College," said Dr. Newman. "As an alumnus and faculty member, I understand both dynamics of each perspective. It's a privilege to support the institution that has been such a pivotal part of my journey."

La'Shari Valentin, Ph.D., M.B.A., Associate Vice Chancellor for External Academic Relations and Associate Dean of Academic Affiliations and Clinical Programs at the SOM 

Formerly the assistant dean of academic affiliations and clinical programs, Dr. Valentin oversees and manages affiliated clinical sites, ensuring compliance with College policies and accreditation standards as associate dean of academic affiliations and clinical programs at the SOM. She is committed to providing clinical learning environments with adequate resources and effective teaching and supervision of residents, fellows, and NYMC students. As associate vice chancellor for external academic relations, Dr. Valentin will support the multi-year growth and expansion of clinical site capacity to align with the mission of the SOM, as well as the clinical health professions education and research programs of the College and TU. She will also facilitate administrative collaboration throughout the various phases of maturation. 

"I take great pleasure in contributing to the growth of our portfolio of new clinical affiliate sites, while also maintaining strong connections with our existing affiliate sites and ensuring that they know we value and appreciate their partnership," said Dr. Valentin.

Robin Hershkowitz, LCSW-R, Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of SMHW 

As associate vice chancellor for the Office of SMHW, Hershkowitz will expand her previous position as senior director, ensuring that SMHW consistently delivers effective programs and services, including excellent clinical care. She will provide enhanced leadership and vision for the office through strategic planning, resource allocation, program evaluation, outreach, and preventive mental health and wellbeing programs. In addition to her ongoing partnership with Kathryn Spanknebel, M.D., FACS, vice chancellor for SMHW, SOM dean of faculty and academic affairs, and associate professor of surgery, she will have the opportunity to collaborate with the College's senior leadership to address campus climate issues and to develop policies and services that promote and support students' mental health and well-being.
 
"We are fortunate that NYMC values and prioritizes the mental health and well-being of its learners by investing in our office and staff so that we may achieve our goals in supporting the needs of our students," said Hershkowitz.
 
These leadership appointments reflect NYMC's dedication to academic excellence, innovative clinical programs, and the overall well-being of its students and faculty.