Board of Directors

President: Fima Lifshitz, MD

Dr. Fima Lifshitz is a board certified pediatric endocrinologist and is the Editor-in-Chief of Growth, Genetics & Hormones. He holds an appointment as Senior Nutrition Scientist and Director of Pediatrics at Sansum Medical Research Institute, Santa Barbara, California. Dr. Lifshitz is also Professor Emeritus, State University of New York, Downstate College of Medicine, Brooklyn where previously he served as Professor (1991-2007). Dr. Lifshitz was Professor of Pediatrics at Cornell University Medical College, New York (1975-1991) and University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami (2002-2007). Dr. Lifshitz was Chief-of-Staff and Senior Vice-President for Medical Affairs (1997-2001) and Chair of Nutrition Sciences (1997-2002) at Miami Children’s Hospital, Miami, Florida. Previously he was Chairman of Pediatrics at Maimonides Medical Center, Downstate SUNY Brooklyn (1991-1996); Chief of Pediatric Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition and Vice Chairman of Pediatrics at North Shore University Hospital, Cornell University Medical College (1972-1991). Dr. Lifshitz is the author of more than 350 scientific papers, review articles and book chapters. He is the author or editor of 19 books, including Pediatric Endocrinology now in its 5 th edition. Dr. Lifshitz has been on the editorial board of Growth, Genetics & Hormonessince its inception in 1985 and became the Editor-in-Chief in 2004. Furthermore, he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition from 1993-1998 and as Editor-in-Chief of International Pediatrics from 1998-2002. He was a member of the Committee on Nutrition of the American Academy of Pediatrics (2001-2005). Dr. Lifshitz is a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatrics and of the American Board of Pediatric Endocrinology. He attained his MD degree at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, in his native country, Mexico, and obtained his pediatric training at Children’s Mercy Hospital and University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City and his pediatric endocrinology fellowship at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Dr. Lifshitz has trained 34 fellows in the field and has been recipient of national and international visiting professorships and named lectureships. He has also received several awards and honors and is particularly proud of the Pediatric Research Center at the Escola da Medicina da Universidade Federal da Bahia, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil named for him.

Secretary: Jere Lifshitz, MS, BSN, RN

Ms. Jere Lifshitz specializes in health care communication and education. She currently is focused on the operational aspects and production of Growth, Genetics & Hormones. Additionally, she has written text-book chapters, peer-reviewed articles, clinical manuals, newsletters, patient teaching books, and websites in various specialties of health care. Ms. Lifshitz has a keen interest in increased efficiency, productivity, and utilization of health care resources via appropriate use of communication tools and educational resources, both in print and on the internet to improve the health of individuals and populations. This has been accomplished through the writing of high level educational content for the lay public and physician subspecialists. Ms. Lifshitz received a nursing degree from Emory University where she also lectured for several years and she earned a Master of Science degree in public administration, healthcare management and policy from the Wagner School at New York University. Ms. Lifshitz has received nursing awards of merit.

Director: Martin Garfield, Esq.

Mr. Martin Garfield is a practicing attorney in New York City. He is a graduate of Hunter College where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in economics.  He earned his law degree from Brooklyn Law School in 1964. Mr. Garfield is a trial lawyer, member of the bar of New York State, and is admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States.  He is the senior partner of Breadbar, Garfield and Schmelkin, a member of the million dollar law club and listed in Who’s Who in American Law.  Mr. Garfield serves as a moot court judge and is also a manager at the New York State Athletic Commission.

Director: Tobias Nobigrot, MD

Dr. Tobias Nobrigrot is a pediatrician, working in pediatric emergency medicine at Baptist Health System in Miami, Florida. Dr. Nobigrot is board certified in pediatrics. He has contributed to pediatric nutrition knowledge through research in the field, with particular attention to juice intake in children. Dr. Nobigrot is also an accomplished opera singer and composer.

Director: Carol Spungen, MSW, LCSW, BCD

Ms. Carol Spungen is a licensed social worker with extensive experience in health care and non-profit organizations. Ms. Spungen is currently the President of the Florence and Lawrence Spungen Foundation which is dedicated to cancer research and Jewish philanthropy. Ms. Spungen’s areas of clinical expertise are in pediatrics and family dynamics. She has worked as an outpatient psychotherapist, program coordinator and family counselor, most recently at the Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara and at the University of California in Los Angeles. Her prior faculty appointment was at the University of Pennsylvania as a lecturer. Ms. Spungen’s undergraduate degree is from University of Illinois and her graduate degree from Smith College. Ms. Spungen has published in the field of pediatric counseling.

Director: Max Lifchitz

Mr. Max Lifchitz is the founder of North/South Consonance Inc, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization devoted to the performance, recording, and promotion of music from the Americas. Mr. Lifchitz is a faculty member at the State University of New York in Albany and has also taught at Columbia University ( New York) and Columbus State University ( Georgia). A graduate from The Juilliard School and Harvard University, Mr. Lifchitz has appeared in concert and recital throughout the US, Latin America, and Europe. Mr. Lifchitz was awarded first prize in the 1976 International Gaudeamus Competition for Performers of Twentieth Century Music held in Holland. The New York Times music critic Allan Kozinn praised Mr. Lifchitz for his “clean, measured and sensitive performances” while Anthony Tommasini remarked that he “conducted a strong performance.” Payton MacDonald writing for the American Record Guide remarked, "Mr. Lifchitz is as good on the podium as he is behind the piano.“ Mr. Lifchitz has more than 25 years experience in grants funding and non profit management.