Where Brooklyn Meets Breakthrough Medicine
For more than 160 years, SUNY Downstate Medical Center has called Brooklyn home. We’ve grown up with this borough, watching generations of families take their first steps, face health challenges, and celebrate recoveries within our walls. Today, we’re proud to be Brooklyn’s only academic medical center—a place where the future of medicine is discovered, taught, and delivered, all while keeping the warm, personal touch our community deserves.
When you walk through our doors, you’re not walking into some cold, impersonal institution. You’re walking into a place where your neighbors work, where your friends have healed, and where your family’s health stories become part of our shared history.
Our Promise to You
Here’s what we believe, plain and simple: Everyone deserves excellent healthcare, regardless of their background or budget. That’s not just a slogan we hang on a wall—it’s the principle that guides every decision we make.
You’ll feel it in how we treat you:
- With honesty, even when the conversation is difficult
- With patience, because we know healthcare can be overwhelming
- With skill, because you deserve nothing less
- With teamwork, because your health is too important for solo acts
- With curiosity, because medicine should never stop improving
Built for Healing
Step onto our campus, and you’ll notice something right away. This place was designed with people in mind—not just doctors and administrators, but real people dealing with real health concerns.
Our intensive care units provide round-the-clock monitoring for our sickest patients. Our operating rooms handle everything from routine procedures to complex surgeries requiring specialized equipment. And when you need answers in a hurry, our diagnostic imaging center delivers: MRI, CT, PET scans, ultrasound, and digital X-ray, all interpreted by radiologists who’ve seen thousands of cases and know what to look for.
Here’s something patients often mention: they’re surprised by how calm and clean everything feels. Hospitals can be stressful places, we know. So we’ve worked hard to create an environment that actually promotes healing—quiet when you need rest, bright and welcoming when you’re ready to move around.
And because health emergencies don’t check the clock before striking, our emergency department stays open 24/7. Our ambulances are ready to roll. Our pharmacy fills prescriptions at hours that actually work for real people. Day or night, we’re here.
Every Specialty, Working as One
The human body doesn’t treat conditions in isolation—your heart affects your kidneys, your stress affects your digestion, your medications affect multiple systems. So why should your healthcare work in silos?
At SUNY Downstate, specialists talk to each other. Literally. Your cardiologist might walk down the hall to consult with your endocrinologist. Your surgeon and your oncologist review your case together before deciding on a treatment plan. It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how rare this kind of collaboration can be at other hospitals.
Here’s what we offer—and more importantly, how we offer it:
Primary Care & Internal Medicine – This is where most health journeys begin. Whether you’re managing diabetes, fighting off a stubborn infection, or just due for a checkup, our internal medicine doctors build relationships that last for years. They know your history, they know your family, and they notice when something’s off.
Heart & Vascular Institute – From preventing heart disease to performing complex bypass surgeries, our cardiac team handles it all. We’ve got cardiologists who specialize in women’s heart health (which can look different from men’s), electrophysiologists who fix irregular rhythms, and surgeons who’ve done thousands of bypasses and valve repairs. When chest pain sends you to the ER, you want a team that’s done this a thousand times. That’s us.
Brain & Spine Center – The brain and nervous system are incredibly complex, which is why our neurologists and neurosurgeons work so closely together. Whether it’s chronic migraines, Parkinson’s disease, a brain tumor, or a herniated disc causing sciatica, we have specialists who see these conditions every single day. Our stroke team is particularly fast—because when it comes to stroke, every minute counts.
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine – Bones break. Joints wear out. Knees give out during a pickup basketball game. Whatever brought you here, our orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists work as a team to get you moving again. We do joint replacements (hips, knees, shoulders) with techniques that mean shorter hospital stays and faster recovery. And for athletes, we understand the urgency of getting back in the game.
