Program for Jewish Genetic Health | Yeshiva University, New York

Program for Jewish Genetic Health

Who We Are

Nicole Schreiber-Agus, PhD Scientific and Programming Director Nicole received her undergraduate degree in Art History in 1989 from Princeton University, where she also concentrated in pre-medical studies. She received her Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Einstein), Sue Golding Graduate Division, in 1994. She then performed post-doctoral work at Einstein before becoming an Assistant Professor of Molecular Genetics in 1998. She was the Principal Investigator of a biomedical research laboratory there for eight years, focusing on transcriptional regulation in development and disease. Beginning in September 2006, Nicole served as Research Consultant to the Human Genetics Laboratory at Jacobi Medical Center. In 2011, she was re-appointed as an Assistant Professor of Genetics at Einstein.	Susan Klugman, MD Medical Director Susan received her medical degree from New York University in 1988 after completing her undergraduate studies in Biometry and Statistics at Cornell University. She then completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Montefiore Medical Center where she continues to practice. In 1993, she founded the Larchmont Women’s Center, a faculty practice office. In 2004, she completed a second residency in medical genetics at the same institution and since 2008 has served as the Director of Reproductive Genetics at Montefiore Medical Center. She is a board–certified obstetrician gynecologist and a board certified geneticist. She is also an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women’s Health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and is a member of the Faculty Senate and the Admissions Committee. She has given lectures to many Jewish organizations over the past two decades on various topics pertaining to women's health.
Chani Wiesman, MS, CGC Genetic Counselor Chani Wiesman, MS, CGC received her BA degree in Biology from CUNY-Queens College in 2007 and her MS degree in Genetic Counseling from Northwestern University in 2009. Chani currently is a genetic counselor at Montefiore Medical Center where she specializes in reproductive and cancer genetics. Prior to joining Montefiore, Chani served as a genetic counselor at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, specializing in reproductive and pediatric genetics as well as working closely with Columbia's Cystic Fibrosis Center. Chani presents frequently in the Jewish community about Jewish genetic diseases, carrier testing and available family planning options for carrier couples.	Estie Rose, MS, CGC Genetic Counselor Estie received her undergraduate degree in Biology in 2007 from Stern College for Women of Yeshiva University. She was an active member of the Medical Ethics Society, focusing her interests in Jewish genetic screening programs for Yeshiva undergrad students. She received her MS in Genetic Counseling in 2009 from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Estie is currently a genetic counselor and Instructor for Montefiore Medical Center, where she specializes in reproductive and cancer genetics. She is also involved in community outreach and educational programs for people seeking Jewish genetic screening.
Howard Nadel, RPh, CPh Director of Operations Howard graduated from the Columbia College of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 1974. Following graduation, he served the University in many official capacities, and was awarded Columbia's Alumni Federation Medal in both 1989 and again, in 2010 for his conspicuous service to the University. Throughout his career at Jacobi, he has held many positions. He was the Assistant Director for Inpatient Pharmacy Services and was responsible for integrating new technologies into the Pharmacy's practice. In 1998, he was awarded the coveted Smithsonian Medal for 21st Century Innovation Technology that benefits the public’s health and welfare. In 2000, he left the pharmacy to develop a Research Center for the North Bronx Healthcare Network, exploring drugs and devices in virtually every therapeutic area. Additionally, since 2005, Howard has served as the Administrative Director of the Jacobi Medical Center Human Genetics Laboratory.	Susan Gross, MD Founding Director Susan received her medical degree from University of Toronto in 1985. She then completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology followed by a Maternal Fetal Medicine fellowship at the same institution. Following this training, she completed a second residency in Medical Genetics at the University of Tennessee, Memphis. In 1994, she became a faculty member at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Einstein), Bronx, NY and in 1998, became Director of the Division of Reproductive Genetics in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health. She is currently a Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health and Clinical Pediatrics. Susan is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Medical Genetics and the Royal College of Surgeons (Canada).
Harry Ostrer, MD Liaison for Research and Development in Genetics and Genomics Harry is Professor of Pathology, Genetics and Pediatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Director of Genetic and Genomic Testing at Montefiore Medical Center. He is a long-time investigator of the genetics of the Jewish people. For over 30 years, he has studied the genetic basis of single-gene disorders in Jewish populations and implemented new genetic tests and screening programs to benefit Jewish people. In 2007, he organized the Jewish HapMap Project, an international effort to map and sequence the genomes of Jewish people. In a series of publications about Abraham’s Children in the Genome Era, Dr. Ostrer and his team of investigators demonstrated that the history of the Jewish Diasporas could be seen in the genomes of contemporary Jewish people—an observation that gained worldwide recognition. In October, 2010, he was named to the Forward 50 list of “people who have made an imprint in the past year on the ways in which American Jews view the world and relate to each other.” Bruce Lander Director of Institutional Advancement Bruce received a BA degree from the State University of New York College at Oswego, followed by an MA degree in Business Communications from Emerson College. Before joining Yeshiva, Bruce most recently spent ten years at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, serving in both public relations and fundraising roles.	Harry Lieman, MD Liaison for Fertility and Reproductive Technologies Harry received his medical degree in 1990 from SUNY- Downstate, Brooklyn. He completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center. He then pursued subspecialty training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) at UMDNJ- New Jersey Medical School. Once he completed his fellowship in 1996, he returned to Einstein and Montefiore Medical Center. Dr. Lieman is currently an Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women’s Health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and is the Interim Director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. His clinical interests cover the full gamut of the field with particular expertise in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) as well as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Dr. Lieman is currently the chairmen of the Reproductive Bioethics Committee that meets monthly at the medical school. He is also serves on the medical advisory board of the PUAH Institute in Jerusalem, Israel. With this background, he has had the opportunity to present at national and international meetings regarding the interface of fertility treatments, ethics and Jewish Law. He practice is based in Hartsdale, NY. He is the medical director of Montefiore’s Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Health which is also the location of the IVF center.

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