UPCOMING EVENTS
Thursday October 2, 2025 at 5:00 pm
The 'Addicted' Brain: Navigating the System with Dr. Laura Leahy
CNY Biotech Accelerator - 841 E. Fayette Street, Syracuse
Join the Upstate Foundation on October 2, 2025, for an evening program titled "The 'Addicted' Brain: Navigating the System." This hybrid event, available both in person at the CNY Biotech Accelerator, and virtually, will feature a presentation by Dr. Laura G. Leahy, a Board Certified Psychiatric and Addictions Advanced Practice Nurse. Dr. Leahy will provide an overview of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and discuss strategies for healthcare professionals, patients, and families to navigate the healthcare system. The presentation will frame SUDs as chronic, relapsing illnesses that, despite the stigma in our country, are treatable.
The program agenda includes a conversation with MaryBeth Dunnewold, the founder of the Julia E. Oyer Addiction Education Fund, and a panel discussion with hospital and community providers. This event is designed to offer attendees a deeper understanding of how to obtain the assistance required for recovery and lead healthy lives. Registration is required to attend this important event.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Laura G. Leahy, DrNP, APRN, PMH-CNS/FNP, CARN-AP, FAANP, FAAN is a Board Certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatric & Addictions Advanced Practice Nurse with over 30 years of clinical and teaching experience. She is the founder of APN Solutions, LLC, a private practice in Southern New Jersey, and serves as an Advanced Senior Lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. A Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, Dr. Leahy specializes in psychopharmacology, substance use disorders, and integrative, patient-centered therapies across the lifespan.
The Julia E. Oyer Addiction Education Fund was established in memory of Julia E. Oyer to help educate patients, families, and healthcare professionals about addiction. The fund's purpose is to change the narrative around addiction, emphasizing that it is not a moral failing but a treatable, chronic medical disease.
Julia, a brilliant young woman with a passion for healthcare, tragically passed away at age 29 due to complications from alcohol withdrawal. Her family created this fund to honor her and prevent others from experiencing a similar loss. The fund aims to provide resources and financial support to ensure that Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is addressed as a root cause of illness and that patients and their families receive the necessary support to navigate the healthcare system and begin their journey to recovery.
Thursday October 9, 2025 at 5:00 pm
Prime Your Brain: Using Neuromodulation to Drive Neuroplacsticity in Rehabilitation
Join us at the Collegian Hotel and Suites for an early evening of connection and conversation. Each event in the Emerging Trends in Health Care series features a short, engaging talk on a timely topic, followed by informal networking with fellow health care professionals.
In this session, presenters Bokkyu Kim, PhD, PT and Yi-Ling Kuo, PhD, PT will explore how non-invasive brain stimulation is shaping the future of rehabilitation, introducing cutting-edge research and real-world applications of neuromodulation in brain injury and chronic pain, and how these tools may personalize and improve physical therapy outcomes.
Food and drinks will be available, with one complimentary drink ticket provided at the door. There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required.
Event Venue: Collegian Hotel and Suites - 1060 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13210 - Doors open at 4:30 pm
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS WILL BE OFFERED TO THOSE WHO ATTEND.
Emerging Trends in Health Care is a meetup-style lecture series designed to bring alumni, students, and faculty together to exchange ideas, spark dialogue, and explore innovations shaping the future of health care.
Register here