Women’s Health Services – From adolescence through pregnancy to menopause and beyond, our OB-GYN team provides care that evolves with you. Our midwives offer a more personal touch for low-risk pregnancies, while our maternal-fetal medicine specialists handle high-risk cases with expertise. We deliver hundreds of babies every year—each one celebrated, each family supported.
Pediatrics & Neonatal Care – Kids aren’t just small adults, and they need doctors who understand that. Our pediatricians care for everything from ear infections to chronic conditions like asthma. For our tiniest patients, our Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides specialized care for premature or critically ill newborns. Parents tell us the NICU nurses become like family during those intense early weeks.
Cancer Center – A cancer diagnosis changes everything. Our approach is to surround you with a team—medical oncologists for chemotherapy, radiation oncologists for targeted treatment, surgical oncologists when surgery is needed, plus nutritionists, social workers, and support groups. We don’t just treat the tumor; we support the person carrying it. Our clinical trials mean some patients get access to promising new treatments years before they’re widely available.
Surgical Specialties – General surgery, ENT (ears, nose, throat), ophthalmology (eye care), urology, vascular surgery—whatever procedure you need, our surgeons bring years of experience and a commitment to minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. Smaller incisions mean less pain, faster recovery, and better outcomes.
Digestive Health – Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat everything from persistent heartburn to inflammatory bowel disease to liver conditions. Our endoscopy suite performs colonoscopies (yes, they’re not fun, but they save lives), upper endoscopies, and more advanced procedures.
Emergency Medicine – When it’s 2 AM and something’s seriously wrong, you don’t want to wait. Our ER sees everything—heart attacks, strokes, broken bones, asthma attacks, appendicitis, and everything in between. We’re trauma-certified, which means we’re ready for the worst days of people’s lives. And we treat every patient who walks through the door, regardless of insurance status.
The People Who Make It Work
Here’s the truth: you can have the fanciest equipment in the world, but if the people using it don’t care, it doesn’t matter. At SUNY Downstate, we’ve built a team of people who chose healthcare because they genuinely want to help.
Our doctors trained at some of the best medical schools in the country and around the world. Many are leaders in their fields—the kind of physicians other doctors consult when they have tough cases. But they’re also the kind of doctors who sit down when they talk to you, who answer questions without making you feel rushed, who remember you the next time you come in.
Our nurses? They’re the heart of this place. They’re the ones holding your hand before surgery, checking on you at 3 AM, explaining what the doctor meant in plain language, and advocating for you when you’re too tired to advocate for yourself. Patients remember their nurses long after they forget their surgeons’ names.
And then there’s everyone else—the respiratory therapists, the lab technicians, the radiology techs, the cafeteria workers who learn your coffee order, the security guards who greet you by name. It takes hundreds of people to run a hospital, and every single one matters.
Technology That Actually Helps
We invest in technology for one reason: it helps you get better faster.
Robotic surgery lets our surgeons operate through tiny incisions with precision that human hands alone can’t match. For patients, that often means less pain, less blood loss, and getting home days sooner.
AI-powered imaging helps our radiologists spot subtle findings that might otherwise be missed. Think of it as a second set of incredibly sharp eyes, double-checking every scan.
Telemedicine means you don’t always have to fight traffic and find parking for a follow-up visit. For many appointments, you can talk to your doctor from your living room.
Electronic health records ensure that every specialist you see has the full picture. Your cardiologist can see what your primary care doctor noted last week. Your ER doctor knows about that medication allergy before ordering anything. You don’t have to repeat your story a dozen times.
More Than Medicine
Healing doesn’t stop when you leave the exam room.
Preventive care packages help catch problems early, when they’re easiest to treat. We offer different packages for different ages and risk factors—because a 25-year-old athlete needs different screening than a 60-year-old with a family history of heart disease.
Outpatient services are designed to get you in and out efficiently. We know your time is valuable, so we’ve streamlined check-in, reduced wait times, and made follow-up appointments easy to schedule.
