Obstetrics & Gynecology

News and Events

Programs and providers of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Weill Cornell Medicine are often the focus of news stories and features appearing in major national media. We invite you to review some stories that typify the breakthrough accomplishments of our remarkable team and highlight the impact our care has had on patient’s lives.

Prostate Cancer Hijacks Amino Acid Metabolism to Signal Hormone Therapy Resistance

prostate cancer cell with cholesterol

Prostate tumors can rewire amino acid metabolism to override the normal brakes on cholesterol production, a process that may fuel hormone therapy resistance, according to a study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators.

The preclinical study, published Aug. 20 in Nature Metabolism, revealed that a compound called propionyl-CoA, produced by the breakdown of amino acids isoleucine and valine during normal energy metabolism, acts as a signal that switches on cholesterol production. This helps prostate cancer cells adapt to the hormone-deprived conditions resulting from treatment and acquire more aggressive features.

By revealing this previously unrecognized connection, the study identified a potential weakness in prostate cancer that could be targeted with new drugs or, pending clinical testing, dietary strategies that reduce levels of isoleucine and valine. These essential amino acids are abundant in protein-rich foods such as meat, fish and dairy products.

Dr. John Blenis

Dr. John Blenis

White Coat Ceremony Kicks off Medical Education for M.D. Class of 2030

A group of students wearing white coats

When Kiran Abraham-Aggarwal started his undergraduate studies at Cornell’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR), he assumed it would lead to a career in economic development or perhaps law, like many of his classmates. With an interest in advocacy and policy reform, these disciplines felt like a fit. But then, in his sophomore year, he attended his parents’ class reunion at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. Included on the schedule was a tour of the anatomy lab and an opportunity to view a cadaver—a person affected by black lung disease. Abraham-Aggarwal studied the condition in one of his ILR classes, learning about coal miners in West Virginia, but seeing it up close changed his whole perspective.

Three people posing for a photo

Kiran Abraham-Aggarwal celebrates his new white coat with his parents, Dr. Kavita Aggarwal, M.D. ’96 and Dr. Manoj Abraham, M.D. ’97. To view our full photo gallery, click the picture.

Physician Assistant Students Earn New White Coats at Annual Ceremony

A group of students pose for a photo

Nina Almazar can trace her passion for healthcare to her untraditional upbringing, her family’s sacrifices—and her deep love for her grandmother.

Born in the Philippines, Almazar spent her early childhood living with her maternal grandmother while her parents emigrated to the United States in search of more opportunity for their family—reuniting in Queens when Almazar was 5 years old. Her mother, a dentist back home, worked odd jobs as a nanny and tutor before eventually attending nursing school, while her father’s workday extended to nights and weekends. It was challenging, but worth it: “This is why we came here,” Almazar recalled her parents saying. “To make sure you would have a good education and could do whatever you want with your life.”

A woman wearing a red dress and white medical coat

Nina Almazar Aug. 18 during the white coat ceremony. To view our full photo gallery, click the picture.

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