MSK Bioethics Ambassadors Program (BAP): BAP Instructor Bios

Yesne Alici, MD, a psychiatrist, is Clinical Director of Psychiatry Services and has clinical expertise in psychiatry of geriatric patients. She treats cancer patients in both MSK’s in-patient and out-patient settings. Dr. Alici is a member of the MSK Ethics Consultation Service and Ethics Committee. She also works on communication skills programs for doctors who treat older adults with cancer and supervises fellows, residents, nurse practitioner students, and medical students who rotate through the Psychiatry Service.

Born, raised and trained in Mexico City, Dr. Bambrick received her MD from the National Autonomous University in Mexico, UNAM. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Advanced Medical Simulation at the Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai West where she remained as a hospitalist. She then moved to NJ and was the Assistant Program Director for the IM Residency Program at Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center. In addition to her academic and teaching roles at Hackensack Mountainside, she was the founding director of the Center for Advanced Medical Simulation, Training and Learning (CASTLe) and led the program to become the second internationally accredited program in NJ and the 45th in the world to be accredited in teaching and Systems Integration. She also founded the first Humanism in Medicine program at Hackensack-Mountainside Hospital. She is currently a Hospitalist Attending and the Director of Simulation in the Department of Medicine at MSK. At MSK, she leads and teaches the course on humanism in medicine for clinicians and is a founding member of the MSK Healthcare Simulation Program. She is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Weil Cornell Medical College.

Nancy Berlinger, PhD is a Hastings Center research scholar whose work focuses on ethical and societal challenges arising from population aging, and the role of health practitioners, systems, and policymakers in the care and well-being of migrants. She is the lead author of The Hastings Center’s Covid-19 Ethical Framework for Health Care Institutions, including guidance on vaccine allocation (January 2021) and conducts qualitative and mixed-method research on experiences of health care workers and responses to the needs of older adults and immigrants during pandemic. She serves on the bioethics committee of Montefiore Medical Center and teaches at Lehman College, CUNY.

Liz Blackler, MBE, LCSW-R is the Associate Director of the Ethics Committee and Consultation Services at Memorial Sloan Kettering. She is an experienced Clinical Ethics Consultant with a Master of Science in Bioethics from Albert Einstein College of Medicine-Benjamin Cardozo School of Law and a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University. Her clinical interests involve working with staff to enhance end-of-life communication and decision-making and navigate conflicts and ethical concerns that can arise around the end of life, including the use of life-sustaining therapies. Her academic focus is in bioethics education and training of clinical staff.

Reverend Jill Bowden is the Director of Chaplaincy Services at MSK. The board-certified chaplains of MSK work closely with the interdisciplinary care teams on each floor of the hospital. They provide patients and their families and friends with emotional and spiritual support in accordance with each person’s wishes.

Martin Chin, MD, HEC-C is a Clinical Member at MSK and Attending Psychiatrist in the Psychiatry Service at Memorial Hospital for Cancer and Allied Diseases. Dr. Chin is a New York State and New Jersey State licensed psychiatrist, Board Certified in Internal Medicine, General Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine/Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, and in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Dr. Chin completed his Healthcare Ethics Consultant certification in 2019 and he also joined the Ethics Committee in 2019.

Michelle Colletti, MS, PA-C is a board-certified Physician Assistant working in MSK’s Colorectal Service. Her clinical duties include the diagnosis and treatment of patients with colon and rectal cancer. She is a member of the MSK Ethics Consultation Service and Ethics Committee.

James Colgrove, PhD MPH, is a Professor of Sociomedical Sciences at the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health and the Dean of the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program at the Columbia School of General Studies. His research examines ethical, historical, and legal dimensions of public health policies. His books include Epidemic City: The Politics of Public Health in New York (Russell Sage Foundation, 2011) and State of Immunity: The Politics of Vaccination in Twentieth-Century America (University of California Press, 2006). His articles have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine, American Journal of Public Health, Science, Health Affairs, Bulletin of the History of Medicine, and the Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics.

Chau Dang, MD is a medical oncologist and Medical Site Director for MSK Westchester. Her clinical expertise is in breast cancer, with her clinical research focusing on developing more-effective and less-toxic treatment strategies, particularly combination therapies that include anti-HER2 drugs with chemotherapy.