Patient feedback isn’t something we dread—it’s something we actively seek. Tell us what went well. Tell us what didn’t. Tell us what we could do better. We’re listening, and we’re always trying to improve.
Support services include nutrition counseling, diabetes education, smoking cessation programs, and support groups for patients and families dealing with cancer, heart disease, and other challenges. Sometimes the best medicine is talking to someone who’s been where you are.
Quality You Can Trust
When your health is on the line, you want proof that a hospital delivers. Here’s ours:
We’re accredited by The Joint Commission, which means we meet the nation’s highest standards for patient safety and quality care. Surveyors show up unannounced and scrutinize everything—they don’t take anyone’s word for it; they check.
Our clinical outcomes are publicly reported and consistently strong. Our survival rates for cardiac surgery, our complication rates for joint replacement, our infection prevention measures—all tracked, all transparent, all among the best in the region.
But the recognition that matters most comes from the people we serve. When a former patient stops a nurse in the grocery store to say thank you, when a family sends a photo of their NICU graduate starting kindergarten, when someone tells their neighbor, “Go to Downstate, they’ll take care of you”—that’s the recognition we work for.
No Surprises When It Comes to Cost
Healthcare billing can feel like a foreign language. We’re working to change that.
We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. For many services, we offer cashless treatment—your insurance is verified ahead of time, and you focus on healing instead of paperwork.
If you don’t have insurance or aren’t sure what your plan covers, our financial counselors can help. They’ll explain your options, help you apply for assistance if you qualify, and make sure you understand what you’ll owe before any procedure. No surprises. No confusing bills arriving months later.
For patients coming from outside the U.S., our International Patient Services team coordinates everything—visa letters, travel arrangements, accommodation, interpretation services, and appointments across multiple specialties. We’ve treated patients from dozens of countries, and we understand the unique challenges of seeking care far from home.
Part of Brooklyn, Through and Through
We’re not just located in Brooklyn—we’re part of it.
You’ll find us at community health fairs offering free blood pressure screenings. We run vaccination clinics in neighborhoods where access to healthcare is limited. We partner with local schools to teach kids about nutrition and exercise. We work with community organizations to reach seniors who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
When there’s a health crisis—whether it’s a flu epidemic, a heat wave, or something bigger—we’re here. When neighbors need help, we show up. That’s what being part of a community means.
Training the Next Generation
As an academic medical center, we have a dual mission: care for today’s patients and train tomorrow’s doctors.
Every day at SUNY Downstate, medical students learn from experienced physicians. Residents practice under supervision. Fellows subspecialize in areas like cardiology or oncology. And here’s what that means for you: you benefit from the latest medical knowledge, because our faculty are actively teaching it. You benefit from multiple layers of attention, because learners and teachers both review your case. And you benefit from the academic rigor that comes from being in a place where questions are always being asked.
Our clinical trials give patients access to treatments that aren’t available anywhere else. If you have a condition that’s hard to treat, ask your doctor whether a research study might be right for you.
Our continuing medical education programs ensure that every doctor on our staff stays current. Medicine changes fast—we make sure our team changes with it.
Small Steps for a Healthier Planet
Healthy patients need a healthy planet. That’s why we’ve worked to reduce our environmental footprint.
We’ve cut energy use across our campus with more efficient lighting and HVAC systems. We’ve implemented responsible waste management that safely disposes of medical waste while recycling everything we can. We conserve water with low-flow fixtures and smart landscaping.
These aren’t just feel-good measures—they’re investments in the long-term health of the community we serve.
What Our Patients Say
“I walked into the ER with chest pain and walked out five days later with a new stent and a heart that works again. But what I remember most is the nurse who sat with my wife in the waiting room, keeping her calm during my surgery. That kind of compassion you can’t teach.”
— David M., Crown Heights
“My mother’s cancer treatment lasted 18 months. The oncology team became like extended family. When she was too tired to ask questions, they asked for her. When we didn’t know what to expect, they explained. When she went into remission, they cried with us. I’ll never forget what they did for our family.”
