20-Minute Health Talk

From the ED to C‑Suite: Eric Wei, MD, CEO of NYC’s Bellevue Hospital: Part 1

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:56:58 -0400

On this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk, host Chethan Sathya, MD, speaks with emergency physician and CEO Eric Wei, MD. They trace his path from a resident focused on quality improvement to leading New York City’s storied flagship hospital, Bellevue. Dr. Wei shares why he still works Friday emergency department shifts, what COVID taught him about crisis management and the mission that drives care “without exception.”

This is Part 1 of a two-part series.

About Northwell Health

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.

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:

Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities.

Watch more 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.

From the ED to C‑Suite: Eric Wei, MD, CEO of NYC’s Bellevue Hospital: Part 2

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:56:06 -0400

In a climate of mistrust, what builds credibility? In part 2 of this 20-Minute Health Talk, host Chethan Sathya, MD, and Eric Wei, MD, make the case for empathy and listening to community messengers over monologues, share COVID coordination lessons we must hardwire, and outline top NYC public health priorities—mental health, homelessness, violence prevention, and closing life-expectancy gaps.

This is Part 2 of a two-part series.

About Northwell Health

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.

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:

Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities.

Watch more 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.

Listen first: Leana Wen, MD, on public health communication

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:16:45 -0400

Leana Wen, MD — Washington Post columnist, emergency medicine physician, author and former Baltimore health commissioner — joins host Chethan Sathya, MD, to explore what truly builds trust in public health: listening without judgment, translating evidence into real-life decisions and acknowledging the tension between individual liberty and community well-being. She shares lessons from Baltimore’s opioid response, the importance of one-on-one conversations, and why starting from shared values offers a path forward in a polarized time.

About Northwell Health

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.

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:

Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities.

Watch more 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.

Endometriosis breakthroughs: Christine Metz, PhD, on the condition that affects 6 million Americans: Part 1

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:51:12 -0400

Endometriosis can cause debilitating pain and infertility, yet getting a diagnosis can take nearly a decade. On this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk, hosted by Sandra Lindsay, RN, MBA, Christine Metz, PhD, co-director of the ROSE (Research OutSmarts Endometriosis) Study at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, explains what endometriosis is, why symptoms can be so misleading, and how today’s “gold standard” laparoscopy still misses cases. She also shares a breakthrough: analyzing menstrual effluent — natural tissue shed during periods — may lead the way to a noninvasive diagnostic test. Dr. Metz discusses how home-collected samples could accelerate diagnosis, guide treatment, and even help find other uterine conditions.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series.

About Northwell Health

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.

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:

Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities.

Watch more 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.

Endometriosis breakthroughs: Christine Metz, PhD, on the condition that affects 6 million Americans: Part 2

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:49:31 -0400

In part 2 of this 20-Minute Health Talk on endometriosis, host Sandra Lindsay, RN, MBA and guest Christine Metz, PhD, explore some of the findings from the ROSE Study at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, such as potential markers for fertility, chronic inflammation and general uterine health. Dr. Metz describes how anyone can join her ongoing research and how it may lead to diagnostics for conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and chronic endometritis.

This is Part 2 of a two-part series.

About Northwell Health

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.

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:

Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities.

Watch more 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.

Driving value in health care: Abe Sutton on cutting costs while improving care: Part 1

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 08:52:40 -0400

In this episode of the 20-Minute Health Talk podcast, Abe Sutton of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) joins host Chethan Sathya, MD, to share his personal path into public service and the lessons that shaped his approach to health policy. Sutton breaks down how CMS is tackling rising medical costs while raising the quality of care, covering value-based care models, payment reforms that reward outcomes over volume, and efforts to reduce administrative burden and improve care coordination.

This is Part 1 of this series.

Listen to Part 2

About Northwell Health

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.

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:

Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities.

Watch more 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.

Driving value in health care: Abe Sutton on cutting costs while improving care: Part 2

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 08:46:25 -0400

In part 2 of this 20-Minute Health Talk podcast with Abe Sutton of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and host Chethan Sathya, MD, discuss data-driven innovation, primary care investment, and strategies to enhance the patient experience without sacrificing affordability. Given CMS's budget, Sutton talks about the need for investment in evaluating quality, outcomes, and new approaches to delivering care.

This is Part 2 of this series.

Listen to Part 1

About Northwell Health

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.

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:

Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities.

Watch more 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 Healing Power of Resilience: Tara Narula, MD’s discusses her new book: Part 1

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:34:37 -0400

Join 20-Minute Health Talk host Sandra Lindsay in conversation with renowned cardiologist and ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent Tara Narula, MD, as she discusses her groundbreaking book, "The Healing Power of Resilience." Discover how emotional and physical health intersect, why resilience is both innate and learnable, and practical tools for bouncing forward—not just bouncing back—from life's challenges. Dr. Narula reveals how resilience came to play such a large role in both her treatment of patients and in her own life.

This is Part 1 of this series.

Listen to Part 2

About Northwell Health

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.

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:

Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities.

Watch more 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 Healing Power of Resilience: Tara Narula, MD’s discusses her new book: Part 2

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:29:01 -0400

In part two of this discussion with Tara Narula, MD, cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital and ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent, she explains to 20-Minute Health Talk host Sandra Lindsay the steps for building resilience to handle difficult events and reduce stress overall. Using patient stories and her personal experiences, Dr. Narula lays out actionable strategies for building resilience through acceptance, flexible thinking, social connection, and purpose.

This is Part 2 of this series.

Listen to Part 1

About Northwell Health

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.

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:

Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities.

Watch more 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 Chelsea Clinton playbook: Data, dialogue, and guiding the future of public health: Part 1

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:06:12 -0500

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.

This is Part 1 of this series.

Listen to Part 2

About Northwell Health

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.

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:

Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities.

Watch more 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 Chelsea Clinton playbook: Data, dialogue, and guiding the future of public health: Part 2

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:55:33 -0500

In part 2 of this 20-Minute Health Talk podcast, 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.

This is Part 2 of this series.

Listen to Part 1

About Northwell Health

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.

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:

Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities.

Watch more 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.

Science, anti-science and public health: Debunking Myths with Peter Hotez, MD, part 1

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 14:44:49 -0500

In this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk, host Chethan Sathya, MD, speaks with Peter Hotez, MD, pediatrician, scientist and global health advocate. Dr. Hotez shares the story behind his public advocacy: The "planned part" of his career — developing life-saving vaccines for the world's poor — and the "unplanned part" that began when his daughter, Rachel, was diagnosed with autism. Dr. Hotez explains how this experience thrust him into the center of the vaccine debate, which led to him becoming a target of the anti-vaccine movement. He and Dr. Sathya offer a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of communicating evolving science to the general public.

This is Part 1 of this series.

Listen to Part 2

About Northwell Health

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.

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:

Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities.

Watch more 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.

Science, anti-science and public health: Debunking Myths with Peter Hotez, MD, part 2

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 14:38:24 -0500

In the second part of this 20-Minute Health Talk podcast with Peter Hotez, MD, pediatrician, scientist and global health advocate, the conversation with host Chethan Sathya, MD, shifts to the front lines of health care. Dr. Hotez offers practical advice for clinicians and the public on navigating medical misinformation and myths, such as "turbo cancers.” He also reveals yet another good reason to get your Covid and flu shots — to protect your heart. As he explores the critical public health importance of childhood vaccines like the MMR and Hepatitis B, Dr. Hotez explains the real-world consequences of declining vaccination rates. Finally, he offers his frank assessment of the political and financial forces driving the anti-science movement and how to rebuild public trust.

This is Part 2 of this series.

Listen to Part 1

About Northwell Health

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.

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:

Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities.

Watch more 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.

Public health leadership in turbulent times: A conversation with Jerome Adams, MD, former US Surgeon General, part 1

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:11:44 -0500

Host Chethan Sathya, MD, welcomes Jerome Adams, MD, US Surgeon General from 2016 to 2021 and author of Crisis and Chaos: Lessons from the Front Lines of the War Against Covid-19. In part one of this three-part series, Dr. Adams shares his journey from humble beginnings in rural Maryland to becoming a prominent public health leader. Despite facing personal health challenges and systemic barriers, Dr. Adams reflects on his resilient pursuit of a medical career, leading during Covid and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of health providers. He also discusses his experiences within the first Trump administration, the importance of representation in medicine and the critical need for diverse voices in public health discussions.

This is Part 1 of this series.

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.

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:

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.

Public health leadership in turbulent times: A conversation with Jerome Adams, MD, former US Surgeon General, part 2

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:30:12 -0500

In the second episode of Northwell’s 20-Minute Health Talk podcast with Jerome Adams, MD, he and host Chethan Sathya, MD, discuss the pivotal role of election-year dynamics in shaping national and regional responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Adams reflects on the challenge of balancing economic impacts with health mandates amid a politically charged atmosphere and how decision-making was swayed by partisan pressures. He highlights the importance of nuanced public health communication and the urgent need for healthcare professionals to prioritize empathy and understanding in patient interactions to convey crucial health information effectively.

This is Part 2 of this series.

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.

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:

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.

Public health leadership in turbulent times: A conversation with Jerome Adams, MD, former US Surgeon General, part 3

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:23:03 -0500

In part three of Northwell’s 20-Minute Health Talk podcast, host Chethan Sathya, MD, and Jerome Adams, MD, former US Surgeon General, discuss the critical role of empathy and shared decision-making in healthcare communication, especially as public trust wavers. Amid rising frustrations with the healthcare system, Dr. Adams stresses the need for healthcare professionals to use empathetic, evidence-based dialogue to rebuild trust. He highlights the need for systemic change, advocating community engagement and upstream interventions in lieu of a mere sick-reimbursement model. He further reflects on his career trajectory and encourages aspiring physician leaders to leverage their credibility to make positive contributions, emphasizing continuous learning and adaptability in the evolving public health landscape.

This is Part 3 of this series.

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.

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:

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.

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

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 09:27:29 -0500

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, PhD. 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.

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.

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:

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.

Building healthier cities: A conversation with Ashwin Vasan, MD, part 2

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 09:22:36 -0500

Join host Chethan Sathya, MD, and former NYC Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan, MD, PhD, 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.

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.

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:

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.

Building healthier cities: A conversation with Ashwin Vasan, MD, part 3

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 09:17:35 -0500

In the final segment of this three-part series, host Chethan Sathya, MD, and former NYC Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan, MD, PhD, 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.

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.

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:

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.

Navigating breast health: Empowerment through awareness, part 2

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 16:38:09 -0500

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.

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:

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.

Navigating breast health: Empowerment through awareness

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:42:18 -0500

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.

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:

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.

Overcoming addiction: Wellbridge's innovative approach to recovery, Part 2

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 13:30:10 -0500

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.

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:

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.

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:

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.

Facebook – / northwellhealth Instagram - / northwellhealth X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth

Overcoming addiction: Wellbridge's innovative approach to recovery

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:37:10 -0500

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.

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:

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.

Breaking the silence: Speaking to survivors of prostate cancer

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 11:00:09 -0500

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.

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.

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:

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.

Facebook – / northwellhealth Instagram - / northwellhealth X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth

Strength in partnership: Navigating prostate cancer as a spouse

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:10:09 -0500

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.

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.

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:

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.

Facebook – / northwellhealth Instagram - / northwellhealth X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth

Learning from experience: A prostate cancer survivor's journey

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:18:45 -0500

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.

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:

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.

Facebook – / northwellhealth Instagram - / northwellhealth X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth

Not your father’s prostate cancer: How screening, biopsy and treatment are changing for the better

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 14:53:00 -0500

Prostate cancer deaths have been climbing over the last decade in part due to confusion over who should be screened and treated. In part 1 of a three-part series on prostate cancer, host Sandra Lindsay speaks with Samir Taneja, MD, a trailblazer in urologic cancer innovation, to explore how modern diagnostics and treatments, such as the groundbreaking use of MRI technology, are transforming patient outcomes. As Northwell's senior vice president and system chair of urology, Dr. Taneja provides invaluable insights into the shifting landscape of prostate cancer care and the critical importance of early detection. Tune in to understand the vital steps needed to increase awareness and save lives.

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.

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:

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.

John D’Angelo, MD, Northwell’s new CEO on leading through healthcare’s hardest hour: Part 2

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0500

In part 2 of their conversation, newly appointed president and CEO, John D’Angelo, MD, and Northwell Health’s 20-Minute Health Talk host Chethan Sathya, MD, discuss the challenges health care professionals face on the job, the difficulties for health systems such as Northwell and what it takes to lead in medicine’s most challenging moment. From confronting misinformation to reimagining how we deliver care, Dr. D’Angelo presents his vision for Northwell while reflecting on his journey from emergency physician to health system CEO — and why the path forward demands courage, clarity, and change.

Read more about this podcast.

Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.

Facebook – / northwellhealth Instagram - / northwellhealth X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth

John D’Angelo, MD, Northwell’s new CEO on leading through healthcare’s hardest hour: Part 1

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400

As public trust wavers and questions about care arise, newly appointed president and CEO, John D’Angelo, MD, sits down with Northwell Health’s 20-Minute Health Talk host Chethan Sathya, MD, for a raw conversation about what it means to lead in medicine’s most challenging moment. From confronting misinformation to reimagining how we deliver care, Dr. D’Angelo explains his vision for Northwell and reflects on his journey from emergency physician to health system CEO — and why the path forward demands courage, clarity, and change.

Read more about this podcast.

Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.

Facebook – / northwellhealth Instagram - / northwellhealth X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth

20MHT Classic: Inside a psych unit: Therapeutic insights from HBO's "One South" (Part 2)

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400

On the one-year anniversary of One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit, we're reposting this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk: In Part 2 of our conversation on 20-Minute Health Talk, Sandra Lindsay, RN, continues the discussion with the creators of HBO’s One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit and clinical psychologist Laura Braider, PhD. This episode dives deeper into the therapeutic skills highlighted in the documentary, including radical acceptance, mindfulness, and opposite action. Dr. Braider and filmmakers Alexandra Shiva and Lindsey Megrue explain how these techniques are not only helping patients at One South but can also be applied to everyday life to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. They also explore the impact on staff and what Dr. Braider's team does to cope.

Read more about this podcast.

Meet our guests

Laura Braider, PhD, clinical psychologist and associate vice president of behavioral health at Northwell Health; associate vice president of Northwell's Behavioral Health College Partnership
Alexandra Shiva is an award-winning filmmaker and co-founder of Gidalya Pictures. She is known for her compelling documentaries highlighting social issues and human stories, including One South (2024), How to Dance in Ohio (2015) and more.
Lindsey Megrue is a producer with Gidalya Pictures. Also a director, she is known for her work on films like One South (2024), We Are Witnesses (2017), and Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (2012).

20MHT Classic: Inside a psych unit: Behind the scenes of HBO's "One South" (Part 1)

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400

On the one-year anniversary of One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit, we're reposting this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk: Host Sandra Lindsay, RN, sits down with the filmmakers of HBO's groundbreaking documentary series One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit. Also joining them is one of the clinicians featured in the doc, Laura Braider, PhD. Together, they explore the origins of this powerful two-part series, the challenges of working in an in-patient psychiatric unit, and the vital role of Northwell's unique Behavioral Health College Partnership at Zucker Hillside Hospital. You'll hear what it's really like for patients, healthcare providers — and filmmakers — inside this psych unit, and how the documentary is shedding light on mental health care like never before. Read more about this podcast.

Meet our guests

Laura Braider, PhD, clinical psychologist and associate vice president of behavioral health at Northwell Health; associate vice president of Northwell's Behavioral Health College Partnership
Alexandra Shiva is an award-winning filmmaker and co-founder of Gidalya Pictures. She is known for her compelling documentaries that highlight social issues and human stories, including One South (2024), How to Dance in Ohio (2015) and more.
Lindsey Megrue is a producer with Gidalya Pictures. Also a director, she is known for her work on films like One South (2024), We Are Witnesses (2017), and Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (2012).

From New York to Jamaica: A healthcare partnership (Part 4)

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 15:47:22 -0400

In this final episode of our four-part series on Northwell's global health efforts in Jamaica, host Sandra Lindsay, RN, sits down with Eric Cioe-Peña, MD, vice president of Northwell's Center for Global Health. Dr. Cioe-Peña shares his personal journey into global health and how he honed Northwell's vast, but scattered efforts around the world into one centralized program that is building sustainable partnerships and making a difference that endures. They also discuss Northwell's unique approach to maximizing the impact of philanthropic giving, harnessing the power of countries with large populations in the U.S., like Guyana and Jamaica, and the future of global health.

This is part four of our series. Listen to the entire series here.

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.

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:

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.

From New York to Jamaica: A healthcare partnership (Part 3)

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 09:06:09 -0400

In part three of our four-part series, From New York to Jamaica: A Healthcare Partnership, host Sandra Lindsay, RN, reunites with the Northwell Health OB/GYN team who traveled to Kingston in September 2024 to provide pro bono fibroid surgeries. Drs. Michael Nimaroff, Monique Jones, Ruqayyah Abdul-Karim, and Dillon Gurciullo share personal reflections on their experiences collaborating with Jamaican healthcare professionals, navigating the challenges of limited resources, the joys of cultural exchange, and the profound impact of providing life-changing care for women who had been waiting years for surgery. Hear how this unique collaboration is strengthening the Jamaican healthcare system and fostering a spirit of partnership and shared learning between Northwell Health and the University Hospital of the West Indies. This episode offers an inside look at the dedication and passion driving this initiative and its potential to create a healthier future for women in Jamaica.

This is part three of our series. You can listen to other episodes here.

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.

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:

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.

From New York to Jamaica: A healthcare partnership (Part 2)

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 16:45:52 -0400

Fibroids are incredibly common. Anywhere from 40% to 80% of people with a uterus will develop this growth, which is benign but can bring severe symptoms like pain, heavy bleeding, and reproductive issues. These symptoms can be not only physically debilitating but also cause emotional and social issues. During a trip to her home country of Jamaica in September 2024, host Sandra Lindsay, RN, interviewed three women whose lives have been deeply impacted by uterine fibroids for years. With the country facing a large backlog in this type of surgery, these women, like so many more, were unable to get surgery, which is why Sandra organized a team of OB/GYNs to travel with her to Jamaica to treat these women at no cost. In this episode, you'll hear their stories and learn more about Northwell's collaborative efforts to provide pro bono fibroid surgeries in Jamaica.

This is episode two in a four-part series documenting Northwell's partnership with Jamaica's Ministry of Health to improve women's health on the island. Listen to Episode 1 and Episode 2, available in our feed now.

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.

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:

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.

Life after lung transplant

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:31:45 -0400

Lindsay Salguero-Lopez, 43, and Thomas Tartaglia, 64, share a love for kayaking, just one of the many activities both are now able to enjoy freely after receiving life-saving lung transplant s. On this episode, they detail the realities of life before and after transplant, from the physical limitations and emotional toll of their conditions to the rigorous post-transplant care, lifestyle adjustments and ongoing medical management. Also joined by Aldo Iacono, MD, who oversees their care through the Northwell Transplant Institute, he explains the importance of finding the right program, longevity after transplant and the challenges of organ availability.

Dr. Iacono is medical director of lung transplantation at the Northwell Transplant Institute.

More about lung transplant at Northwell

Watch Lindsay's lung transplant
Listen to the sounds of surgery and how Northwell's lung transplant program began
Read more about growing a transplant program

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.

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:

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.

5 Years after Covid-19, healthcare heroes share lessons learned (Pt. 3 of 3)

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:55:24 -0400

The COVID-19 pandemic tested healthcare systems and workers like never before. Five years later, what lessons have we learned and how can we apply them to future health crises?

In this final part of our three-part series, Sandra Lindsay, RN, continues her conversation with Northwell Health leaders John D’Angelo, MD, and Mangala Narasimhan, DO, to reflect on how this experience has changed them both personally and professionally. You'll hear their thoughts on:

The emotional toll of COVID-19: From witnessing countless deaths to battling misinformation, the pandemic left a lasting impact on frontline workers. Drs. D’Angelo and Narasimhan share their experiences with burnout and PTSD, emphasizing the importance of self-care and supporting colleagues.
Leadership in crisis: What key takeaways and lessons did these healthcare leaders gain from navigating a complex and rapidly-changing situation? They discuss the importance of adaptability, decisive decision-making, and the power of teamwork and collaboration.
Hope for the future: Despite the hardships, there's hope. Hear what gives these doctors optimism about the future of healthcare and their belief in our capacity to overcome future challenges.

Meet our guests:

John D’Angelo, MD, Executive Vice President and Market President, Northwell Health’s Central Market
Mangala Narasimhan, DO, Director, Critical Care Services, Northwell and medical director of the acute lung injury ECMO program

This is Part 3 of their conversation. Listen to Part 1 and Part 2 now.

5 years after Covid-19, healthcare heroes share lessons learned (PT. 2 of 3)

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 11:49:22 -0400

When Covid-19 first hit New York City, hospitals faced unprecedented patient surges. Queens, in particular, became an epicenter, overwhelming local facilities. Northwell Health’s John D’Angelo, MD, then operations chief for the Covid Command Center, recognized the urgent need to distribute this burden more evenly across the system. His solution: load-balancing.

In Part 2 of this three-part conversation, you'll hear how load balancing helped Northwell hospitals manage months-long surges and served as a model for other health systems. You'll also hear from Mangala Narasimhan, DO who, like Dr. D'Angelo, played a pivotal role in Northwell's response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Five years later, they sat down with Sandra Lindsay, RN, to reflect on this turbulant (and traumatic) time in our history.

Meet our guests

John D'Angelo, MD, Executive Vice President and Market President, Northwell Health’s Central Market
Mangala Narasimhan, DO, Director, Critical Care Services, Northwell and medical director of the acute lung injury ECMO program

This is Part 2 of their conversation.

Listen to Part 1 now
Check back for Part 3 on Thursday, March 13

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.

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:

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.

Facebook – / northwellhealth Instagram - / northwellhealth X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth

5 years after Covid-19, healthcare heroes share lessons learned (PT. 1 of 3)

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:10:19 -0400

Today marks five years since the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a pandemic. To help us look back, Sandra Lindsay, RN, spoke with two leaders who were at the forefront of Northwell Health's response:

Mangala Narasimhan, DO, director of critical care services for Northwell and medical director of the acute lung injury ECMO program
John D'Angelo, MD, is the executive vice president and market president for Northwell Health’s Central Market

Like Dr. Narasimhan, Sandra was based out of Long Island Jewish Medical Center when Covid hit New York. At the time, she was head of critical care nursing at the flagship hospital. In this conversation, you’ll hear all three share their memories of what it was like inside some of the first U.S. hospitals to receive Covid patients in March 2020; how staff coped with this global pandemic and what measures and innovations helped turn the tide.

This is part 1 of their conversation. Check back for Part 2 Wednesday, March 12, and Part 3 on Thursday, March 13.

When it comes to colorectal cancer, there's no such thing as "too young"

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 08:23:46 -0500

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and, alarmingly, rates are rising in younger adults. On this 20-Minute Health Talk, Marc Greenwald, MD, discusses risk factors, symptoms, treatments and the importance of early screening. He also addresses common concerns about colonoscopy, from advances in prep to the lifesaving procedure itself, and helps listeners understand the importance of being proactive about their health. About the expert Dr. Greenwald is chief of colorectal clinical services; surgeon-in-chief; and director of the rectal cancer program at North Shore University Hospital. 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.

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:

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.

Facebook – / northwellhealth Instagram - / northwellhealth X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth

From New York to Jamaica: a healthcare partnership

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500

There are more Jamaicans living abroad than on the Island itself, a fact not lost on Courtney Cephas. As director of the National Healthcare Enhancement Foundation (NHEF), the philanthropic arm of Jamaica's Ministry of Health and Wellness, he wants to tap into this large and charitable community — referred to as the diaspora — to improve health care in Jamaica. In this episode of 20 Minute Health Talk, Cephas joins host Sandra Lindsay, RN, herself a member of the diaspora eager to give back, to discuss the NHEF's work, including its focus on building sustainable partnerships with organizations like Northwell Health, to address critical needs. Cephas and Lindsay detail two recent trips by Northwell clinical teams to the island, where they provided free surgeries for women suffering from uterine fibroids — one of several surgeries that have been backlogged since Covid-19, leaving hundreds desperate for a solution. These trips represent a powerful example of the diaspora's impact, bringing relief to patients while also strengthening Jamaica's healthcare system for the future. Hear how this unique collaboration is transforming lives and learn about the NHEF’s work to create a healthier future for Jamaica.

Future episodes will feature the inspiring personal stories of the women whose pain, resilience, and renewed hope embody the spirit of this initiative.

Living donor liver transplant: How it works, what to expect

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 18:20:11 -0500

Most of us have heard of kidney transplants, and maybe even know someone who's received a kidney from a living donor — typically a family member or a friend. But did you know that living donation is also possible for livers? It's an incredible procedure, and we're diving deep into this often-overlooked life-saving option. Northwell recently launched Long Island's first living donor liver transplant program, and today we're speaking with the expert leading the charge, Nabil Dagher, MD. He'll explain how this amazing procedure works – including how the liver can actually regenerate – why it's so important, and what you need to know about the growing need for organ donors across the U.S.

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.

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:

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.

Facebook – / northwellhealth Instagram - / northwellhealth X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth

How to ask about guns before a playdate: 4 tips for parents

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 19:12:00 -0500

One simple question could save a life: Is there an unlocked gun in the house? Firearms are now the leading cause of death among children in the United States. Pediatric trauma Surgeon Chethan Sathya, MD, shares four strategies to help parents get started.

Northwell’s national gun violence prevention awareness campaign helps parents raise critical questions about safe firearm storage.

Featured experts

Dr. Sathya is director of Northwell Health’s Center for Gun Violence Prevention
Michael Dowling, president and CEO of Northwell Health
Sandeep Kapoor, MD, assistant vice president of addiction services at Northwell

Northwell Health’s 6th Annual Gun Violence Prevention Forum will take place on February 27, 2025. To learn more, visit: preventgunviolence.com. To attend virtually, register at preventgunviolence2025.rsvpify.com/

Sepsis: The biggest threat you've never heard of

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 13:26:57 -0500

Sepsis rarely attracts the attention of the public, but it's distressingly common: Every year, about 1.7 million U.S. adults develop this overreaction to infection — and more than 350,000 of them die. On this bonus episode of 20-Minute-Health-Talk, you’ll hear the stories of doctors and patients fighting against this subtle yet deadly condition, and how the battle led to a global alliance to combat the silent killer. You’ll also hear how pioneering research and lifesaving protocols developed at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Northwell Health have reduced sepsis-related deaths — both within their hospitals, throughout New York State, and around the world.

Chapters

00:01 — Intro
00:53 — What is sepsis?
02:23 — 1985: A loss and a mission
03:36 — 2005: Assembling a team
06:08 — 2010: Launching a global alliance
06:52 — 2011: A better process
07:13 — 2012: Turning tragedy into action
08:46 — 2014: Early signs of success
10:09 — 2018: Watching the tide turn
11:06 — 2019: Broadening the effort to fight sepsis
11:34 — 2021: Tackling maternal sepsis
12:03 — 2023 and beyond: Ending sepsis
13:27 — Outro

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.

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:

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.

Facebook – / northwellhealth Instagram - / northwellhealth X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth

A Little Wisdom: New Year's Resolutions from kids, for adults

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 13:58:32 -0500

In this special New Year’s edition of 20-Minute Health Talk, host Sandra Lindsay, RN, welcomes Jaclene Jason, PhD, clinical psychologist and senior director of Behavioral Health and Addiction Services at South Oaks Hospital, to reflect on the delightful wisdom shared by kids in Northwell Health’s latest TV commercial,A Little Wisdom. From embracing play to reframing fear, these young voices remind us how simple shifts in perspective can lead to a healthier, happier 2025. Dr. Jason reacts to their advice and offers practical tips to help parents embrace these ideas, fostering wellness and joy for the whole family.

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.

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:

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.

Facebook – / northwellhealth Instagram - / northwellhealth X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth

Top 5 medical advances of 2024

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 13:57:46 -0500

As 2024 comes to a close, we look back on five exciting medical advances coming from the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research — the research arm of Northwell Health. In this episode, we spotlight studies that made strides in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, lung disease, mental health and dysphagia.

Read more about these five notable Northwell advances of 2024.

Chapters:

01:05 — The dark side of genetics and psychiatric disorders | Douglas F. Nixon, MD, PhD
05:21 — Sex, gender identity linked to human brain activity | Elvisha Dhamala, PhD
10:22 — Rethinking thick liquid diets | Liron Sinvani, MD
15:39 — Recognizing psychosis in Alzheimer's patients | Jeremy L. Koppel, MD
20:33 — Researchers focus on the spleen to treat the lungs | Stavros Zanos, MD PhD

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.

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:

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.

Facebook – / northwellhealth Instagram - / northwellhealth X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth

Vagus nerve stimulation: the body's secret weapon against chronic disease

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500

What if the key to treating chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis wasn't drugs but a tiny electrical device? That's the promise of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), a groundbreaking therapy that holds the potential to transform how we approach conditions like asthma, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and even depression and other mental health issues. On this 20-Minute Health Talk, we explore the fascinating science and remarkable potential of VNS with two leading experts: Kevin Tracey, MD, president & CEO of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and the founder of bioelectronic medicine; and Murthy Simhambhatla, PhD, president & CEO of SetPoint Medical, a company pioneering cutting-edge VNS devices.

Together, they discuss the history of VNS, its applications today and the potential to address a wide range of other inflammatory conditions, from multiple sclerosis to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They also dive into the early results of a SetPoint-led study using VNS to treat rheumatoid arthritis, which Dr. Tracey believes could be the tipping point in this over 30-year odyssey.

Lung cancer screening: What women need to know

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 18:14:52 -0500

With fewer smokers today, the number of Americans getting lung cancer has dropped. However, the decline has been slower in women. Not only are they diagnosed, on average, at a younger age than men, but multiple studies have found that women between the ages of 30 and 49 are developing the disease at higher rates compared to men in the same age group. November is lung cancer awareness month: In this episode, lung cancer experts Brett Bade, MD, and Nagashree Seetharamu, MD, MBBS, join host Sandra Lindsay, RN, to discuss the alarming trend in women and to raise awareness about lung cancer screening in general; currently, less than 10% of people who should be checked for lung cancer actually get screened. Learn the criteria for screening, what the scan is like and how to lower the risk of developing the disease.

Read more about this episode on the Northwell Newsroom.

Chapters:

02:34 - Lung cancer risk factors
03:32 - Health effects of smoking
04:11 - Second hand smoking
05:14 - Are there early signs of lung cancer?
05:54 - What is lung cancer screening?
07:37 - Low-dose CT lung cancer screening
08:27 - Who is eligible for screening?
08:50 - What if you don't qualify for screening but have a risk factor?
10:31 - What barriers to screening exist?
11:28 - Low screening numbers
12:45 - Lung cancer in young women
14:15 - Sex differences in lung cancer
14:34 - Differences in lung cancer in women
15:41 - EGFR mutation and lung cancer
16:19 - EGFR, Asian woman and lung cancer
17:13 - Breaking down racial disparities
18:49 - Barriers to lung cancer screening

About the experts:

Dr. Bade is a pulmonologist and the director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program at Lenox Hill Hospital (Patients and providers can call 844-544-5864).
Dr. Seetharamu is the head of thoracic and head and neck oncology for Northwell Health. She maintains an active clinical practice at the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center, specializing in cancers of the head and neck and thoracic malignancies (lung cancer, mesothelioma, thymic tumors). She is also Associate Professor of Medicine at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

Read Dr. Bade's op-ed on lung cancer screening guidelines.

News break: Northwell hospitals ranked in top 10% for specialty care by Healthgrades

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 19:25:40 -0400

Northwell Health hospitals received a total of 45 national awards and was recognized for 16 state achievements, according to the latest analysis by Healthgrades, one of the leading resources consumers use when choosing a hospital or doctor.

Read the full article in the Northwell Newsroom.

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News break: Northwell makes top 10 of Healthiest 100 Places to Work in America

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 19:02:18 -0400

Northwell Health has been recognized for the fifth consecutive year in the top 10 of the Healthiest 100 Places to Work in America. The assessment for employer wellness is conducted by Healthiest Employers, which recognizes people-first organizations that take a more proactive approach to employee health.

Read the full article in the Northwell Newsroom.

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News break: Young Feinstein Institutes' researcher named STAT 2024 Wunderkind

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400

For his work with vagus nerve stimulation as a potential hemophilia treatment, Carlos Bravo-Iñiguez, MD, PhD, has been named a 2024 STAT Wunderkind. This recognition celebrates the brightest young minds in life sciences research who are pushing the boundaries of scientific innovation.

Read the full article in the Northwell Newsroom.

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News break: AMA recognizes Northwell Health for support of physicians' well-being

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 18:00:00 -0400

The American Medical Association’s 2024 Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program acknowledges the nation’s leaders in prioritizing proven efforts to enhance the well-being and professional fulfillment of physicians. Northwell joins the more than 100 organizations across the country that have received this honor since the program's inception in 2019. In 2024, a total of 62 health systems nationwide earned recognition with documented efforts to reduce system-level drivers of work-related burnout.

Read the full article on the Northwell Newsroom.

News break: Northwell’s Westchester hospitals name new chair of cardiology

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 17:21:13 -0400

Andrew Krumerman, MD, steps into cardiology programs acclaimed for excellence in coronary intervention as the new chair of cardiology at Northwell Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH) and Northwell Phelps Hospital. He will focus on developing growth strategies, enhancing academic and research initiatives, and fostering collaboration with the goal of improving quality of care, patient outcomes and a reputation for cardiovascular excellence.

Dr. Krumerman joined Northwell earlier this year as the director of cardiac electrophysiology at NWH.

Read the full article on Northwell's Newsroom.

News break: New augmented reality-guided spinal surgery a first for Suffolk County

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Neurosurgeons at South Shore University Hospital (SSUH) have performed Suffolk County’s first-ever spinal surgery using an augmented reality navigation platform. The complex surgery, conducted on August 16, involved the placement of spinal instrumentation with the Augmedics xvision Spine System in a patient who previously experienced complications from an earlier surgery.

Read the full story in Northwell's Newsroom.

News break: Mather Hospital celebrates 10,000 bariatric surgeries

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 12:34:34 -0400

Mather Hospital recently marked a new milestone: surgeons performing the hospital’s 10,000th bariatric surgery. The hospital offers gastric bypass, revisional surgery, gastric band and sleeve gastrectomy for weight loss.

Read the full story in Northwell's Newsroom.

The menopause movement (Part 3 of 3)

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 12:10:15 -0400

Today is World Menopause Day. In recognition of that, we revisit our series on menopause. In Part 3 of this series, originally posted on August 8, host Sandra Lindsay, RN, opens up about living with menopause. Sandra emphasizes the importance of finding certified menopause experts, and her OB/GYN, Jane Noah, MD, NCMP, and clinical health coach, Nadia Bey, M. A. /NBC-HWC, both weigh in on Sandra's care and what every woman should know.

Read more about this series and what everyone needs to know about menopause.

Episode resources

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The menopause movement (Part 2 of 3)

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 17:13:40 -0400

Ahead of World Menopause Day on Friday, October 18, we revisit our series on menopause. Spurred by host Sandra Lindsay's own painful journey to diagnosis and treatment, you'll hear from leading menopause experts and advocates about the emerging science and improved solutions for this difficult time of life.

Part 2 of this series highlights the growing movement of women speaking up about the stigma surrounding this natural yet often misunderstood phase of life. Three inspiring women join the podcast to share their menopause journeys: Shani McGraham-Shirley, a popular fitness instructor and motivational speaker; Emmy Award-winning journalist Tamsen Fadal; and certified nutrition coach Stephanie Shaw. Read more about this series and what everyone needs to know about menopause. Meet our guests

Shani McGraham-Shirley, CEO, Yahsuh Fitness Ltd., a renowned fitness instructor and motivational speaker, shares her eye-opening realization that many women, unaware they're entering perimenopause, feel as if they're losing their minds. Shani’s passionate advocacy reveals the gap in medical care and the unnecessary suffering women endure due to a lack of proper diagnosis.
Tamsen Fadal is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, author, women's health advocate and certified integrative health coach. Tamsen’s journey from confusion and fear to empowerment and education highlights the urgent need for awareness and support.
Stephanie Shaw, a certified nutrition coach, host of the Hello, Hot Flash podcast and menopause educator recounts her nearly two-year battle for a diagnosis, involving 18 doctors across four states. Her story of resilience and discovery of holistic health solutions serves as a beacon of hope for women navigating similar challenges.

Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.

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The menopause movement (Part 1 of 3)

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 16:44:52 -0400

In Part 1, originally published on Jul 24, we cover the basics: Symptoms, stigma and the truth about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with Vanessa Soviero, MD, an OB/GYN and certified menopause practitioner. She offers advice on what to look for in an OB/GYN and explores the push by Northwell's Katz Institute for Women’s Health to ensure all women get the care they need.

Midwifery programs: A personalized approach to pregnancy

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 20:08:49 -0400

From conception to delivery, the postpartum period and beyond, midwifery programs provide a full range of healthcare services for women at every stage of life. In this article, you'll hear about a woman who chose to have a midwife deliver her second child at Peconic Bay Medical Center.

Read the full article in the Northwell Newsroom.

More news and insights:

Doula vs midwife: What's the difference?
A birthing center that brings warm care for mothers, babies
Bringing life into the world safely

News break: Northwell appoints new obstetrics and gynecology leader

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 17:25:35 -0400

Northwell Health has appointed Kevin Holcomb, MD, as chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, and The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in Uniondale.

Read the full article in Northwell's newsroom.

News Break: Northwell’s CLI hosts national spinal deformity course for neurosurgical residents

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Spine surgeons and neurosurgical residents from across the U.S. convened at Northwell Health’s Center for Learning and Innovation (CLI) for the inaugural advanced spinal deformity course on September 7, 2024. Hosted by the Neurosurgical Research and Education Foundation (NREF), the event was designed to provide residents with a comprehensive understanding of the latest techniques for treating spinal deformities in a safe and controlled environment.

Read the full article in the Northwell Newsroom.

News Break: 32nd Annual Katz Institute Luncheon and Fashion Event raises $800K

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400

The funds raised at the 32nd annual Katz Institute for Women’s Health Luncheon and Fashion Event will support various Northwell women's health initiatives. To date, the Katz Institute Luncheon and Fashion Event has raised nearly $14 million for women’s health programming and research across the regions that Northwell serves.

Award-winning television broadcaster Rebecca Haarlow hosted the event. Iris and Saul Katz, the benefactors of Northwell’s Katz Institute for Women’s Health, served as lead sponsors. This year’s honorees included Michael Nimaroff, MD, senior vice president and executive director of Northwell Health Obstetrics and Gynecology services, and 12-year-old Max Levine, who received the inaugural Partners Council for Women’s Health Youth Impact Award for his fundraising efforts to support breast cancer patients.

Read the full article in the Northwell Newsroom.

News Break: Northwell Family Health Center at Huntington launches Fare Meals Program

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 12:05:34 -0400

The Fare Meals Program is an 11-week series that combines in-person and virtual sessions to reinforce healthy food consumption and nutrition education. It supports participants of the Nutrition Pathways Program (NPP), a collaboration with Island Harvest.

Read the full article in the Northwell Newsroom.

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News Break: South Shore University Hospital celebrates steel topping off ceremony for new pavilion

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 10:59:05 -0400

South Shore University Hospital leaders joined in a ceremonial placement of the final steel beam on the $468 million state-of-the-art pavilion, expected to be completed by mid-2026. The six-story facility will greatly expand the surgical and inpatient capacity of the Suffolk County hospital, adding up to 90 private patient rooms, 10 additional operating rooms, and three procedure rooms.

Read the full article in Northwell's Newsroom.

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News Break: Northwell Direct's Finest Care promotes mental health awareness for NYPD officers

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 19:17:10 -0400

Wellness fair highlights mental health resources, suicide prevention efforts and law enforcement well-being during Suicide Awareness Month. Read the article in Northwell's Newsroom.

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News Break: Meet Northwell Skin Cancer Program's new surgical director

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:02:42 -0400

As surgical director of The Northwell Health Cancer Institute's new Skin Cancer Program, Bhuvanesh Singh, MD, PhD, will lead the development of multiple integrated centers that will provide state-of-the-art care, as well as clinical and translational research to help shape the future of skin cancer treatment. The new program will benefit patients with more complex skin cancers, offering single center where all needs are addressed.

