Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone

08/13/2026

We’re excited to announce that Dr. Nadia Ovchinsky has been named chair of the Department of Pediatrics at NYU Langone Health!

An internationally recognized pediatric hepatologist, Dr. Ovchinsky joined NYU Langone in 2023 and most recently served as director of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital. Since joining, she has more than doubled the division’s size and helped establish the Pediatric Liver Transplant Program, transforming the division into a regional referral center for children with complex gastrointestinal and liver disorders.

In her role as chair, Dr. Ovchinsky will lead the continued advancement of pediatric care, research, and education across NYU Langone, while strengthening collaboration and expanding access to world-class care for children and families.

“My vision is to build on the remarkable work already underway here and lead a Department of Pediatrics that delivers exceptional, family-centered care, develops future leaders in children’s health, and advances scientific discoveries that improve the lives of children here in New York and far beyond,” says Dr. Ovchinsky.

Learn more about Dr. Ovchinsky: https://bit.ly/4ze8lEX

08/07/2026

Throughout the halls of Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, you'll find doctors, nurses, child life specialists, and sometimes, even clowns.

Our clowns are part of Laughter League, a team of professional physical comedians who partner with our Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care to bring humor, play, and improvisation to children during their hospital stay. Every interaction is intentional, with performers reading the room and meeting each child where they are. That might mean "accidentally" losing a hat, struggling to open a door, or confidently walking toward the wrong elevator, all in the name of sparking a smile.

“When children come to the hospital, they have so few choices. Organizations like Laughter League give children options," says Sala Certified Child Life Specialist Jennifer Holohan. “Parents get to watch their child, for just a moment, be a child.”

Watch how a little laughter can make a big difference for our patients and their families 🤡🎈

07/31/2026

The term “dry drowning” is often misunderstood and can cause unnecessary concern.

Pediatrician Dr. Ayala Wegman spoke with ABC News to debunk common myths, explain the real risks, and share warning signs parents should watch for after a child has been in the water.

Watch the interview ⤵️

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06/21/2026

Father’s Day carries a little extra meaning this year for Brian Carstens and his son, Benjamin.

Last August, Brian celebrated his 28th birthday by giving his son the gift of a lifetime: a living liver donation.

Shortly after birth, Benjamin was diagnosed with neonatal-onset ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency. For children with severe cases, a liver transplant can be the only cure.

After months of care at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, Brian was evaluated through NYU Langone’s Living Donor Transplant Program and found to be a perfect match. On August 18, 2025, Brian underwent surgery to donate a portion of his liver, and Benjamin received the lifesaving transplant that same day.

“When we were told Benjamin needed a transplant, there was no question,” Brian said. “If I could save him, I was going to do it.”

Today, Benjamin is home with his family, growing, thriving, and making up for lost time. As they approach the one-year anniversary of his transplant, what was once Brian’s birthday has taken on a whole new meaning for their family.

This Father’s Day, we’re celebrating the dads who show up in extraordinary ways. 💙

Read more about Brian and Benjamin’s journey ⤵️

At Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, Benjamin Carstens received a liver transplant from his dad after being born with a dangerous metabolic disorder.

06/18/2026

Orange. Blue. And a whole lot of smiles. 🧡💙

The New York Knicks spirit was on full display at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital as patients, families, and staff came together for a mini parade celebrating our hometown team.

Thanks to the certified child life specialists and creative arts therapists from our Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care, the halls were filled with orange-and-blue outfits, handmade signs, and plenty of cheers.

Safe to say there are some big Knicks fans at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital! 🏀

06/13/2026

05/28/2026

Mental health challenges aren’t limited to adults. They’re more common in children and teens than many parents realize, and recognizing the signs early can make a meaningful difference.

Dr. Aaron Reliford, clinical director of the Child Study Center, part of Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, shares the behavioral and emotional changes families should pay attention to and how our center delivers evidence-based, family-centered care tailored to each child. “We all know mental health is highly stigmatized,” Dr. Reliford says. “If we can think about it as biological illness, it will help us be able to break through and engage with treatment providers, so that our kids can grow up and develop and just be kids.”

Watch the full video to learn more about mental health challenges in children and teens, and click the link below to explore the support available through the Child Study Center ➡️ https://bit.ly/4u2eqkh

05/22/2026

For years, Logan Fitzpatrick’s stomach pain, vomiting, throat clearing, and difficulty eating were dismissed as “just stomach bugs.” An endoscopy later revealed the real diagnosis: eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic inflammatory disease that can make swallowing and eating painful.

Now 11, Logan receives specialized care from Dr. Melanie K. Greifer and a multidisciplinary team in our Pediatric Gastroenterology Program at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital.

With support from his care team, Logan is managing EoE, building confidence around food, and using art as an outlet. On this World EoE Day, his story is a reminder to seek answers when symptoms persist.

Read Logan’s story ⤵️

Logan Fitzpatrick is living with eosinophilic esophagitis with support from Melanie K. Greifer, MD, at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone.

05/15/2026

Skin-to-skin contact can have a powerful, lasting impact on infants and their families.

Known as kangaroo care, the practice is where a baby, wearing only a diaper, is placed against a parent or caregiver’s bare chest for 60 to 90 minutes. In that time, amazing things begin to take place—research shows it can support breathing, digestion, weight gain, bonding, breastfeeding, and developmental outcomes for babies when done on a regular basis, especially in the NICU.

In partnership with Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care, families in our NICU at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital receive guidance and support to practice kangaroo care both in the hospital and at home. A multidisciplinary team, including neonatologists, nurses, and lactation specialists, helps families build confidence while fostering connection, comfort, and healing.

Share this video with new or expecting parents who could benefit from learning about kangaroo care 🦘💜

05/09/2026

For nearly a year, baby Wyatt Lopez’s room in the Congenital Cardiovascular Care Unit at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital became a second home—and nurse manager Colsie Myrie, MSN, PNP, RN, became part of the family.

As Wyatt spent nearly a year in the hospital waiting for and recovering from a heart transplant, Colsie and a multidisciplinary team were there through every setback, milestone, and hopeful moment along the way. Colsie is now featured in Men's Health magazine’s inaugural “Health Care Heroes” series, spotlighting healthcare workers transforming lives every day.

In the feature, Colsie reflects not only on Wyatt's journey, but on the extraordinary teamwork, emotional realities, and unique challenges behind pediatric heart transplantation—from supporting families through months-long hospital stays to helping children return home and thrive with a new heart. The story is a powerful reflection of the compassion, dedication, and family-centered care that define teams across Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, nursing, and the NYU Langone Transplant Institute.

Congratulations to Colsie on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you to all of the nurses, clinicians, and care teams who make care like Wyatt’s possible! Read the full feature ⤵️

Thanks to Colsie Myrie and her team, this two-year-old received a second chance at life.