13 PAGNY Providers Recognized by NYC Health + Hospitals for Outstanding Patient Care

We are thrilled to announce that 13 of our esteemed PAGNY providers have been recognized by NYC Health + Hospitals for their exceptional patient care at the annual Doctors’ Day celebration. This recognition highlights their unwavering commitment to providing exceptional patient care and to serving our diverse patient community.

On May 7, 2024, NYC Health + Hospitals held its Doctors’ Day celebration, honoring 26 doctors across the health system for their outstanding contributions to patient care. For the first time, the event included three physicians from the new Gotham Health Centers of Excellence, which offer Long COVID services alongside primary care.

This year’s honorees were nominated by their respective Chief Medical Officers, acknowledging their exemplary service in various medical fields, including pediatrics, primary care, emergency medicine, oncology, pathology, neurology, HIV care, optometry, and more. The awardees represent a rich diversity of backgrounds, hailing from countries such as Ukraine, Nigeria, China, Burma, Nepal, Bangladesh, Cyprus, Haiti, India, and Pakistan.

Dr. Machelle Allen, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals, expressed her gratitude and admiration for the honorees, stating, “Today’s honorees state that it is a privilege and an honor to serve our patients. However, it is my privilege and honor to work with our providers. This year’s recipients mirror the diversity of our patients, coming from nations around the world and speaking a wide range of languages. They showcase the commitment to excellence and achievement we see across our health system.”

Here are a few highlights from this year’s distinguished PAGNY honorees:

Dr. Sara Rostanski, Associate Chief of Neurology at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, has led the Department of Neurology’s stroke program since 2018. Her leadership has transformed Bellevue into a comprehensive stroke center, certified by The Joint Commission.

Dr. Cheryl Smith, an HIV specialist at NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Sydenham, has dedicated over 30 years to serving the medical needs of HIV patients and helping lead the state’s education and prevention efforts.

Dr. Boris Mashalov, a pediatrician at NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx, developed an adolescent clinic addressing sexual health, mental health, and weight management, achieving a remarkable 90 percent immunization rate among adolescent patients.

Dr. Eleonora Akker, Director of Medical Education, NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health

Dr. Mahrukh Bamji, Chair of Pediatrics, NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan

Dr. Zachary A. Blankenship, Clinical Education Director, NYC Health + Hospitals/Simulation Center

Dr. Selwena R. Brewster, Associate Chief Medical Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County

Dr. Robert Faillace, Chief of Medicine, NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi

Dr. Boris M. Mashalov, Attending Physician, Pediatrics, NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx

Dr. Ei Khine Moe, Primary Care Physician, NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Roosevelt

Dr. Abimbola Oduguwa, Attending Physician, Pediatrics, NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Broadway

Dr. Umesh Paudel, Chief, Division of Neonatology, NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem

Dr. Wilmer J. Petite, Attending Physician, Cardiology, NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Tremont

Dr. Sara K. Rostanski, Associate Chief of Neurology, NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln

Dr. Cheryl A. Smith, Attending Physician, NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Sydenham

Dr. Muhammad Waseem, Attending Physician, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln