Building healthier cities: A conversation with Ashwin Vasan, MD, part 1

Host Chethan Sathya, MD, discusses the challenges and opportunities of improving public health with the former commissioner of NYC's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Ashwin Vasan, MD. In this 3-part conversation, Dr. Vasan delves into his inspiring journey into medicine. With family tragedies, namely polio, and successes fueling his passion, Dr. Vassan discusses the vital role of storytelling in enacting systemic change. Guided by influential mentors, he emphasizes the need for engagement, empathy, and impactful results in public health initiatives. This is Part 1 of this series. Listen to Part 2 Listen to Part 3 About Northwell Health Northwell Health 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. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. 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. Get more expert insights from leading experts in the field — Northwell Newsroom.  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. 

Join host Chethan Sathya, MD, and former NYC Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan, MD, for part two of our series exploring public health challenges. In this segment, Dr. Vasan addresses the opioid crisis, his leadership during tumultuous times, and the essential role of resilience. He shares insights from his diverse roles, highlighting the successful reduction in overdose deaths and how volatility spurred transformative strategies, ranging from mental health initiatives to efforts to tackle social media's impact. This is Part 2 of this series. Listen to Part 1 Listen to Part 3 About Northwell Health Northwell Health 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. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. 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. Get more expert insights from leading experts in the field — Northwell Newsroom.  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 final segment of this three-part series, host Chethan Sathya, MD, and former NYC Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan, MD, discuss the critical need for rebuilding trust in public health. Dr. Vasan emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and empathetic engagement across communities, highlighting the challenges posed by societal divisions. As public health faces skepticism, he underscores the need to involve diverse perspectives to foster unity and chart a path toward a healthier, more inclusive future. This is Part 3 of this series. Listen to Part 1 Listen to Part 2 About Northwell Health Northwell Health 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. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. 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. Get more expert insights from leading experts in the field — Northwell Newsroom.  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 two of "Navigating Breast Cancer," host Sandra Lindsay continues the conversation with breast cancer surgeon Susan K. Boolbol, MD. They explore the options of lumpectomy and mastectomy, as well as the evolution of surgical techniques aimed at improving aesthetic outcomes. Delving into the psychological and emotional aspects of recovery, Dr. Boolbol emphasizes the importance of community support and proactive care; she underscores the need for early diagnosis to improve long-term survival, while highlighting the overall positive outlook for women affected by the disease. This is Part 2 of this series. Listen to Part 1 About Northwell Health Northwell Health 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. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. 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. Get more expert insights from leading experts in the field — Northwell Newsroom.  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. 

More than 300,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, a stunning number given how much confusion exists around screening and treatment. In this episode, 20-Minute Health Talk host Sandra Lindsay discusses the powerful role of early detection in saving women's lives with Susan K. Boolbol, MD, FACS, the system chief of breast surgical oncology and breast program at Northwell/Nuvance Health. Dr. Boolbol also addresses some of the myths surrounding breast cancer and sheds light on dense breasts, biopsy misconceptions, and the importance of proactive care. About Northwell Health Northwell Health 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. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. 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. Get more expert insights from leading experts in the field — Northwell Newsroom.  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. 

The recovery conversation continues between 20-Minute Health Talk host Sandra Lindsay and Andrew Drazan, founder and CEO of Wellbridge, and Edmond Hakimi, DO, its medical director. They discuss the long road recovery can take and how relapses are a natural part of the recovery process. They also explore the different paths to recovery that Wellbridge can tailor to their patients' needs; why removing the moral stigma of addiction is so critical to finding addiction solutions; what it was like to launch Wellbridge during Covid, and much more. This is Part 2 of this series. Listen to Part 1 About Northwell Health Northwell Health is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 21 hospitals, 850 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. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. 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 http://bit.ly/2Z7iHFL and explore our many opportunities. Get more expert insights from leading experts in the field — Northwell Newsroom.  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. Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit http://bit.ly/2Z7iHFL and explore our many opportunities.   Facebook –   / northwellhealth   Instagram -   / northwellhealth   X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth This is Part 2 of this series. Listen to Part 1 About Northwell Health Northwell Health is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 21 hospitals, 850 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. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. 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 http://bit.ly/2Z7iHFL and explore our many opportunities. Get more expert insights from leading experts in the field — Northwell Newsroom.  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. Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit http://bit.ly/2Z7iHFL and explore our many opportunities.   Facebook –   / northwellhealth   Instagram -   / northwellhealth   X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth  

