On Thursday, April 10th, the Milton and Carroll Petrie Department of Urology hosted its annual Prostate Cancer Research Gala at New York’s storied Rainbow Room in Manhattan. The evening celebrated the extraordinary patients, physicians, scientists, and caregivers committed to advancing prostate cancer research and care. Raising close to $1.3M, the event was a testament to the power of community and shared purpose.

“As we stand here tonight, remember that each step, each discovery, and each act of generosity propels us towards a better future. Together, we’re igniting hope and transforming challenges into victories. I invite you to join us in this ongoing journey. Every bit of support brings us closer to a day when prostate cancer is a story of the past, not a battle in the present,” said Ash Tewari, MBBS, MCh, Chair of the Department of Urology at the Mount Sinai Health System and the Kyung Hyun Kim, MD Professor of Urology at Icahn Mount Sinai, who spearheaded the gala and directs the Center of Excellence.

At the event, Sybil and David Yurman were honored with the Visionary Award for their exceptional commitment to philanthropy and dedication to improving men’s health. Dr. Tewari praised the Yurmans’ unwavering support of the Mount Sinai Health System, highlighting their role as true visionaries in the field.

The third annual Steven Southwick, MD Memorial Award was presented to Natasha Kyprianou, PhD. Named after renowned researcher and scientist Steven M. Southwick—a leading expert in psychological trauma and human resilience, who passed away in 2022 after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer—this award recognizes outstanding achievements in prostate cancer research. Dr. Kyprianou was recognized for her focus on groundbreaking research that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the fight against prostate cancer.

“What really drives research is what drives me since I was very young—the effort to reduce suffering of any kind… Not only to give back, but to do whatever we can as scientists, as physicians, as human beings—to help reduce the suffering of other people,” Dr. Kyprianou said of her passion for advancing scientific discovery for prostate cancer.

Ash Tewari, Sybil Yurman, David Yurman

It is estimated that more than 300,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year and more than 35,000 will die from this devastating cancer. The Prostate Cancer Research Gala is one of Mount Sinai’s signature fundraising events, providing the opportunity to celebrate our generous community of donors and partners committed to finding a cure.

When Ramone Brown first arrived as a student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, he received a journal that included the words “Icahn School of World Changers at Mount Sinai.”

The symbolism was inescapable.

“It’s a powerful statement,” Brown said, “but one that captures the spirit of the institution.”

That spirit resonates strongly for Brown, who is a beneficiary of Mount Sinai’s Enhanced Scholarship Initiative, or ESI, which is aimed at expanding opportunities for students from underprivileged or disadvantaged backgrounds with a demonstrated financial need.

A second-year student and native of Jamaica, Brown was chosen to be the student speaker at the Mount Sinai Student Scholarship Reception at The Mount Sinai Hospital on May 1. Before a group of more than 40 donors, student scholarship recipients, and the Icahn School’s leadership, he articulated how impactful ESI is—and continues to be—for recipients like him.

“As a student interested in orthopedics, I’ve been inspired by many giants in the field, like Dr. Alexis Colvin, and I’ve embraced the medical mantra ‘See one, do one, teach one,’” Brown said, referring to the School’s Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs and Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. “This philosophy challenges us to learn with humility, act with purpose, and pass on our knowledge to uplift others. Your support through the ESI has allowed me to embody this.”

The Student Scholarship Reception is a unique opportunity for select faculty and scholarship recipients to socialize with the generous donors whose support makes efforts like ESI possible. Members of the Mount Sinai Boards of Trustees in attendance included Joel Ehrenkranz and Robert Friedman and his wife, Dr. Elissa Gretz-Friedman.

Those gathered also heard remarks from Dr. Steven Lev, a scholarship donor and alumnus of the Mount Sinai Medical School’s Class of 1988; Dr. David Thomas, the Icahn School’s Dean for Medical Education; and Dr. Dennis Charney, who will retire at the end of this academic year after serving as Dean of the School since 2007.

Dean Thomas provided an overview of the new ASCEND curriculum that was rolled out for first-year students last fall, while Dean Charney provided a broader overview of how well the School is positioned to face the future now that he’s stepping away from a leadership role.

But the overarching theme of the evening was ESI and the opportunities it provides to students like Ramone Brown—opportunities that otherwise might not have existed.

Opportunities to become world changers.

“Becoming a physician at Mount Sinai means seeing the interconnectedness of medicine, research, and the patient experience,” Brown told the attendees. “It means doing what we committed to in our oath to enhance the lives of our patients. And it means reaching back to teach and inspire the next generation of talented students.

“Your generosity has given me the opportunity to live out this mission. Because of you, I’m not just learning how to be an orthopedic surgeon—I’m learning to be a physician leader, an advocate, and a change-maker. But the work is far from done.”

On March 6, more than 200 members of the Mount Sinai community and guests gathered for the 23rd Annual MS Center Celebration, an event that brought magic, generosity, and inspiration to the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan. This highly anticipated evening once again raised crucial support for The Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Mount Sinai, drawing together a passionate community dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by MS.

