General Info

Dr. Edelstein completed his undergraduate education at Middlebury College, where he studied Molecular Biology and Philosophy. Afterwards, he attended SUNY Downstate Medical College and, upon graduation, received the medical school’s “Outstanding Achievement in Psychiatry” award and was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. He then completed his residency in Adult Psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, followed by fellowship in Psycho-oncology and Consult-Liaison Psychiatry at Memorial Sloan Kettering, where he received the Jimmie Holland Award for “Outstanding Achievement of a Psycho-oncology Fellow”, an award named after and given by the founding figure of the field. After fellowship, Dr. Edelstein continued to work as an assistant attending at Memorial Sloan Kettering, serving as psychiatric liaison to the gastrointestinal cancer oncology and palliative care services, before returning to Weill Cornell Medical Center. While holding a wide range of academic interests, Dr. Edelstein’s writing and research has focused on the neuropsychiatric and psychological effects of cancer and cancer treatment. Some examples include articles and chapters written on cognitive impairment related to cancer (e.g. “chemo-brain”), diagnosing and managing confusion and disorientation brought on by severe medical conditions (i.e. delirium), as well as minimizing distress at the end of life. He has spoken on issues related to mental health both at national conferences as well as local patient advocacy groups and businesses. Clinically, he is interested in using psychotherapy to help manage existential despair experienced both by patients and caretakers facing debilitating medical limitations, with specific training in “Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy” (a form of therapy developed at Memorial Sloan Kettering by Dr. William Breitbart).When appropriate, and in close collaboration with his patients and their chosen providers, he will use medication to address issues related to anxiety,depression and cognitive impairments, as well as psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral strategies. Philosophically, he is a firm believer that mental, physical and social health are inextricably connected, all warranting close care and personal exploration.