Speakers Series: Ask the Provider

This interactive panel features healthcare professionals sharing the latest news and developments in their respective fields and offers participants an opportunity to interact directly with the providers. Come prepared to ask questions and get answers straight from the professionals.

Registration begins promptly at 9 am. The first 100 registered participants will receive a free blood pressure monitor courtesy of the Warren & Denyse Mackey Foundation. All attendees over 18 will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win health and fitness related giveaways. Enjoy a lite continental breakfast prepared and served by Schenectady High School culinary arts students under the direction of their teacher, Laura Macey.

10am Cardio and Metabolic Health: Tips to better manage high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes

**Alain R, Vaval, MD**, is a cardiologist in Albany, NY. He
is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including St. Peter’s and Samaritan. He received his medical degree from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. Dr. Vaval has expertise in treating heart failure, aneurysm and coronary artery disease, among other conditions.

**James Desemone, MD, FACP, CPE,** is a diabetes specialist and endocrinologist. Since his retirement as a Professor of Medicine from Albany Medical College in December 2022, he welcomes the opportunity to support activities that fill gaps and address barriers to health care of people who live in our communities.

*Moderator*
**Janice Pride-Boone, MD**, is a board-certified pediatrician and certified marriage and family therapist. A graduate of Harvard Medical School, she completed her residency at Johns Hopkins University Hospital and Georgetown University. Dr. Pride-Boone practices in Johnstown and is medical director of Strong Me! a non-profit organization dedicated to building healthy habits.

11am Hot topics in Men’s and Women’s Health

**Anthony P. Benjamin, MD,** is a urologist in Troy, NY. He is affiliated with multiple area hospitals, including St. Peter’s and Samaritan. Dr. Benjamin received his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine/ Hahnemann University and has been in practice for more than 20 years. He has expertise in treating kidney removal and prostate cancer, among other conditions.

**Michael Christine, MD,** is an obstetrics and gynecology specialist in Albany, NY. He received his medical degree from Albany Medical College in 1990, and has more than 30 years experience in the medical field specializing in the female reproductive system and care for women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.

*Moderator*
**Gregory A. Threatte, MD**, a 1973 graduate of the SUNY Upstate College of Medicine, is board certified in clinical and anatomic pathology and specializes in the treatment of metabolic conditions. He returned to his alma mater in 1986 as Associate Professor of Pathology and, in 2003, became chairman of the Department of Pathology. Dr. Threatte retired in 2012 and is currently professor emeritus of Pathology at Upstate.

12pm Emergency Medical Care: When do I need to go to the ER?

**L. Sheree Adams, MSN, PMHNP-BC,** is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, entrepreneur and speaker who graduated from SUNY Stony Brook University. Her interests include anxiety, depression, racial trauma and LGBTQIA+ issues. She is dedicated to empowering and educating people about mental health and reducing the stigma. She is the proud
owner of eunoia Wellness Collective.

Boahema Pinto, MD, is a board-certified emergency medicine physician. She earned her medical degree at the University of Rochester and her undergrad degree from Xavier University. Dr. Pinto works as a full-time attending physician at Albany Medical Center where she oversees resident physicians in the Emergency Department. Associate Director of the division of emergency ultrasound, she teaches medical students, residents, and faculty.