Read the full article

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News Break: Northwell Health announces the 2024 Constellation Forum

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 17:55:44 -0400

Listen to this Northwell Newsroom article about the 7th annual Northwell Health Constellation Forum, taking place on October 17, 2024. This leading innovation summit brings together healthcare visionaries, investors and disruptors for a day of discussion and collaboration. Registrants can join virtually or in person in New York City starting at 9 a.m. EST.

Speakers include industry leaders from United Therapeutics, IBM, the American College of Physicians, the FDA, and more.

Andrea Califano, PhD, president, CZ Biohub New York, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
Douglas Kelly, MD, deputy center director for science, chief scientist, Center for Devices & Radiological Health (CDRH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Arvind Krishna, chairman and CEO, IBM
Geoff Ling, MD, PhD, CEO, Ling and Associates, LLC, and former founding director of the Biological Technologies Office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
Darilyn V. Moyer, MD, executive vice president and CEO, American College of Physicians
Shola Oyewole, senior vice president, Innovative Technology, United Therapeutics
Murthy Simhambhatla, PhD, president and CEO, SetPoint Medical
Craig Venter, PhD, founder, J. Craig Venter Institute

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Ovarian cancer: New ways women can protect themselves

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Ovarian cancer, often referred to as the "silent killer," has been misunderstood for years. In this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk, Jill Whyte, MD, a leading gynecologic oncologist at Northwell Health, demystifies the subtle symptoms that frequently go unnoticed and emphasizes the critical role of early diagnosis — particularly for those at the highest risk of ovarian cancer. She also explores the latest advances in treatment, from targeted therapies like PARP inhibitors, to minimally invasive surgeries and new preventive strategies. Prophylactic fallopian tube removal has been the standard of care for those at the highest risk but is now being used in certain situations for women at average risk.

During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in September, Dr. Whyte implores women everywhere to educate themselves and their family and friends to help reduce the impact of this deadly disease.

Read more about ovarian cancer, including how to detect and treat it.

Chapters:

01:15 - Ovarian cancer prevalence, trends
01:54 - Ovarian cancer symptoms
04:20 - PARP inhibitors and other ovarian cancer treatments
06:00 - Ovarian cancer risk factors
06:38 - Surgery types
08:38 - Strategies to prevent ovarian cancer
10:30 - The role of the fallopian tubes
14:50 - Catching ovarian cancer early
15:17 - Genetic testing
16:12 - Northwell's Cancer Institute
17:15 - Patient navigators

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Bringing IBD care up to speed with a new Center

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Surgery is supposed to lead to relief. For as many as 40% of inflammatory bowel disease patients, though, it leads to post-operative complications, which often lead to more surgery. It’s one of several problems facing IBD care, a field in which not enough specialists are available to accurately diagnose and treat it, medicinally or surgically. Gastroenterologist Feza Remzi, MD, recognizing this, helped form a Center for Advanced Inflammatory Bowel Disease Care at Northwell, which he’s led since April 2024. On this episode, Dr. Remzi discusses the disease and explains the work his Center is doing to improve care for patients across the country.

Read more about IBD and the work of the Center.

Chapters:

00:02 - Intro
3:35 - Dr. Remzi's journey
4:21 - What is IBD?
5:10 - Ulcerative colitis
6:48 - Crohn's disease
7:14 - Diagnosing IBD
7:40 - Medication
9:56 - Surgery
10:39 - J pouch surgery
12:22 - Strictureplasty
13:04 - What keeps people from surgeries they need?
14:50 - The idea for the IBD Center
15:48 - What is the IBD Center?
19:44 - IBD research at the Feinstein Institutes
20:41 - The Center's tissue bank
21:37 - Treating patients today
22:43 - Outro

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World Trade Center health program: Caring for 9/11 first responders

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 14:16:52 -0400

Only 20 people survived the collapse of the Twin Towers and were pulled from the rubble on September 11, 2001. Two of them were saved by Scott Strauss and Eddie Reyes. The now-retired NYPD police officers joined 20-Minute Health Talk on the 20 anniversary of 9/11 in 2021 to share their stories and discuss the long-term health hazards they live with as a result of exposure to toxic fumes. Today, 23 years to the day, we revisit this somber, but important conversation, which also involved Jacqueline Moline, MD, MSc, who directs the Northwell Health World Trade Center (WTC) health program in Queens. She is also senior vice president of Northwell’s Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention department. She explains who qualifies, how it benefits 9/11 first responders and lessons learned from her experience leading the WTC health program.

More resources:

Inside a psych unit: Therapeutic insights from HBO's "One South" (Part 2)

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 13:30:00 -0400

In Part 2 of our conversation on 20-Minute Health Talk, Sandra Lindsay, RN, continues the discussion with the creators of HBO’s One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit and clinical psychologist Laura Braider, PhD. This episode dives deeper into the therapeutic skills highlighted in the documentary, including radical acceptance, mindfulness, and opposite action. Dr. Braider and filmmakers Alexandra Shiva and Lindsey Megrue explain how these techniques are not only helping patients at One South but can also be applied to everyday life to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. They also explore the impact on staff and what Dr. Braider's team does to cope.

Read more about this podcast.

Meet our guests

Laura Braider, PhD, clinical psychologist and associate vice president of behavioral health at Northwell Health; associate vice president of Northwell's Behavioral Health College Partnership
Alexandra Shiva is an award-winning filmmaker and co-founder of Gidalya Pictures. She is known for her compelling documentaries highlighting social issues and human stories, including One South (2024), How to Dance in Ohio (2015) and more.
Lindsey Megrue is a producer with Gidalya Pictures. Also a director, she is known for her work on films like One South (2024), We Are Witnesses (2017), and Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (2012).

Inside a psych unit: Behind the scenes of HBO's "One South" (Part 1)

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk, Sandra Lindsay, RN, sits down with the filmmakers of HBO's groundbreaking documentary series One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit. Also joining them is one of the clinicians featured in the doc, Laura Braider, PhD. Together, they explore the origins of this powerful two-part series, the challenges of working in an in-patient psychiatric unit, and the vital role of Northwell's unique Behavioral Health College Partnership at Zucker Hillside Hospital. You'll hear what it's really like for patients, healthcare providers — and filmmakers — inside this psych unit, and how the documentary is shedding light on mental health care like never before. Read more about this podcast.

Meet our guests

Laura Braider, PhD, clinical psychologist and associate vice president of behavioral health at Northwell Health; associate vice president of Northwell's Behavioral Health College Partnership
Alexandra Shiva is an award-winning filmmaker and co-founder of Gidalya Pictures. She is known for her compelling documentaries that highlight social issues and human stories, including One South (2024), How to Dance in Ohio (2015) and more.
Lindsey Megrue is a producer with Gidalya Pictures. Also a director, she is known for her work on films like One South (2024), We Are Witnesses (2017), and Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (2012).

My menopause story: Host Sandra Lindsay reveals her experience

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 11:40:41 -0400

In this episode, host Sandra Lindsay, RN, opens up about living with menopause with the goal of demystifying this phase of life and providing others in the same situation with hope and guidance. Sandra emphasizes the importance of finding certified menopause experts, and her OB/GYN, Jane Noah, MD, NCMP, and clinical health coach, Nadia Bey, M. A. /NBC-HWC, both weigh in as well. Dr. Noah helped Lindsay understand her symptoms and guided her through hormone replacement therapy; Nadia offered information about non-medicinal interventions for menopause, like diet, sleep and exercise. All three share their insights and advice on menopause treatment, symptoms and management.

This is Ep. 3 of our series on menopause. Episodes 1 and 2 are available in our feed.

Episode resources

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The menopause movement: Breaking the silence

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode, three inspiring women share their menopause journeys: Shani McGraham-Shirley, a popular fitness instructor and motivational speaker; Emmy Award-winning journalist Tamsen Fadal; and certified nutrition coach Stephanie Shaw. This episode, Part 2 of our three-part series on menopause, highlights the growing movement of women speaking up about the stigma surrounding this natural yet often misunderstood phase of life. Through sharing their personal stories, Shani, Tamsen and Stephanie provide invaluable insights and inspire women everywhere to join this movement, seek proper care, and reclaim their health and well-being.

Episodes 1 and 3 are available in our feed.

Meet our guests

Shani McGraham-Shirley, CEO, Yahsuh Fitness Ltd., a renowned fitness instructor and motivational speaker, shares her eye-opening realization that many women, unaware they're entering perimenopause, feel as if they're losing their minds. Shani’s passionate advocacy reveals the gap in medical care and the unnecessary suffering women endure due to a lack of proper diagnosis.
Tamsen Fadal is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, author, women's health advocate and certified integrative health coach. Tamsen’s journey from confusion and fear to empowerment and education highlights the urgent need for awareness and support.
Stephanie Shaw, a certified nutrition coach, host of the Hello, Hot Flash podcast and menopause educator recounts her nearly two-year battle for a diagnosis, involving 18 doctors across four states. Her story of resilience and discovery of holistic health solutions serves as a beacon of hope for women navigating similar challenges.

Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.

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Menopause: Symptoms, stigma and the truth about hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Despite being a condition that impacts more than half the world’s population, menopause remains understudied, over-stigmatized and clouded by myths and misconceptions. To help clear up the confusion, host Sandra Lindsay, RN, speaks with leading menopause experts and advocates about the emerging science and improved solutions for this difficult time of life. In Ep. 1 of this three-part series, Sandra welcomes Vanessa Soviero, MD, an OB/GYN and certified menopause practitioner, to discuss the wide range of physical and emotional changes that occur during menopause. Dr. Soviero delves into familiar symptoms and ones that are less common, explaining how to manage menopause effectively, while stressing the importance of making informed health decisions and embracing this new stage of life with confidence. She also has advice on what to look for in an OB/GYN and explores all that Northwell's Katz Institute for Women’s Health initiative is doing to ensure all women get the care they need.

This is Ep. 1 of our series on menopause. Listen to episodes 2 and 3 in our feed now.

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The fight for age-friendly health care in America

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 15:24:26 -0400

As we live longer, some even into their 100s, those 65 and older have become the fastest-growing population in the U.S. While an incredible victory for public health, it also presents a unique set of challenges, to which Maria Carney, MD, says the country's health system must quickly adapt. On this episode, she and her co-author Michael Dowling join host Sandra Lindsay, RN, to discuss their new book, The Aging Revolution: The History of Geriatric Health Care and What Really Matters to Older Adults. Along with their fellow co-author, Charles Kenney, they share the remarkable history of geriatric medicine in the U.S. and highlight those who devoted their careers to easing suffering and improving the lives of aging adults. Meet the experts:

Michael Dowling is president and CEO of Northwell Health and author of After the Roof Caved In, released in 2022, and Leading Through a Pandemic, released in 2020.
Dr. Carney is chief of geriatric and palliative medicine, and medical director of post-acute services at Northwell Health; she also served as Nassau County health commissioner.

