A Community Conversation That Delivered and What’s Next
When Mohawk Valley Living partnered with Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) to launch Health & Science Made Simple, the goal was both ambitious and clear: to take complex medical topics and break them down in a way that feels approachable, relevant, and rooted right here in the Mohawk Valley.
On Thursday, January 29, 2026, that vision came to life.
Our inaugural seminar, The Ozempic Effect: Unpacking the Scientific & Societal Impact, welcomed a packed room at MMRI’s Utica campus, along with a strong virtual audience via Zoom. From the start, it was clear this was a conversation people were eager to be part of, not just to understand the headlines, but to dig into the science, the medicine, and the broader impact these medications are having on everyday lives.
We were honored to learn from two outstanding experts: Dr. Maria Kontaridis, Ph.D., executive director and Gordon K. Moe professor and chair of biomedical research and translational medicine at MMRI, and Dr. Michael Kelberman, M.D., FACC, a board-certified cardiologist at Central New York Cardiology.
Together, they led an engaging, balanced, and highly informative discussion on Ozempic and GLP-1 medications. Their ability to translate complex research into clear, understandable takeaways set the tone for an evening that felt both educational and accessible. The thoughtful questions from the audience transformed the seminar into a true two-way conversation.
Events like this are made possible through collaboration. We extend our thanks to our sponsors, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and Central New York Brain & Spine Neurosurgery, whose support allows this seminar series to remain free and open to the public.
Looking Ahead: March 19
The momentum is just getting started.
The next Health & Science Made Simple seminar is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, at 6 p.m. in the MMRI Auditorium:
Stroke, Dementia, and Brain Injury: Understanding Causes, Care, and Recovery
Participants will gain insight into risk factors, early warning signs, diagnosis, treatment approaches, and long-term management strategies. The session will also highlight prevention, patient care, caregiver support, and recent advances in neuroscience and rehabilitation. Whether you are advancing your clinical knowledge or seeking to better support a loved one, this seminar offers valuable perspectives for all.
Joining the discussion are Dr. Nicholas Qandah, a board-certified neurosurgeon whose work spans complex brain and spine conditions and advanced surgical innovation across Upstate New York; Dr. Juleen Qandah, a board-certified emergency medicine physician and Stroke Director at Rome Health known for her leadership in stroke program development and rapid intervention strategies; and Dr. Satish Krishnamurthy, a board-certified neurosurgeon at CNY Brain and Spine and Professor at SUNY Polytechnic, nationally regarded for his cranial and neuro-oncological care. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Maria Kontaridis, Ph.D.
The discussion will explore how research and clinical practice intersect and how collaboration between science and medicine can improve outcomes close to home.
As with the inaugural event, Health & Science Made Simple reflects what this series is all about: thoughtful conversations, trusted voices, and clear, practical takeaways that empower our community to better understand their health.
RSVP at mmri.edu/seminarseries for the free community seminar on Thursday, March 19, at 6 p.m. in the MMRI Auditorium. Zoom link available.