In this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk, host Sandra Lindsay explores the complex landscape of addiction and recovery with Andrew Drazan, founder and CEO of Wellbridge, and Edmond Hakimi, DO, its medical director. Journey through Drazan's personal history and the inspiration behind Long Island’s premier treatment center. Discover the science behind addiction as Dr. Hakimi explains how genetic, environmental, and neurological factors interact to fuel substance use disorders. Learn about Wellbridge's holistic approach to individualized care, blending medical expertise with therapeutic activities like art and exercise to help patients build a sustainable recovery path.  About Northwell Health Northwell Health 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. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. 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 http://bit.ly/2Z7iHFL and explore our many opportunities. Get more expert insights from leading experts in the field — Northwell Newsroom.  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. Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit the health system's job portal and explore our many opportunities.  

In this bonus episode of 20-Minute Health Talk, host Sandra Lindsay speaks with filmmaker Richard LaRochelle, who also works with Northwell's community health program. LaRochelle filmed a conversation with four prostate cancer survivors, including former New York Knicks player Allan Houston, with the goal of raising awareness about prostate cancer among the black community. LaRochelle shares his experience in making the short film and what he hopes audiences will learn from the men's experiences.  View The Unspoken Truth: A Dialogue on Prostate Cancer Among Black Men. This bonus episode is Part 4 of this series. Listen to Part 1  Listen to Part 2  Listen to Part 3 About Northwell Health Northwell Health is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 21 hospitals, 850 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. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. 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 http://bit.ly/2Z7iHFL and explore our many opportunities. Get more expert insights from leading experts in the field — Northwell Newsroom.  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. Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit http://bit.ly/2Z7iHFL and explore our many opportunities.   Facebook –   / northwellhealth   Instagram -   / northwellhealth   X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth

In this episode of 20 Minute Health Talk, host Sandra Lindsay delves into the emotional journey of prostate cancer from the unique perspectives of supportive partners. Joining her are two remarkable women, Mary Hillery and Tamara Houston, who share their experiences as caregivers alongside their husbands, prostate cancer survivors Tony Hillery and former New York Knicks player Allan Houston. Mary Hillery, a human resources expert, offers insights on resilience and caregiving. Tamara Houston, an educator and advocate for youth empowerment, speaks on the power of faith and familial support in challenging times.  This is Part 3 of this series. Listen to Part 1  Listen to Part 2  About Northwell Health Northwell Health is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 21 hospitals, 850 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. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. 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 http://bit.ly/2Z7iHFL and explore our many opportunities. Get more expert insights from leading experts in the field — Northwell Newsroom.  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. Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit http://bit.ly/2Z7iHFL and explore our many opportunities.   Facebook –   / northwellhealth   Instagram -   / northwellhealth   X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth

In the second episode of our prostate cancer series, host Sandra Lindsay explores the personal and medical sides of a prostate cancer journey. Joining the conversation is Mitchell Cornet, Northwell’s vice president for Community and Strategic Partnerships, who shares his firsthand experience navigating prostate cancer from diagnosis to recovery. Alongside him is Samir Taneja, MD, a respected authority in urological care, providing expert insights into the medical aspects of the disease. Together, they connect the personal with the scientific, highlighting the importance of shared knowledge and advocacy. Tune in to hear Mitch’s empowering story and learn from Dr. Taneja’s expertise, as they enlighten and inspire those affected by prostate cancer. This is Part 2 of this series. Listen to Part 1 About Northwell Health Northwell Health is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 21 hospitals, 850 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. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. 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 http://bit.ly/2Z7iHFL and explore our many opportunities. Get more expert insights from leading experts in the field — Northwell Newsroom.  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. Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit http://bit.ly/2Z7iHFL and explore our many opportunities.   Facebook –   / northwellhealth   Instagram -   / northwellhealth   X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth