Black Family Wellness Expo/Speakers Series: Ask the Provider

This interactive panel features healthcare professionals sharing the latest news and

developments on 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.

Info: 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.

Info: 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.

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.

Info: 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.

Info: L. Sheree Adams, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner 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.

Info: Janice Pride-Boone, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and certified marriage and family therapist practicing in Johnstown. A graduate of Harvard Medical School, she completed her residency at Johns Hopkins University Hospital and Georgetown University.

Gregory A. Threatte, MD, a graduate of the SUNY Upstate College of Medicine, is board certified in clinical and anatomic pathology and specializes in the treatment of metabolic conditions. Dr. Threatte retired in 2012 and is professor emeritus of Pathology at Upstate.

Dennis P. McKenna, MD, is the president and CEO of the Albany Med Health System. A graduate of Cornell University and Albany Medical College, he completed his residency at Albany Med. Dr. McKenna is board-certified in emergency medicine and continues to work as an attending physician.

Stefanie Perez is a consultant retained to assist public and nonprofit groups involved in building the infrastructure of public health AmeriCorps programming in New York state.

Host or Publisher Albany District Chapter of The Links, Incorporated