Staten Island University Hospital names new chair of emergency medicine

Written on 11/16/2018

Nicole Berwald, MD has been appointed as the Chair for the Department of Emergency Medicine at Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH). Dr. Berwald has held the position as interim chair since May of 2018 when preceding chair, Brahim Ardolic, MD was named Executive Director of SIUH.

 

Dr. Berwald joined the Emergency Department in 2008 as an attending physician and one year later was named Assistant Director.  Since 2012, she served as the Associate Chair of Emergency Medicine, overseeing the department’s daily operations, medical staff performance, implemented electronic medical informatics and medical scribe program.  She participates on multiple quality and performance committees both locally and on Northwell Health’s Emergency Medicine Service Line.

In addition, Dr. Berwald serves on the Board of Directors for the New York Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physiciansand currently holds the title of Secretary and Treasurer.  She is Councilor for the American College of Emergency Physicians and participates as a member for various organizations including the American Association of Women Emergency Physicians where she works on projects related to diversity, inclusion, and gender equality. 

In 2018, Dr. Berwald designed and implemented an Emergency Department-based buprenorphine program for patients battling opioid addiction. The medication-assisted treatment offers patients immediate therapy to ease withdrawal symptoms and minimize cravings, and can motivate patients for long-term treatment.

“Dr. Berwald is a mission-driven leader who continues to examine and change emergency medicine’s process to deliver the best care to our community,” said Brahim Ardolic, MD, Staten Island University Hospital’s Executive Director.  “She’s helped see our hospital through some of its most difficult challenges in its history. From evacuating the hospital ahead of Hurricane Irene, to the events of Superstorm Sandy and its aftermath, to being at forefront in the fight against opioid addiction, working collaboratively to tackle this issue in our community.”

Dr. Berwald’s research interests are reflected in her publications in the areas of residency education, women’s health issues, the promotion of women in medicine as well as a community focus with current research in the area of opioid prescribing from the emergency department.

She earned a B.A. in Biological Sciences from Brandeis University and obtained her medical degree from State University of New Yorkat Stony Brook School of Medicine and trained in Emergency Medicine at State University of New York at Downstate Medical Center andKings County Hospital Center

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