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.

Dr. Nikolaos Koundouros Wins 2025 Tri-Institutional Breakout Award

A man in a suit giving a presentation at a podium

Dr. Nikolaos Koundouros, a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Pharmacology at Weill Cornell Medicine, has been awarded a 2025 Tri-Institutional Breakout Award for Junior Investigators.

Weill Cornell Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and The Rockefeller University present the awards to up to six exceptional investigators each year—at least one from each institution—who are recognized for their notable research achievements, impactful findings and high potential for success as independent investigators. Winners receive a $25,000 unrestricted prize.

“I certainly appreciate the honor and significance of this award and know how competitive it is,” said Dr. Koundouros, who is also a Charles H. Revson Fellow in the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer at Weill Cornell Medicine. “It will have a huge, positive impact on my career.”

Dr. Koundouros earned his doctorate at the Institute of Cancer Research in London, during which time he helped pioneer the use of a surgical tool called the iKnife that can detect cancer by analyzing tissue chemistry in real time. He also uses advanced tools and techniques to measure how cells break down sugars and fats. His work has fueled the creation of a potential cancer treatment that targets how cells detect nutrients.

Looking Beyond Beta-Amyloid: New Paths in Alzheimer's Research

Helen and Robert Appel Institute Symposium

At the 12th annual Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer’s Disease Research Institute Symposium, scientists and clinicians shared their latest research which is advancing how Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed and treated. Held at Weill Cornell Medicine’s Griffis Faculty Club, the symposium gave investigators and community members the opportunity to learn and ask questions about new directions in neurodegenerative research. Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 7 million Americans, a number expected to increase to 13 million by 2050.

Helen and Robert Appel established the Institute in 2006, prompted to action when two close friends succumbed to the disease two decades ago. “We were determined to do whatever we could to make a dent in Alzheimer’s research,” said Helen Appel of her and her late husband Bob’s commitment to helping find a cure. “We’re going to have to come up with solutions to the problems, and we’ll do it.”

Switch to Experimental Drug after Liquid Biopsy Detection of Breast Cancer Recurrence Improves Outcomes

researcher holding a vial of blood over a rack of vials

A large prospective, randomized clinical trial in patients with advanced breast cancer has found that the use of liquid biopsy blood tests for early detection of a treatment-resistance mutation, followed by a switch to a new type of treatment, substantially extends the period of tumor control compared to standard care.

The SERENA-6 study, published June 1 in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented concurrently at the annual meeting of the American Society for Clinical Oncology, was conducted at multiple medical centers, principally in Europe, East Asia and the United States, including at Weill Cornell Medicine and three affiliated NewYork-Presbyterian campuses: NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, and NewYork-Presbyterian Queens. It is one of the first demonstrations that treatment switching guided by liquid biopsy results brings better outcomes for patients.

“The main message here is that liquid biopsy technology allows us to intervene sooner when the tumor burden is lower and the chance of a good outcome is higher,” said study co-author Dr. Massimo Cristofanilli, professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and an oncologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Contact Us