Get more expert insights from leading experts in the field — Northwell Newsroom.

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ACL tears and the menstrual cycle: Is there a connection?

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 15:08:50 -0400

This fall, nearly 200 female college athletes from Pace University will help Amy West, MD, try to answer a question that has troubled her since her college sports career: What effect, if any, does the menstrual cycle have on sports-related injuries? In a first-of-its-kind study, Dr. West, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Northwell Health, will be particularly interested in ACL injuries; compared to men, women have three to six times greater risk of an injury to this knee ligament. On this episode, Dr. West discusses her study, the dire need to improve injury prevention in female athletes across the board, and what women can do now to reduce their risk of injury.

Podcast transcript

This is Part 2 of our series focusing on women’s health. All year long, we’ll be covering topics affecting women, from issues around ovarian and lung cancer to federal funding for women’s health research, to the lack of gender-specific studies, which we covered in Ep. 1, featuring two prominent leaders in women's health, Stacey Rosen, MD, and Nisha Parikh, MD. You can listen to that episode in our feed.

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Women's health: Funding better research, saving more lives

Wed, 22 May 2024 12:57:57 -0400

For the first time in 30 years, the federal government is taking action to improve women's health through funding better research, a move that took shape in March with President Joe Biden's executive order promising hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. The administration says this initiative, supported by numerous federal agencies, will galvanize new research on a wide range of topics, such as heart disease, menopause, autoimmune disorders, migraines, certain cancers. It will also address the barriers that women face in joining clinical trials, among other proposed actions.

The last major initiative around women's health research came in 1993 with the passage of a law requiring women and minorities be included in all clinical research. Despite these efforts, women, and in particular minority women, continue to be underrepresented today. On this episode, host Sandra Lindsay, RN, speaks with Stacey Rosen, MD, and Nisha Parikh, MD, MPH, about the new push from the Biden Administration, the need to remedy these disparities, and what health systems, businesses, community groups and individuals can do to help.

About the experts:

Dr. Rosen is a renowned cardiologist and the Executive Director for Women's Health at Northwell Health.
Dr. Parikh recently joined Northwell as its system director for the Women's Heart Program in the Cardiovascular Institute and Katz Institute for Women’s Health.

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How good leadership equals good health — for people and businesses

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 09:37:01 -0400

When you hear words like abundance and scarcity, you think of food, water and other essentials. For Laura Freebairn-Smith, PhD, author of "Abundance Leaders: Creating Energy, Joy, and Productivity in an Unsettled World," those words apply to styles of leadership. As she explains to host Sandra Lindsay, RN, these concepts can guide you in becoming a better leader, co-worker, partner and person. Listen in as they explore the intersection of leadership and health and reveal how embracing abundance leads to a fuller, happier life.

About the expert

Prior to co-founding OPG, where she is a partner, Laura served as Director of Yale’s Organizational Development and Learning Center, which she helped create. She has also consulted for the New York Times, Lemann Foundation and ESPN.

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Solar eclipse glasses: What you need to know

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 09:33:00 -0400

Whether you're planning to watch from your backyard or travel, it's important to watch the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse safely. On this episode, you'll hear from two experts on what to expect and how to prepare for the celestial phenomenon of the moon blocking out the sun. Northwell Health ophthalmologist Matthew Gorski, MD, explains the risks of staring into the sun and how solar eclipse glasses can protect your vision no matter where you're watching from. Retired meteorologist Joe Rao shares his extensive knowledge on the topic, including personal accounts from many years spent "chasing eclipses." The instructor and guest lecturer at New York's Hayden Planetarium reveals where to be, how to watch if you don’t have glasses, what to look for and, most importantly, why everyone should go out of their way to see a solar eclipse: "Without a doubt, the greatest cosmic pageant that can be witnessed.”

Chapters:

00:01 - Intro
01:57 - What is a solar eclipse?
03:30 - Dangers of looking into the sun
04:21 - Solar retinopathy
05:44 - What are solar eclipse glasses?
07:28 - Where to get solar eclipse glasses
08:05 - How much do solar eclipse glasses cost?
08:25 - Solar eclipse glasses alternatives
09:50 - Path of totality 2024
11:52 - What will I see if in the Tri-state area?
13:56 - Do solar eclipse glasses expire?
14:50 - Solar eclipse glasses and kids
15:45 - What NOT to do during the solar eclipse
16:20 - Joe Rao talks astronomy and meteorology

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A kid-friendly (and opioid-sparing) scoliosis surgery

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 17:22:50 -0400

Opioids are a necessary part of surgery, but they come with many downsides — addiction risk being the most worrisome. So, when Vishal Sarwahi, MD met a young patient with a history of opioid misuse who needed scoliosis surgery, he knew he had to find another way. On this 20-Minute Health Talk, he shares his pioneering efforts to reduce reliance on opioids in pediatric scoliosis surgery, as well as the technical advances he has brought to the operating room that are making it possible — something he calls the Rapid Recovery Protocol.

Dr. Sarwahi is director of Northwell Health's Center for Minimally Invasive Scoliosis Surgery and the Center for Advanced Pediatric Orthopedics at Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

Keeping moms and babies safe: Improved heart care during and after pregnancy

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of women in America, but many don’t realize that symptoms commonly associated with pregnancy, like shortness of breath, swollen hands and feet, could also be indicators of a serious underlying heart condition. Another startling fact: All women are at risk, according to Evelina Grayver, MD, director of Northwell Health’s Women’s Heart program for the Central region. In this episode, Sandra Lindsay revisits her conversation with Dr. Grayver from 2023, where the women's heart health expert explains what symptoms to look out for, when to seek help and the ins and outs of a new field of medicine specializing in the treatment of heart conditions during pregnancy — cardio-obstetrics.

Dr. Grayver helped establish Northwell's cardio-obstetrics program, which is helping expecting and new parents get ahead of or prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes related to heart disease.

Watch this and more episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.

Get more expert insights from leading experts in the field — Northwell Newsroom.

Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.

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100-plus: Centenarians reveal their healthy-aging secrets

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 09:49:20 -0500

You might think that living a full life past 100 is a stretch, but these centenarians say otherwise: They’re active, inspired and full of energy after 100-plus years and counting. They shared their New Year's resolutions in a commercial from Northwell Health, and now they’re revealing their thoughts on healthy aging. From diet and exercise to purpose, pets and stress, these centenarians share their wisdom on a life well lived. And joining us in the 20-Minute Health Talk studio with a professional perspective on healthy aging: Maria Carney, MD, FACP, chief of geriatric and palliative medicine at Northwell Health, and former health commissioner for Nassau County.

Learn more about the inspirational ad campaign featuring a cast of Northwell patients and other New Yorkers who have reached the remarkable milestone of having lived 100 years or more.

Podcast transcript

Northwell is recognized as an "age-friendly" health system. Here's how age-friendly care can help you age well.

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Top 5 medical advances of 2023

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 10:10:16 -0500

As 2023 comes to a close, we look back on five exciting medical advances coming from the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research — the research arm of Northwell Health. In the last year alone, investigators published more than 3,000 papers in peer-reviewed journals. In this episode, we spotlight studies that made strides against cancer, knee pain, paralysis, postpartum depression and inflammatory bowel disease.

Read more about these five notable Northwell advances of 2023.

Chapters:

00:46 – A pill for post-partum depression | Kristina Deligiannidis, MD
05:30 – Sea coral leads to an arthritis treatment | Kenneth Zaslav, MD
11:30 – Detecting cancer early with AI | Daniel King, MD
15:20 – After paralysis, a bridge back to movement and feeling | Chad Bouton
19:08 – A stimulating solution for IBD | Benjamin Sahn, MD

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.

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:

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.

Facebook – / northwellhealth Instagram - / northwellhealth X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth

School shooting survivor turns tragedy into advocacy

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Two years after surviving a high shooting that claimed the lives of four of her fellow students, Kylie Ossege, now 19, is still recovering from the physical and emotional trauma left by the bullet that shattered her clavicle and nearly left her paralyzed. On this episode, Sandra Lindsay, RN, speaks with Kylie about the November 30, 2021 attack, her fight to regain the ability to walk and her recent surgery to stabilize her spine. Led by John Caridi, MD, a spine surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital, the operation was necessary to not only straighten, but strengthen her spine, which was destabilized by the bullet's impact.

Now a member of her college's chapter of March for our Lives, a nonprofit gun violence prevention group, Kylie is sharing her story in hopes of making a difference.

Podcast transcript

Learn more about March for our Lives.

Learn more about Northwell Health's Center for Gun Violence Prevention.

Learn more about the Department of Neurosurgery at Lenox Hill Hospital.

20MHT Classic: Adding PrEP injectables to fight against HIV

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 17:56:03 -0500

In recognition of World AIDS Day today, we encourage you to listen to this classic episode of the podcast from early 2022 exploring the injectable form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the first option to prevent HIV that does not involve taking a daily pill. At the time of this recording (June 28, 2022), the newly approved treatment had begun to hit the market.

Our colleague David Reich-Hale sat down with a panel of experts specializing in HIV treatment and prevention at the local, state and federal levels. Listen in to learn about the benefits and what people at risk for HIV should know, the challenges of implementation among providers and more.

Podcast transcript

The panel includes:

David Rosenthal, DO, PhD, medical director for the Center for Young Adult, Adolescent and Pediatric HIV.

Demetre Daskalakis, MD, director of the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention (DHAP) for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Charles Gonzalez, MD, medical director for the New York State Department of Health's AIDS Institute

This was the second in a 2-part conversation with our panel of experts.

More from the experts

Dr. Rosenthal talks about strengthening HIV prevention with PrEP and expanding the four key strategies to end AIDS by 2030.

Healing veterans: Understanding the long-term effects of burn pit exposure

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 16:04:38 -0500

Exposure to the smoke from burn pits — the large open-air fires the military has used to dispose of waste — harmed veterans such as Juan Serrano, Patrick McCaffery and Robert Auletta, who work with Northwell Health's Military Liaison Services. Of the more than 10K U.S. veterans who have already been diagnosed with burn pit damage to their airways, the picture is grim and the reaction, most often, is shock. Conditions range from asthma and COPD, to sleep apnea, to a long list of cancers.

