Montefiore Einstein Awarded Lymphedema Conservative Care
Center of Excellence Designation

LE&RN Recognizes Montefiore Einstein for Exceptional Contributions to Lymphatic Disease Research and Patient Care

Bronx, NY, February 05, 2025 – The Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) is proud to announce that the Montefiore Einstein Lymphedema Program has been awarded LE&RN’s Conservative Care Center of Excellence in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Lymphatic Diseases designation.

The designation confirms that Montefiore Einstein offers comprehensive, leading-edge services either on-site or within their network, with the capability to coordinate all aspects of care for patients who have developed lymphedema. At Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, for example, its Lymphedema Prevention Program has ensured that breast cancer related lymphedema rates are as low as 1.4 percent, compared to up to 40 percent nationwide.

“Since 2010, we have consulted and treated more than 1,500 patients with lymphatic diseases,” said, Anna M. Lasak, M.D., Director, Montefiore-Einstein Lymphedema Program, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Assistant Professor, Montefiore Einstein. “With the LE&RN designation, we will have more opportunities for further growth in the field of treatment of lymphatic diseases and be able to better serve our community.”

“Our Center of Excellence designation signals to patients that this institution is equipped with the most advanced, comprehensive understanding needed to manage lymphedema effectively,” said William Repicci, president and CEO of LE&RN. “Montefiore Einstein exemplifies this commitment, providing crucial support and innovative treatments to improve the lives of those affected in the New York metropolitan area and beyond.”

Lymphedema, particularly secondary lymphedema, represents an estimated 99 percent of lymphedema cases and affects approximately 10 million Americans. Despite its prevalence, lymphedema remains an underappreciated and underfunded public health issue. Studies have shown that Black and Hispanic women are on average three times more likely to develop lymphedema following breast cancer surgery, highlighting significant health disparities.

Renowned for its exceptional cancer care, Montefiore Einstein excels in providing multidisciplinary clinical care and pioneering research to support the Bronx community affected by lymphatic diseases. To achieve the Center of Excellence designation, institutions must have at least three Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLTs) on-site or within the network, demonstrating proficiency in diagnosis, conservative management, use of assessment tools, research, and maintaining high standards of accountability, collegiality, administration, and community engagement.

About LE&RN
The Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) is an internationally recognized non-profit organization founded to fight lymphatic diseases such as lymphedema, lipedema and lymphatic anomalies through education, research, and advocacy. LE&RN provides valuable educational resources, supports research initiatives, and promotes awareness worldwide.