Dr. Ilana Katz Sand, Associate Director of the Center; Dr. Stephen Krieger, Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; and Anthony Rosa, Founder and CEO of Runway 7 Fashion, Advisory Board Member of the Center, and the designer behind the MS-themed lab coats showcased at New York Fashion Week, co-chaired the event.

Attendees were welcomed to the evening’s program by Fred D. Lublin, MD, Director of the Center and Saunders Family Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine, and Aaron Miller, MD, Medical Director of the Center and Professor of Neurology. Heartfelt remarks were delivered by Meruka Hazari, MD, a patient with MS and Advisory Board member of the CGDC. After a video featuring grateful patients, Dr. Katz Sand and Dr. Krieger, who sported one of Mr. Rosa’s designer lab coats, took the podium to address what the Center and patient care has meant to them. Additionally, Christina Kovacs, Director of Brand & Sponsorships for Runway 7 Fashion, and Mr. Rosa’s mother, Elizabeth, whose late son, Ralph, battled MS for 23 years, addressed the audience on behalf of Mr. Rosa, who could not attend. They spoke of their deep connection to the cause.

The night was capped off by an incredible performance by David Gerard, a renowned mentalist and magician, who once again captivated the audience with his mind-bending skills.

While the entertainment thrilled guests, the heart of the evening was its mission: raising $500,000 in vital funds to advance patient care, groundbreaking research, and innovative education at the Center. With more than 6,000 patients depending on its services, the need for continued support has never been greater.

Dr. Krieger reflected on his participation in the celebration, “After attending the CGD Gala for 20 years, it was an honor to co-chair and speak at the event. My remarks to ‘find the good we can do’ in the lives of everyone with MS who we care for, to envision their best possible outcomes and seek this with scientific advancements and also with empathy, generosity of spirit, and beneficence – really encapsulates our clinical mission at the CGD Center. I asked those in attendance to think about the good they can do for the Center, and although when I said ‘to be clear, this is a call to action’ it got a good laugh, I also hope that it inspired people to dig deep and contribute to our mission, as we can’t succeed without the philanthropic support that our gala provides.”

Thanks to the generosity of donors over the years, gala proceeds have developed and sustained transformative initiatives such as the C. Olsten Wellness Program, launched in 2020 by Dr. Katz Sand. This program takes a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to improving the quality of life and long-term outcomes for people living with MS. Funds raised also play a critical role in supporting pioneering research and training future MS specialists.

In Dr. Katz Sand’s words, “It was truly an honor to serve as co-chair for this incredible event. We are extremely grateful to our wonderful community for helping us ensure the night’s success. We could not do the critically important work we do every day without this amazing support!”

The evening was a tremendous success, reinforcing the Center’s unwavering commitment to revolutionizing MS care and offering hope to thousands of patients and families.

Seated, from left: Rosamond Rhodes, PhD; James C. Tsai, MD, MBA; Viviana A. Simon, MD, PhD; Katherine T. Chen, MD, MPH; Adam I. Levine, MD, MSSM ’89, MSH ’93; and Sandra K. Masur, PhD, FASCB. Standing, from left: Leo M. Keegan, MD, MSSM ’86, MSH ’94; Paul J. Kenny, PhD; Caryn Tiger-Paillex, MSILR; Brendan G. Carr, MD, MA, MS, Chief Executive Officer, Professor and Kenneth L. Davis, MD, Distinguished Chair, Mount Sinai Health System; Michelle L. Sainté-Willis; Ashutosh K. Tewari, MBBS, MCh, FRCS (Hon.), DSc (Hon.); Valerie Parkas, MD; and Dennis Charney, MD, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, President for Academic Affairs, Mount Sinai Health System.

The Mount Sinai Alumni Association and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai presented accomplished physicians, researchers, educators, and administrators with the 2025 Jacobi Medallion, one of Mount Sinai’s most prestigious awards. The annual ceremony was held Wednesday, March 12, at the Plaza Hotel.

The recipients of the Jacobi Medallion have made exceptional contributions to the Mount Sinai Health System, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, the Mount Sinai Alumni Association, or the fields of medicine or biomedicine.

• View the Digital Program
• Watch the In Memoriam Video

2025 Jacobi Medallion Recipients

Katherine T. Chen, MD, MPH

Professor and System Vice-Chair of Education, The Raquel and Jaime Gilinski Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science
Professor, Leni and Peter May Department of Medical Education
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Paul J. Kenny, PhD

Chair, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience
Ward-Coleman Chair in Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Director, The Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Drug Discovery Institute
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Adam I. Levine, MD, MSSM ’89, MSH ’93

Professor, Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and Department of Pharmacological Sciences
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Valerie Parkas, MD

Senior Associate Dean of Admissions and Recruitment
Senior Associate Dean of Student Affairs (Interim)
Professor, Samuel Bronfman Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases
Professor, Leni and Peter May Department of Medical Education
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Rosamond Rhodes, PhD

Director, Bioethics Education Programs
Professor, Leni and Peter May Department of Medical Education
Professor, Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Michelle L. Sainté-Willis

Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education Administration, Leni and Peter May Department of Medical Education
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Viviana A. Simon, MD, PhD

Professor, Department of Microbiology
Co-Director, Mount Sinai Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness
The Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute
Professor, Lillian and Henry M. Stratton-Hans Popper Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine
Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, Samuel Bronfman Department of Medicine
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Ashutosh K. Tewari, MBBS, MCh, FRCS (Hon.), DSc (Hon.)