On this episode, Juan Patrick and Robert talk about their experience and efforts in addressing burn pit exposure. They’re joined by Anthony Szema, MD, a pulmonologist and leading expert on burn pits; Dr. Szema is director of Northwell’s International Center of Excellence in Deployment Health and Medical Geosciences. He has launched a clinical trial that monitors the health of veterans with burn pit exposure. (Many of the veterans on Juan’s team have already signed up.) Explaining his goals for the trial, Dr. Szema also provides an update on the PACT Act, new legislation he played a key role in getting passed; it expands VA benefits to care for veterans with burn pit exposure. To further assist veterans, Juan, Dr. Szema and staff at the Military Liaison Office are helping service members sign up for the PACT Act.

To file a claim online or apply for VA healthcare, click here.

20MHT Classic: Why military burn pits are a major health hazard

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 14:03:24 -0500

On this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk, we take another look at our August 2022 conversation with Anthony Szema, MD. At the time of this episode's recording, the pulmonologist was days removed from a visit to the White House to celebrate the passage of the PACT Act, new legislation that is now helping impacted veterans get treatment. As a leading expert in the health effects of burn pits, he played a key role in making that legislation a reality. Now, He is conducting a trial to collect data on the veterans of the greater NYC area. We'll do a deep dive into his trial and three of the veterans participating in it. That episode will be available tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 10.

Dr. Szema is director of Northwell Health’s International Center of Excellence in Deployment Health and Medical Geosciences, as well as a published researcher and author.

Covid, flu, RSV: What vaccines do I need this fall/winter?

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 19:29:15 -0400

While the flu shot has been around since 1945, 2023 marked the introduction of a new vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) — the first ever — and the latest Covid-19 shot. The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the two new vaccines, and the protection they offer comes just in the nick of time: Health officials say there is a strong likelihood of another "tripledemic" this winter. In addition to the vaccines for Covid, flu and RSV, there is a new protective treatment for RSV — a potentially life-saving option for those most at risk of complications. On this episode, family medicine doctor Eric Ascher, DO, explains your options for immunization and immune therapies this fall and winter.

Chapters:

00:01 - Intro
01:28 - Vaccines for Covid, flu and RSV
02:01 - Another tripledemic?
03:08 - When to get vaccinated
04:29 - Can you get the Covid and flu vaccines at the same time?
05:29 - "Coadministration" of vaccines
06:28 - How effective is the new Covid-19 vaccine?
07:01 - Can you get Covid, flu and RSV vaccines at same time?
08:03 - Importance of staying up-to-date on vaccinations
08:29 - Current strains of Covid-19 and flu
09:31 - Monovalent Covid vaccine
10:20 - Monovalent Covid vaccine side effects
10:48 - Will Covid vaccine become an annual shot?
11:22 - Covid testing remains critical
12:41 - Start with an at-home Covid test
13:35 - Flu antiviral treatment (Tamiflu)
14:03 - Covid antiviral treatment (Paxlovid, molnupiravir, remdesivir)
14:44 - RSV vaccine and immune therapy, nirsevimab
15:08 - Supportive care for Covid, flu, RSV
15:39 - How else can I stay healthy this fall and winter?

A ’revolutionary’ RSV vaccine and monoclonal antibody

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 18:11:28 -0400

In recent months the FDA and CDC approved two new drugs that experts say will change how respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is managed. This comes at a critical time, says Mundeep Kainth, DO, MPH, as hospitals prepare for the influx of RSV, flu and Covid cases this fall and winter. The convergence of those three respiratory viruses, termed a "tripledemic," overwhelmed hospitals nationally last winter. Dr. Kainth, a pediatric infectious disease expert at Cohen Children's Medical Center, says these two new protections, just like the flu shot and Covid-19 vaccines, are critical tools to help prevent serious illness and keep people out of the hospital. On this episode, she explains what everyone should know about the first-ever RSV vaccine, which is for pregnant mothers between 32 and 36 weeks, and those older than 60, as well as the new monoclonal antibody nirsevimab (brand name Beyfortus), which is for newborns.

20MHT CLASSIC: mRNA pioneers win Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 16:31:12 -0400

On today’s episode, we revisit a conversation we had with two pioneers of the mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccines, Katalin Karikó, PhD, and Drew Weissman, MD, PhD. The two were just awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their groundbreaking research in messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. When we spoke with Dr. Kariko and Weissman in June 2022, they had just received the Ross Prize in Molecular Medicine. The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research grants this honor to recognize promising careers in the fields of science and research. In this look back on that conversation, the history-making duo discusses what motivated them to endure their decades-long scientific struggles, plans to continue their mRNA research and what it means to be awarded the Ross Prize.

Also on the show, we speak with Kevin Tracey, MD, president of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, about the importance of supporting young scientists, early-stage research and the culture of science.

Meet the experts

Katalin Kariko, PhD, adjunct professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Pennsylvania and a senior vice president at BioNTech
Drew Weissman, MD, PhD, the Roberts Family Professor of Vaccine Research in Penn's Perelman School of Medicine

The award Drs. Kariko and Weissman received is one of six categories that are recognized each year. Since 1901, there have been 114 prizes in the Physiology or Medicine category awarded to 227 laureates.

Learn more about the Nobel Prize

Learn more about Drs. Kariko and Weissman.

How safe spaces save LGBTQ lives and what parents, schools and communities can do to create them

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 10:36:29 -0400

On the third and final episode in our series on child suicide prevention, we discuss the spike in suicidality among our LGBTQIA+ youth, as reported in 2023 by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, as well as The Trevor Project. David Rosenthal, DO, PhD, and Helena Roderick, PhD, highlight the many challenges negatively impacting these kids, including minority stress, discrimination and unconscious bias, and how each contributes to this horrifying trend. They share what individuals and community institutions can do to help curb the high rates of suicidal ideation and behaviors.

Podcast transcript

More about the experts:

David Rosenthal, DO, PhD, is founding medical director for Northwell Health’s Center for Transgender Care and medical director for Northwell’s Center for Young Adult, Adolescent, and Pediatric HIV.
Helena Roderick, PhD, is senior psychologist for the Center for Transgender Care and the Center for Young Adult, Adolescent, and Pediatric HIV and the Division of Medical Genetics.

Our team launched this series during National Suicide Prevention Month in September to offer parents and caregivers a resource as they navigate this very difficult reality, particularly as children return to school. Listen to the previous episodes in this series:

Kids in crisis: How to start the conversation about child suicidality featuring Vera Feuer, MD, director of Emergency Psychiatry Services at Cohen Children’s Medical Center
YourMomCares about how you feel, featuring Sharon Feldstein, co-founder and CEO of YourMomCares, and Robin Paul, member and "Power Mom.

NYS Schools update

Learn more about the 2023 update to New York Schools best practices: Creating a Safe, Supportive, and Affirming School Environment for Transgender and Gender Expansive Students

Resources for families

The Trevor Project is a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ youth. Reach a counselor 24/7. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text 678-678
PFLAG is the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. Find a support group.
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry provides education for families including what to expect when you have to go to the emergency department and how to handle suicidality in children.
American Academy of Pediatrics provides education on various topics including mental health.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – has local chapters in each state, which offer a wealth of resources to get connected to treatment, support and education.

YourMomCares about how you feel

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:10:39 -0400

“We need to change the conversation from mental illness to mental wellness,” says Sharon Feldstein, who helped launch a nonprofit called YourMomCares with the goal of creating and supporting programs that better behavioral health in our kids. This group of concerned mothers, whose children are prominent athletes, musicians and actors, is bringing much-needed attention to the crisis in children's behavioral health. Demand for services is far outpacing the resources to support it, and the situation is worsening now that new CDC data reveals there has been a 50% spike in the suicide rate for school-age kids since the year 2000.

On this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk, host Sandra Lindsay, DHSc, MBA, MSN, RN, speaks with Sharon, co-founder and CEO of YourMomCares, along with one of the group’s "power moms," Robin Paul, about their mission, the organizations and programs they support and their newest endeavor with Northwell, who has partnered with area schools to expand resources for students in need of behavioral health support. A primary effort — school-based Behavioral Health Centers — is keeping kids out of the emergency room and connecting them with clinicians closer to home.

This is Part 2 of a series addressing the rising rate of child suicide in the U.S. Throughout the month of September, which is National Suicide Prevention Month. In Part 1 (available for listening here), Dr. Lindsay spoke with child behavioral health specialist Vera Feuer, MD, about methods parents can use to discuss mental issues with their children.

Podcast transcript

Resources for families

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry provides education for families including what to expect when you have to go to the emergency department and how to handle suicidality in children.
American Academy of Pediatrics provides education on various topics including mental health.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – has local chapters in each state, which offer a wealth of resources to get connected to treatment, support and education.

Kids in crisis: How to start the conversation about child suicidality

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 15:13:46 -0400

With suicidal thoughts and behaviors on the rise in the U.S., Vera Feuer, MD, director of Emergency Psychiatry Services at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, joins Sandra Lindsay, RN, on the podcast to explain the warning signs and helpful resources for caretakers, including what language to use — as well as what to avoid — when talking to children struggling with suicidality.

This is Part 1 of our series examining child suicidality, a term that may be new to some. It is defined as suicidal ideation coupled with a plan for ending one’s own life, and it looms increasingly large over America’s children. Over the next several weeks, we'll be speaking with experts and advocates who are finding innovative ways to address this problem and improve access to care. Following our conversation with Dr. Feuer, in Part 2 of this series, we speak with a group of concerned mothers who are using their platform to elevate and amplify programs that support mental wellness — including one that Dr. Feuer is spearheading at Nortwhell Health. In Part 3 two experts from Northwell's Center for Transgender Care explain what these recent reports tell us about LGBTQIA children and their suicidality risk.

The Data

National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) report released in June 2023 found the suicide rate among young people ages 10‒24 increased 62% from 2007 through 2021
Youth Risk Behavior Survey released in February 2023 showed significant increases in the percentage of youth who seriously considered suicide, made a suicide plan, and attempted suicide. It also showed biggest impact was in young girls.
Get expert insight into this data, what it means and what those caring a loved one who is struggling with suicidality should know.

