SUNY Downstate Midwifery Program

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Brigitte C. Desport, D.P.S., OTR/L, BCP, ATP on her appointment as Interim Dean of the School of Health Professions at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, effective June 1, 2026. 🎉

Dr. Desport currently serves as Associate Dean of Strategic Initiatives and Associate Professor in the Occupational Therapy Program. A respected clinician, educator, and administrator, she has played a key role in advancing strategic initiatives, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student success across SOHP.

As we celebrate 60 years of excellence in healthcare education, we look forward to Dr. Desport’s leadership in continuing the School’s mission of innovation, scholarship, service, and community impact.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Allen N. Lewis, Jr. for his leadership and lasting contributions to the School of Health Professions. Wishing him all the best in his retirement. 💙

🔬✨ SOHP Research in Action 2025–2026 ✨🔬

The School of Health Professions continues to expand its research footprint across disciplines—advancing clinical practice, informing education, strengthening community health, and supporting student and professional success.

📊 This year’s SOHP faculty impact included:
✔️ 20+ conference presentations
✔️ 15+ publications
✔️ 7 posters
✔️ 5 books/chapters
✔️ Growing interdisciplinary collaboration and national visibility

From nationally recognized ABA research productivity to innovations in OT, PT, Midwifery, Health Informatics, and Diagnostic Medical Sonography, SOHP faculty continue to shape the future of healthcare education, research, equity, and evidence-based practice.

As we celebrate 60 years of excellence in healthcare education, SOHP research momentum continues to grow. 💎

YouTube https://bit.ly/4fenlvi

🔬✨ SOHP Research Day 2026 Highlights ✨🔬

From innovative presentations and poster sessions to interdisciplinary collaboration and student scholarship, SOHP Research Day showcased the incredible work advancing healthcare, education, and community impact across our programs.

Thank you to our faculty, students, staff, and presenters who contributed to a successful and inspiring event as we continue celebrating 60 years of excellence at the School of Health Professions. 💎

🎥 Check out our highlight reel and experience the energy, innovation, and scholarship that define SOHP Research Day!

💎✨ Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence ✨💎

Following Convocation, the SOHP community came together for our 60th Anniversary Reception—a celebration of legacy, resilience, impact, and the future of healthcare education at SUNY Downstate.

Students, alumni, faculty, staff, families, and community partners gathered to honor this milestone year and the next generation of healthcare professionals entering the field.

📸 View the full event album on our Flickr page — link available in our Linktree!

🎓✨ SOHP Convocation 2026 Highlights ✨🎓

Celebrating the incredible achievements of the SOHP Class of 2026 during a very special year—our 60th Anniversary! 💎

From the processional to the pinning, awards, stoles, and celebration with family, faculty, alumni, and friends, this evening reflected the resilience, excellence, and community that define SOHP.

As our graduates step into high-demand healthcare professions, they also carry forward a 60-year legacy of impact, service, and leadership.

📸 View the full event album on our Flickr page — link available in our Linktree!

Congratulations to the next generation of healthcare professionals—we are proud of you! 💙

On May 7, 2026, the School of Health Professions proudly hosted its 4th Annual SOHP Research Day, celebrating the outstanding scholarship, innovation, and collaborative research efforts of our students and faculty across disciplines. 🔬✨

The event brought together students, faculty, staff, and guests for a day dedicated to academic excellence, interprofessional learning, and the advancement of healthcare research and education. Student poster and platform presentations highlighted the depth of scholarly engagement and emerging contributions shaping the future of healthcare practice and innovation.

Thank you to all presenters, faculty advisors, organizers, volunteers, and attendees who helped make this year’s Research Day a success and for continuing to foster a culture of inquiry, discovery, and collaboration within SOHP. 🎓💡

During the month of April, in celebration of Occupational Therapy Month, the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine hosted a grip strength assessment in the Commons to help raise awareness about the importance of hand function, rehabilitation, and everyday wellness. 💪✨

It was wonderful to see our SOHP Occupational Therapy students stop by to participate and engage with the Downstate community while highlighting the impact of OT in promoting health, independence, and quality of life.

🎓✨ Celebrating the SOHP Class of 2026

The School of Health Professions proudly celebrates our graduates at Convocation! Today, we honor your dedication, resilience, and commitment to advancing healthcare.

As you take this next step, know that you carry the legacy of SOHP with you—grounded in excellence, compassion, and service.

Livestream link and Program in the Linktree.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! Your future starts now.

Midwifery students rocking their poster at the SOHP 4th Annual Research Day.