Kyung Hyun Kim, MD Chair in Urology
Surgeon-in-Chief, Tisch Cancer Hospital
Professor and System Chair, The Milton and Carroll Petrie Department of Urology
Director of Center of Excellence for Prostate Cancer, The Tisch Cancer Institute
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Caryn Tiger-Paillex, MSILR

Dean for Faculty, Staff, and Trainee Relations
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai Health System

James C. Tsai, MD, MBA

President, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai
Delafield-Rodgers Professor of Ophthalmology and System Chair, Department of Ophthalmology
Founding Director, Barry Family Center for Ophthalmic Artificial Intelligence and Human Health
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

On December 9th, the Dubin Breast Center of the Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai hosted its annual benefit at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in Manhattan, celebrating the extraordinary patients, physicians, staff, caregivers, and supporters who have contributed to the Center’s success since its founding 14 years ago. Jill Martin, NBC’s TODAY lifestyle contributor, was honored for her advocacy in breast cancer awareness, testing, and wellness.

Since her diagnosis in 2023, Jill has used her broadcasting and social media platforms to share the story of her breast cancer journey, displaying strength and resilience through numerous surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments. As she has done so, millions of Americans have learned about BRCA and other genetic testing and how knowing one’s cancer risk can help lead to life-saving prevention and early detection. As Jill shared, “With my platform, I felt I had a responsibility to not only raise awareness but also to acknowledge other people going through something similar who may not have the ability to share in the way that I can.” That selflessness and vulnerability inspired both her television audience and her health care team at the Dubin Breast Center.

“Jill is an entrepreneur and a multi-Emmy Award-winning television broadcaster—an amazing woman as you have seen,” said Elisa Port, MD, FACS, Chief of Breast Surgery for the Health System, Director of the Dubin Breast Center, and Jill’s physician. “Her courage and passion were inspiring to watch. Jill exemplifies the idea that the airwaves should serve the public trust. Through her resolute insistence on sharing her journey, advocating for genetic testing, and maintaining an inspiring attitude, Jill fulfilled her highest calling both to herself and her profession.”

Perri Peltz, the Emmy Award-winning journalist and filmmaker served as master of ceremonies for the evening, and the event included performances from country singer Will Moseley, and Broadway actor, singer, dancer, and choreographer Jared Grimes, and featured a special performance by Grammy- and Academy Award-winner, Ms. Lisa Fischer, accompanied by Michael Mitchell and Friends.

Some notable guests included tennis great Mary Joe Fernández, Academy Award-nominated producer and film director Shawn Levy, SoulCycle founding senior master instructor Stacey Griffith, and fashion models Molly Simms and Karlie Kloss. Seven patients who shared their breast cancer experiences in a video capturing their remarkable stories were also in attendance.

Dr. Port and Center Co-founder and Mount Sinai Health System Trustee Eva Andersson-Dubin, MD, received a standing ovation before expressing their gratitude to the event’s Co-Chairs, Benefit Committee, and Advisory Board for their dedicated efforts in supporting the Dubin Breast Center’s mission.

“Building a top-tier cancer center within a full-service hospital, equipped to address all the medical needs of a patient, was a novel idea,” Dr. Dubin said. “We wanted to build a cutting-edge breast cancer treatment facility within a caring, nurturing environment—and most importantly, open it to all regardless of ability to pay. The idea was new and now it has succeeded beyond our dreams.”

Jill says of her time at the Center, “I felt like it was home for me. I still feel like that. I feel like everyone, from the doctors to the nurses, to the front desk, it was like a club that you never wanted to be a part of, but when you went to it you were just regarded with such love. When I picture my time here at Dubin, I just picture safety. I mean, they saved my life. So if you have to go through something like this, having Dubin as your anchor is incomparable.”

Mount Sinai Health System Chief Executive Officer, Brendan G. Carr, MD, MA, MS, also addressed the audience. “Breast cancer is personal for me, as it is for many in this room. It has impacted many members of my family and has taken several from us far too early,” said Dr. Carr, Professor and Kenneth L. Davis Distinguished Chair. “I’m proud to recognize Dr. Dubin and Dr. Port for their leadership and vision in the creation and the growth of the Dubin Breast Center over the last 14 years. Thank you to the donors and supporters for helping make our center a trailblazer in breast cancer care.”

The 2024 gala raised a record $3.8 million.

Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, affecting one in eight over a lifetime. The Dubin Breast Center stands as a symbol of progress, providing world-class care to all patients while advancing early detection and treatment innovations. Since its founding 14 years ago, the Center has become an internationally renowned beacon of hope and innovation in breast cancer care. The Center is on track to surpass 400,000 patient visits by 2025, encompassing imaging, surgery, and treatment services. Early detection efforts and the survivorship program continue to deliver better outcomes for patients, embodying the Center’s commitment to comprehensive, compassionate care.