Maternal health: Progress — but challenges remain: Part 1

How do you solve problems as complex as drug pricing or childhood obesity? Chelsea Clinton, vice chair of the Clinton Foundation, pulls back the curtain on data-driven methodology. She and host Chethan Sathya, MD, discuss how the foundation moves beyond good intentions, relying on hard evidence and measurable outcomes to prove impact. Central to this strategy is forging public-private partnerships — even with "unlikely allies" such as major corporations — to create systemic change. Clinton explains why pragmatism and rigorous analysis are essential tools for tackling the world’s most pressing health challenges, ensuring that every initiative is both sustainable and effective. Northwell is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 28 hospitals, 890 outpatient facilities and more than 16,600 affiliated physicians. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We're training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. Get the latest news and insights from our experts in the Northwell Newsroom: Press releases Insights Podcasts Publications Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities. Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.  For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

In part 2, host Chethan Sathya, MD, and guest Chelsea Clinton discuss how to convert hope into action. Their conversation shifts to the future, exploring what it takes to cultivate the next generation of leaders in a world facing immense challenges. She details her work with the Clinton Global Initiative, a platform that empowers young people with the tools to create tangible change. While warning of the threat posed by misinformation, Clinton shares her perspective as a mother on what fuels her drive. Ultimately, she argues for active engagement and the profound responsibility we all have to inspire and build a more optimistic, equitable future. Northwell is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 28 hospitals, 890 outpatient facilities and more than 16,600 affiliated physicians. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We're training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. Get the latest news and insights from our experts in the Northwell Newsroom: Press releases Insights Podcasts Publications Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities. Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.  For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

Cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer of both women and men in the United States. Most of us will need to see a cardiologist or cardiac surgeon at some point in our lives. But, how do you find the best doctor who is right for you? In this episode, three experts representing different subspecialties within cardiovascular health offer advice to patients asking: How do I pick a cardiologist or cardiac surgeon? Jeffrey Kuvin, MD, is executive director and senior vice president of cardiology at Northwell Health. He is also co-executive director of the Northwell Cardiovascular Institute. Alan Hartman, MD, is senior vice president and executive director of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at Northwell Health. He is also chair of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Varinder Singh, MD, is senior vice president of cardiology for Northwell’s Metro Market and the Guenther Chair for the Department of Cardiology at Lenox Hill Hospital. Chapters: 00:01 - Intro 01:09 - Who should see a cardiologist? 02:19 - Start with your primary care doctor 03:01 - Is the doctor Able? Affable? Available? 03:29 - Connecting with your doctor 05:38 - Finding the right cardiac surgeon 07:18 - Quality ratings 09:45 - The importance of trust 12:!7 - General vs interventional cardiology 14:14 - What is your vascular age? 15:44 - Why volume matters 17:00 - Does gender play a factor Further references: Learn more about quality ratings for cardiac surgery NYS Department of Health (DOH) 2026 report on adult cardiac surgery US News & World Report rankings Society of Thoracic Surgeons reports Northwell Cardiovascular Institute 2025 Annual Report Northwell is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 28 hospitals, 890 outpatient facilities and more than 16,600 affiliated physicians. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We're training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. Get the latest news and insights from our experts in the Northwell Newsroom: Press releases Insights Podcasts Publications Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities. Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.  For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

What motivates a physician to revolutionize health care from a new vantage point? Host Chethan Sathya, MD, speaks with physician-technologist, chief medical officer and author Geeta Nayyar, MD, about her unique professional journey and the critical role of innovation in health care transformation. Dr. Nayyar recounts her "accidental" transition from practicing rheumatologist to a leader in health technology, driven by a desire to impact systemic issues that hindered patient care. She shares how she leveraged her clinical experience to improve digital health workflows at major companies like AT&T and Salesforce, demonstrating the power of a physician’s voice in tech. The conversation also provides invaluable advice for health care workers looking to pivot their careers and make a broader impact beyond one-on-one patient care. Northwell is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 28 hospitals, 890 outpatient facilities and more than 16,600 affiliated physicians. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We're training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. Get the latest news and insights from our experts in the Northwell Newsroom: Press releases Insights Podcasts Publications Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities. Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.  For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

In the second part of their discussion, Dr. Nayyar and Dr. Sathya dive into artificial intelligence and its potential to rehumanize health care. She challenges the notion that AI will replace clinicians, arguing instead that it should augment their capabilities, enabling them to be "faster, smarter, and more able to be compassionate at the bedside." The conversation explores how AI can alleviate administrative burdens and "friction points" in the system — such as scheduling, billing and medication reconciliation — thereby restoring the human connection between doctors and patients. Dr. Nayyar also addresses the spread of misinformation, offering strategies for guiding patients to trustworthy health information and emphasizing that human judgment and relationships remain irreplaceable, especially for chronic and complex conditions. Northwell is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 28 hospitals, 890 outpatient facilities and more than 16,600 affiliated physicians. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We're training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. Get the latest news and insights from our experts in the Northwell Newsroom: Press releases Insights Podcasts Publications Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities. Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.  For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

Host Sandra Lindsay, DHSc is joined by Dawnette Lewis, MD, MBA, director of Northwell’s Center for Maternal Health, to assess the current landscape of maternal morbidity and mortality. Dr. Lewis reveals that the U.S. continues to have one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed nations, with Black birthing mothers still carrying a disproportionately high burden. She argues that disparities for Black mothers persist even when accounting for varying socioeconomic status, citing historically inequitable care and other systemic barriers that stall progress. The discussion also highlights efforts in New York State to better standardize care and address these complex challenges. Northwell is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 28 hospitals, 890 outpatient facilities and more than 16,600 affiliated physicians. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We're training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. Get the latest news and insights from our experts in the Northwell Newsroom: Press releases Insights Podcasts Publications Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities. Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.  For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

In the second part of their discussion, Sandra and Dr. Lewis focus on the path forward, detailing concrete systemic solutions and policy changes vital for creating safer outcomes for mothers. Dr. Lewis advocates for extending postpartum Medicaid coverage nationwide, stressing that the majority of maternal mortality occurs in the year following delivery — a critical window for intervention. The conversation also covers New York State's vital data-driven research into disparate C-section rates and their associated risks, as well as crucial advice for self-advocacy and the importance of multidisciplinary care and community support. Northwell is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 28 hospitals, 890 outpatient facilities and more than 16,600 affiliated physicians. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We're training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. Get the latest news and insights from our experts in the Northwell Newsroom: Press releases Insights Podcasts Publications Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities. Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.  For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

What was it really like to lead New York City’s public health response during the darkest days of the Covid-19 pandemic? In the first of a two-part conversation, 20-Minute Health Talk host Chethan Sathya, MD, is joined by friend and colleague, Dave Chokshi, MD, the city's former Health Commissioner. Dr. Chokshi shares his personal story, tracing his path from Louisiana during Hurricane Katrina to the forefront of public health. He provides a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the immense challenges of communicating evolving science in a crisis, the difficulty of balancing public health with economic and personal realities, and the power of everyday heroism that unified the city. Northwell is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 28 hospitals, 890 outpatient facilities and more than 16,600 affiliated physicians. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We're training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. Get the latest news and insights from our experts in the Northwell Newsroom: Press releases Insights Podcasts Publications Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities. Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.  For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

In the second half of their discussion, Dr. Sathya and Dr. Chokshi shift from reflecting on the pandemic to charting a path forward. How do we move from a state of polarization to one of collaboration? Dr. Chokshi details his work with the Common Health Coalition to "dissolve silos" and unite the health sector around common goals. He tackles the critical challenge of proving the ROI of "upstream" preventive care and discusses how technology like AI can finally help bridge the gap between medical breakthroughs and real-world delivery of care. Ending on a powerful note of optimism, Dr. Chokshi shares what gives him hope for the future and why investing in the next generation is the ultimate public health strategy.In the second half of their discussion, Dr. Sathya and former NYC Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi, MD, shift from reflecting on the pandemic to charting a path forward. How do we move from a state of polarization to one of collaboration? Dr. Chokshi details his work with the Common Health Coalition to "dissolve silos" and unite the health sector around common goals. He tackles the critical challenge of proving the ROI of "upstream" preventive care and discusses how technology like AI can finally help bridge the gap between medical breakthroughs and real-world delivery of care. Ending on a powerful note of optimism, Dr. Chokshi shares what gives him hope for the future and why investing in the next generation is the ultimate public health strategy. Northwell is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 28 hospitals, 890 outpatient facilities and more than 16,600 affiliated physicians. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We're training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. Get the latest news and insights from our experts in the Northwell Newsroom: Press releases Insights Podcasts Publications Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

Host Chethan Sathya, MD, welcomes Emily Kaplan, co-founder of Broken Science Initiative and MetFix, a novel approach to fitness and nutrition. Kaplan explains why chronic disease continues to rise even as more Americans go to the gym, arguing that nutrition — not just exercise — is central to better health outcomes. The conversation explores insulin, mitochondrial dysfunction, seed oils, sugar, and the biological mechanisms she believes drive obesity, fatty liver disease, and metabolic illness. Northwell is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 28 hospitals, 890 outpatient facilities and more than 16,600 affiliated physicians. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We're training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. Get the latest news and insights from our experts in the Northwell Newsroom: Press releases Insights Podcasts Publications Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities. Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.  For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.