Elizabeth M. D’Elia, JD is the Associate General Counsel and Chief Litigation Counsel in the Office of General Counsel. Her primary areas of focus include litigation – healthcare professional, general liability and OCIP; insurance and claims, risk management, and quality assurance. Before her legal career, she gained invaluable experience working as a registered nurse, which included the direct care and treatment of oncology patients as well as in nursing leadership.

Danielle Novetsky Friedman, MD, is a pediatrician with MSK’s Pediatric Long-Term Follow-Up Program and has clinical expertise in pediatric cancer survivorship. Dr. Friedman and her team’s goal is to detect and minimize late effects of prior therapies and educate patients about the best ways to support their health. Her research focuses on understanding risk factors that lead to the development of adverse long-term outcomes, especially after exposure to radiation therapy. Dr. Friedman a member of the MSK Ethics Consultation Service and Ethics Committee.

Francesca Gany, MD is the Chief of the Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Director of the Center for Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities, and a Director of the community based participatory South Asian Health Initiative. She works to bridge immigrants, minority community members, and the medically underserved with the healthcare system, and to eliminate health disparities. Her groundbreaking work has led to an improvement in health outcomes and to the development of long-term clinical, health policy, and programmatic changes.

Colin Garry is Vice President, Associate General Counsel & Chief Litigation Counsel in MSK’s Office of General Counsel. In addition to leading his team that handles healthcare professional liability and medical malpractice claims and lawsuits (and the related provision of risk management and quality assurance counseling), he also works on commercial and intellectual property litigation for the Office of Technology Development, as well as employment-related complaints (including discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims) for Human Resources.

Maryanne M. Giuliante, DNP, MBA, RN, GNP, ANP-C, NEA-BC, HEC-C is the Advanced Practice Provider Manager with MSK Westchester Regional Network in West Harrison, NY. Dr. Giuliante has over two decades of experience in areas of nursing sciences including oncology, medicine, cardiology, kidney transplantation, and post-surgery acute care. She is the author of several publications, most recently a chapter in the book entitled Ethical Competence in Nursing Practice; where she discussed ethical issues encountered with the older adult. She is a member of the MSK Ethics Consultation Service and Ethics Committee.

Dr. Julia Glade Bender is a Full Member (Professor), Vice Chairman for Pediatric Clinical Research and co- Medical Director of the Lisa and Scott Stuart Center for Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). Her clinical research has focused on the development of targeted agents for children and AYA with advanced solid tumors and the identification of biomarkers predictive of response. She has provided broad scientific leadership for early phase clinical trial development sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), as well as smaller disease-oriented consortia and pharmaceutical industry chairing or vice chairing more than 15 phase 1/2 national trials. At MSK kids, her clinical practice revolves around children and AYA with sarcoma and rare solid tumors.

Chaplain Linda S. Golding received her Masters Degree in Jewish Studies and the Certificate in Pastoral Care and Counseling from the Jewish Theological Seminary (NYC) in Spring 2013 and became a Board Certified Chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains in 2014. Golding has served as Staff Chaplain and Coordinator, Pastoral Care & Education at New YorkPresbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center since 2010, caring for patients, families and staff throughout the adult and children’s hospital. She is the chaplain member of the hospital’s Ethics Committee and its Organ Donor Council and leads regular didactics for chaplains, nurses, doctors and medical students, as well as workshops and webinars for peers and colleagues, and is the 2022 recipient of the Jewish Theological Seminary Center for Pastoral Education Chaplain Leader Award, and the 2023 recipient of CUIMC’s Friend of Nursing Award.

Victoria Groner, MS, is a board-certified Genetic Counselor in the Clinical Genetics Service at MSKCC. In her hybrid role, she sees patients in clinic for a variety of genetic indications and works as the lead genetic counselor for the Discovery study under Dr. Kenneth Offit, acting as a project manager and liaison between the clinical and research staff. Victoria has a particular interest in health advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ population. She is set to complete her MA in Medical Humanities and Bioethics from Northwestern University this fall.

Megan Harlan Fleischut, MS is a board certified senior genetic counselor with extensive experience in clinical cancer genetics. In her role as manager of the genetic counselors in the Clinical Genetics Service, she communicates and implements operational processes while acting as a liaison between the clinical, administrative, laboratory, and research teams. Her group continually seeks to expand the provision of genetic counseling and testing services which includes ensuring access to care for patients and their at-risk relatives. She is dedicated to supporting her team to optimize success and pursue fulfilling and rewarding careers.

Margot Hedlin, MD, is a nocturnist and member of the MSK Ethics Committee. She is interested in medical education in the humanities; she is a producer on the podcast CoreIM, where she develops episodes about the ethics and emotions of clinical care in a segment called "At the Bedside".

Martee L. Hensley, M.D., M.Sc., FASCO is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of gynecologic cancers. Her clinical research and academic oncology practice are dedicated to improving the lives of women with gynecologic sarcomas. She is currently an Attending Physician in the Gynecologic Medical Oncology service, and Professor of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College. Since January 2016, she has served as Chair of the Interdisciplinary Quality Assurance Committee for MSK. She was named a Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in 2018.

Jacqueline is a passionate advocate who has dedicated over 35 years to navigating the complexities of the managed care insurance industry. She has been employed at MSK since 2006. Driven by her personal experiences and professional expertise, she has made it her life's work to empower individuals and families with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive within the U.S. healthcare system.

Monique C. James, MD is an Adult Psychiatrist who specializes in care of those having acute and chronic illness courses. She is the Assistant Clinical Director of the MSK Psychiatry Service and a member of the MSK Ethics Consultation Service and Ethics Committee. She has a background in women’s mental health, psychotherapeutic work, and medical education.

Kimarie Knowles, LCSW-R is a licensed clinical social worker with clinical interests including working with cancer survivors as they make the transition from active treatment to post-treatment, as well as working with bereft family members after the death of a loved one. She works with the Resources for Life After Cancer program, and co-coordinates the Department of Social Work’s Bereavement Program. She also has specialized training in cognitive-behavioral techniques, psychodynamic psychotherapy, group therapy, and Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy.

Advanced Practice Provider II, Pre-Surgical Testing
Kenny Mikita Lacossiere is a certified adult nurse practitioner working in Pre-Surgical Testing. She began her nurse practitioner career at Memorial Sloan Kettering in 2009 working in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care. In her current clinical role, she assures every surgical patient is optimized for their surgery. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 2003 from Saint Joseph’s College and obtained her Master of Science in Nursing Degree from the City University of New York Hunter College. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She Joined the Ethics Committee and Ethics Consultation Service in 2023.

Jacqueline LaGrassa, LCSW is a Manager in the Patient Representative Department. She is a social worker by training and is deeply passionate about advocating and supporting patients and families, as well as staff, as they navigate through their cancer experience. Jackie completed the Bioethics Ambassador Program in 2022 and is a new member of the MSK Ethics Consultation Service and Ethics Committee.

Camille Lineberry, ACNP-BC, RN is a clinical nurse practitioner in the Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, where she practices in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). She has a special clinical interest in the ethics and politics of surrogate decision-making and its impact on individuals and families in crisis. She is a member of the MSK Ethics Consultation Service and Ethics Committee and has specialized training in bioethics mediation from the Montefiore Einstein Center for Bioethics.

MaryEliza McEachen BSN, RN, CPHON, CNIV has been a nurse on the inpatient pediatric unit of MSK Kids since the start of her career in 1998. She has been a member of the Ethics Committee since 2014 and has a special interest in burn out and moral distress. MaryEliza embraces the demands and complexities of oncology nursing especially the varied and individual physical, psychosocial, ethical, religious and cultural qualities of each patient and family she encounters.

Kenneth Offit, MD is a medical oncologist and Chief of the Clinical Genetics Service, Chair in Inherited Cancer Genomics, and Vice Chair of Academic Affairs in the Department of Medicine. His clinical expertise is in genetic predispositions to cancer, lymphoma and Hodgkin’s disease, and cancer risk counseling. Dr. Offit’s research focuses on defining genetic factors that cause an increased susceptibility to cancer and tailoring interventions for families at hereditary risk for cancers of the breast, ovary, colon, prostate, and lymphoid organs.

Molly O’Neil Frank, M.Div., BCC is a Staff Chaplain at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Main campus. Previously, she worked as a chaplain at NYU/ Langone Medical Center in New York City. She completed her clinical pastoral education at Weill-Cornell Medical Center. Molly holds a BA in English and Religion from Wesleyan University in Connecticut and a Masters of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. She serves on the Ethics Committees at MSKCC and at NYP Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Kenneth Offit, MD is a medical oncologist and Chief of the Clinical Genetics Service, Chair in Inherited Cancer Genomics, and Vice Chair of Academic Affairs in the Department of Medicine. His clinical expertise is in genetic predispositions to cancer, lymphoma and Hodgkin’s disease, and cancer risk counseling. Dr. Offit’s research focuses on defining genetic factors that cause an increased susceptibility to cancer and tailoring interventions for families at hereditary risk for cancers of the breast, ovary, colon, prostate, and lymphoid organs.

Shila Pandey is palliative care nurse practitioner on the Supportive Care Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. She completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Rutgers University. Shila is the current treasurer for the local NYC Hospice and Palliative Nursing Association chapter and an adjunct instructor in the graduate department of NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Her academic interests include primary palliative care education, management of pain in patients with a history of substance use disorders, end-of-life care, and communication skills training.

Jamie Riches, DO, is board-certified internal medicine physician who specializes in caring for people who have been admitted to Memorial Hospital. Dr. Riches received her medical degree from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Certification of Professional Achievement in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University, and is currently completing a Master’s degree in Bioethics at Columbia University. Research interests include ethics of cancer and end-of-life care, truth-telling/patient-physician communication, moral injury, and exploring narratives of illness and death.

Professor Rusinova is Head of the Department of Palliative Medicine, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague. She is the Co-founder of the first academic Department of Palliative Medicine in the Czech Republic. She has been a member of the Editorial Board of Intensive Care Medicine, the official journal of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM), (Social Media Editor 2013-2018). Founder and Editor-in-Chief of « Paliativni Medicina » the official Journal of the Czech Society of Palliative Medicine.

Leonard Saltz, MD, is an oncologist with clinical specialties in multiple gastrointestinal cancers, and is the Executive Director for Clinical Value & Sustainability and the Head of Colorectal Oncology Section. Dr. Saltz the Chair of MSK’s Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, co-leader of the Colorectal Disease Management Team, and a Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Amy Scharf, MBE has been a member of the MSK Ethics committee since 2018 and works directly with Ethics leadership on programming, publications, and the advancement of Ethics both within MSK and externally. Amy is one of the co-directors of the Bioethics Ambassador Program. She received her Masters in Bioethics from Columbia University in 2016.

Johanna Schoen, PhD is professor of history at Rutgers University where she teaches about the history of medicine and medical ethics. She has written two books on the history of women's reproductive health and abortion and is now working on a book on the history of neonatal intensive care units. At MSKCC, she is a caregiver advisor, co-chair of PFACQ, and a member of the ethics and the LGBTQ committee.

Stacy Stabler, MD, PhD, is an internist with additional clinical expertise in palliative care and pain management. Dr. Stabler specializes in Supportive Care and is the director of MSK’s Palliative Medicine Fellowship. She is also a member of the MSK Ethics Committee.

Zsofia Stadler, MD, is a board-certified medical oncologist who specializes in treating patients with gastrointestinal cancers. She has a special interest in caring for patients with an inherited risk for colorectal cancer. She works very closely with a team of surgeons, oncologists, gastroenterologists, and radiation therapists to provide the best treatment and care for each patient. In addition, she has a separate genetics clinic where she provides clinical counseling and genetic testing for people who may have an inherited predisposition to gastrointestinal or other cancers. Based on genetic test results and family history, she helps men and women with cancer incorporate genetic information into their treatment plan and the surveillance of cancer after treatment.

Deborah Stein BSN, MSN, ACNP-BC has over 20 years of experience working with oncology and critically ill patients. She has varied experience working as an ICU Nurse Practitioner, NP education specialist, APP Fellowship Director, COMSKIL program content developer and facilitator, and most recently, an Ethics Consultant. In addition to her work at Memorial Sloan Kettering, Ms. Stein serves as adjunct clinical faculty for the University of Pennsylvania, presents on various critical care, oncology, and adult education topics for local, national, and international organizations, and has various publications.

Louis P. Voigt, MD, MBE is the Chair of the MSK Ethics Committee. He is an intensivist with his clinical expertise in Critical Care Medicine, launching from a background in internal medicine and pulmonary diseases. Dr. Voigt is committed to helping his patients and their families during the most life-threatening moments of their hospital course. In addition, he provides weekly workshops on cardiopulmonary ventilation and bronchoscopy procedures. He also teaches and supervises fellows, residents, and students and is involved in several critical care medicine-related research projects.

Lisa Wall, PhD, RN, CNS, HEC-C is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in MSK’s Outpatient GI Surgery Service. She has been a nurse at MSK for the 35 years having previously served in the role of Nurse Leader. She received a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Research from New York University, and completed the Psychosocial Palliative and Community Research in Cancer Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship at MSK. She is a member of the MSK Ethics Consultation Service and the Ethics Committee.