— The Williams Family, East Flatbush
“Our son was born at 29 weeks, weighing barely two pounds. The NICU nurses taught us how to be parents to a micro-preemie—how to touch him through the incubator ports, how to read his cues, how to pump milk for when he was strong enough to nurse. He’s 8 now and healthy. We still send Christmas cards to the NICU.”
— Lisa and Carlos R., Park Slope
Let’s Get Started
Ready to make SUNY Downstate your medical home? Getting care is straightforward:
Call us: +1 (718) 270-1000
Email: info@downstate.edu
Visit our website: www.downstate.edu
Stop by: 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203
You can also schedule appointments online through our patient portal. It takes about five minutes, and you’ll get a confirmation right away.
Questions Patients Often Ask
When can I visit my family member?
Visiting hours vary by unit to balance patient rest with family support. Check our website or call the main desk for current hours on your loved one’s floor.
How do I book an appointment online?
Go to our website and click “Patient Portal.” You can schedule, reschedule, or cancel appointments, message your doctor, and view test results.
Do you have an emergency room?
Yes—open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you’re having a medical emergency, come in or call 911.
What specialties do you offer?
Cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, oncology, obstetrics, pediatrics, gastroenterology, urology, ophthalmology, ENT, dermatology, and more. If you need a specialist, we likely have one.
Are you accredited?
Yes, by The Joint Commission—the gold standard for hospital quality and safety.
What insurance do you accept?
Most major plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Call our billing department or check our website for a complete list.
How do I get there by subway?
The Winthrop Street station (2/5 trains) and Newkirk Avenue station (B/Q trains) are both within walking distance.
Do you have ambulances?
Yes, our emergency medical services operate 24/7 throughout Brooklyn.
Can I get a preventive health checkup?
Absolutely. We offer packages tailored to different ages, genders, and risk factors—affordable and comprehensive.
Do you have intensive care units?
Yes—medical ICU, surgical ICU, cardiac ICU, and Level III neonatal ICU, all staffed by specialists.
Are your doctors experienced?
Very. Many are leaders in their fields and teach at our medical school. You’re in expert hands.
Is there a pharmacy on site?
Yes, with extended hours for patients and visitors.
Do you deliver babies?
Yes—full maternity services including prenatal care, delivery, postpartum support, and Level III NICU for newborns who need extra care.
Do you accept government insurance?
We participate in Medicare and Medicaid.
I’m coming from another country. Can I get care here?
Yes. Our International Patient Services team helps with travel, visas, accommodations, and coordinating care across specialties.
Do you offer video visits?
Yes—telehealth appointments are available for many follow-up visits and consultations.
What’s your current visitor policy?
Policies balance healing with family support. Check our website for the most current information.
Do you do community health events?
Regularly—health fairs, screenings, workshops, and education programs throughout Brooklyn and NYC.
How do I apply for a job or internship?
Visit the Careers section of our website for current openings in clinical, research, and support roles.
Why do people consider you one of New York’s best hospitals?
Because we combine academic medicine’s rigor with community hospital’s heart. We treat the whole person, not just the condition. And we’ve been doing it for more than 160 years.
A Partner for Life’s Health Journey
Here’s what we want you to remember: SUNY Downstate is here for you.
Not just when you’re sick, but when you’re well and want to stay that way. Not just for the dramatic moments—the surgeries, the deliveries, the emergencies—but for the everyday stuff too. The annual physicals. The questions about a new symptom. The reassurance when you’re worried about a test result.
We see you. Not as a room number or a diagnosis code, but as a person—with a family, a job, a life outside these walls. We bring everything modern medicine has to offer: the robots and the AI, the clinical trials and the specialized training. And we wrap it all in the kind of care your grandmother would recognize: attentive, kind, and personal.
That’s SUNY Downstate. That’s who we’ve always been. And we’re honored to be your partner in health, today and for all the years to come.