Resources for families

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry provides education for families including what to expect when you have to go to the emergency department and how to handle suicidality in children.
American Academy of Pediatrics provides education on various topics including mental health.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – has local chapters in each state, which offer a wealth of resources to get connected to treatment, support and education.

A better treatment for essential tremor

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 09:42:40 -0400

Murray Bocian, 76, was prone to spilling things: His hands were so shaky that he had to begin using a child's sippy cup. Murray was battling a condition called essential tremor, and it was impacting many aspects of his daily life. A nervous system disorder, essential tremor starts in the brain and triggers shakiness in the extremities, most often the hands. For most of the 10 million Americans living with essential tremor, lifestyle changes and medications can help manage symptoms. But when the condition interferes with daily activities as it was Murray, more targeted therapies are needed. For decades, the solution has been to open the skull and operate on the brain. Now there's a new incision-less procedure called high-intensity focused ultrasound — HIFU — which can be done with an MRI scanner in a single two-hour outpatient session. And the effects are immediate. On this episode, we hear from Murray and speak with his surgeon, Albert Fenoy, MD, who explains how this new procedure works, who is a candidate, and how HIFU is improving the quality of life for patients living with essential tremor.

Podcast transcript

Sports medicine: Treating the athlete, not the injury

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0400

The field of sports medicine isn’t just for serious athletes: The Nicholas Institute for Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma (NISMAT), Northwell’s sports injury clinic, has made sports medicine better, more accessible, and grounded in research. On this episode, the 20-Minute Health Talk team pays a visit to NISMAT, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, to talk to Tak Fukunaga, DPT, ATC, CSCS, sports physical therapist and NISMAT’s Manager of Rehabilitation Services, and Michael Zacchilli, MD, orthopedic sports medicine surgeon at Lenox Health Greenwich Village and team physician for the College of Staten Island, to shed light on what they do to treat people at all levels of physical activity.

More from the experts

ACL tears and the menstrual cycle: Is there a connection? Dr. Amy West discusses on the latest 20-Minute Health Talk.
Drs. Zachilli and Fukunaga explain why seeing a sports medicine physician is for everyone — not just athletes.
Learn common causes of pain under the left rib cage.
Have pain under the right rib cage? An emergency medicine physician breaks down the most common causes, and what to do for each.
Dr. Zacchilli weighs in on Covid protocols in sports during the first wave of the pandemic.
Dr. Zacchilli offers tips on how to handle youth sports during Covid-19.

Screening smarter: How Northwell is improving prostate biopsy

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0400

While cancer deaths are in decline in the United States, there is one glaring exception: Prostate cancer. Over the last decade, the number of prostate cancer deaths has risen by 3%. Our guest today, Ardeshir Rastinehad, DO, has made it his mission to turn that number around. In addition to his leading role in developing a safer, more accurate approach to prostate biopsies, the former National Institutes of Health researcher is now part of the team at Northwell Health implementing a new fast-track system that has dramatically cut the time it takes to go from screening to diagnosis. Dr. Rastinehad is Northwell Health’s Director for Prostate Cancer and the Vice Chair at the Smith Institute for Urology at Lenox Hill Hospital.

Podcast transcript.

Food as opportunity: Breaking the cycle of poverty through urban farming

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 14:09:49 -0400

Within a three-block radius of P.S. 175 in Harlem, there are 55 fast-food restaurants, 29 pharmacies and not one affordable food option, something Tony Hillery noticed while volunteering at the school more than a decade ago. He also saw an opportunity to help, which is why he launched Harlem Grown. Starting with one abandoned lot across the street from the school, Tony and the kids have built it into a network of 13 urban farms that harvest 6 tons (that's 3,000 lbs) of fresh, organically grown produce per year. The best part, the kids of P.S. 175, along with eight other Harlem schools, are the ones growing it — with help from their families and other community members.

On this episode, Sandra Lindsay visits Tony Hillery at one of these farms to learn more about the growth of this transformational non-profit, which is helping to revitalize a community with a great need — one kid at a time.

Podcast transcript

This is Part 3 of a series on Food as Health. Parts 1 and 2 are in our feed.

Part 1: Food as health: Making hospital food heal
Part 2: Food insecurity: How Northwell is helping

Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.

Have an idea about how a vacant property could serve the community? Learn more about the process to acquire public property, such as empty lots in your neighborhood.

Food insecurity: How Northwell is helping

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 16:49:50 -0400

The lack of consistent access to quality food, or food insecurity, can have a devastating impact on people's health and well-being. In the wealthiest nation in the world, 34 million people, including 9 million children, are food insecure — a silent crisis that our guest, Debbie Salas-Lopez, MD, MPH, says is only getting worse. She explains how food insecurity impacts health at every age and what Northwell Health is doing to support these communities.

This is Part 2 of our three-part series on food as health. Listen to Part 1, highlighting how Northwell's hospital food transformation and how two experts, Seven Gierlinger and Chef Bruno Tison, led the way. Continue listening as we speak with Tony Hillery from Harlem Grown in Part 3: Food as opportunity.

Food is health: How these two experts made hospital food delicious and nutritious

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 10:46:18 -0400

Hospital food has a reputation for being bland and inedible — something that's no longer true at Northwell's 21 hospitals. Over the last seven years, our guests — Sven Gierlinger and Chef Bruno Tison — have transformed hospital meals by ditching frozen food and sugary drinks for fresh meats, fruits and vegetables. They've ensured that hospital kitchens prioritize fresh ingredients and cater to the patient population, and now chefs are able to deliver meals that look, smell and taste better — and the food is much healthier, as well. This is Part 1 of a three-part series all about Food as Health. Continue listening to this series:

On this episode, Gierlinger and Tison explain how:

They transformed hospital food from "inedible" to gourmet
A higher caliber of cuisine can help patients
They are helping other hospitals and health systems adopt this model

Meet the experts

Bruno Tison is the vice president of food services and corporate executive chef. Previously he spent 14 years as executive chef for the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Tison earned Michelin star recognition for three consecutive years as the executive chef at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa in California.

Sven Gierlinger is Northwell's Chief Experience Officer. He started his career in the luxury hotel business, holding a series of leadership positions with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

Heart disease and pregnancy: Prevention, treatments and a new approach

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 09:43:23 -0400

Pregnancy is like a stress test on the body. Most women adapt just fine, but for some, the strain can dramatically raise the risk of heart disease — even in young women. Worse, that risk can remain elevated for years and even decades. On this episode, host Sandra Lindsay, DHS-c, RN, speaks with Evelina Grayver, MD, about how to prevent heart-related problems before, during and after pregnancy. Because heart disease continues to be the No. 1 cause of maternal mortality in the US, Dr. Grayver helped launch a cutting-edge Cardio-Obstetrics Program at Northwell Health to help detect and prevent heart issues for expectant moms.

The specialty is relatively new, so education for patients and clinicians is critical, says Dr. Grayver, who serves as director of Northwell's Women’s Heart Program for the Central Region; and is a member of the Katz Institute for Women's Health.

In this episode, she discusses the need for:

Pre-conception counseling with a cardiologist and OB/GYN
Understanding your risks before, during and after pregnancy
Learning the difference between common signs and symptoms of pregnancy and adverse cardiac events like preeclampsia
Diet and exercise during pregnancy

Additional reading

Cardiac patient shares her renewed hope for a healthy pregnancy thanks to cardio-obstetrics program. Watch video.
Catherine Weinberg, MD, explains that the stress pregnancy places on the heart doesn’t stop at delivery in this Expert Insights column for the Katz Institute for Women's Health.
By addressing the influence of pregnancy, genetics or cancer on heart health, experts explain how hybrid approaches to care are making a difference.

Preparing high schoolers for medical careers: Northwell partners with FutureReadyNYC

Wed, 24 May 2023 08:02:55 -0400

Knowing what you want to be when you grow up can be tricky, but the New York City's Department of Education internship program, FutureReadyNYC, is designed to help. The program provides high school students with exposure to professional careers; Northwell is the program's first healthcare partner. Lenox Hill Hospital on Manhattan's Upper East Side, LIJ Forest Hills Hospital in Queens, and Lenox Health Greenwich Village in lower Manhattan gave students a sense of what a career in medicine could be like. On this episode, Sandra Lindsay, DHSc, MBA, MSN, RN, speaks with two of the 65 participating teens, Suravi and Ayannah, as well as Northwell's vice president for Workforce & Community Education, Brian Aquart, who helps oversee the program.

Understanding the options for hernia surgery

Wed, 10 May 2023 17:46:59 -0400

Of the 1 million people who need hernia surgery in the US each year, most get a procedure that inserts a mesh patch to cover the hernia. Mesh surgery has a high rate of success and satisfies most patients, but some people would rather skip the insert. There is an alternative called the Shouldice Approach: Instead of using mesh, this procedure stitches together the patient's own tissue to repair a hernia. Samer Sbayi, MD, is a leading expert in both surgical approaches and joins the podcast to explain what everyone should know about hernia repairs.

Dr. Sbayi recently joined Glen Cove Hospital and serves as associate chair of surgery. He is also a Professor of Surgery at Hofstra/Northwell.

Podcast transcript

Chapters:

00:01 - Intro
00:57 - What is a hernia?
01:56 - What does a hernia look like?
02:14 - What causes a hernia?
03:15 - When to worry about hernia pain
04:27 - Types of hernias
06:17 - When do you need hernia surgery?
07:29 - Hernia surgery: Mesh vs meshless
08:33 - Shouldice Approach: a no mesh hernia repair
10:01 - History of hernia surgery
11:32 - Training at the Shouldice Hospital
12:35 - Who should get a Shouldice hernia repair?
14:34 - A robotic approach
16:22 - Hernia surgery complications
18:50 - Training residents in meshless hernia repair

Pregnant while Black: A conversation with Dr. Monique Rainford

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0400

On this episode, Sandra Lindsay speaks with Monique Rainford, MD, about her new book, "Pregnant While Black: Advancing Justice for Maternal Health in America." The Yale Medicine OB-GYN discusses the role implicit bias and institutional racism play in the birthing experience for Black women in the United States. She offers strategies to reduce maternal mortality rates, which are three times higher for Black women than their white peers.

Podcast transcript

Better care for Black mothers and babies

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 09:01:44 -0400

For too long, Black women have faced high maternal mortality rates, largely due to institutional bias, says Dawnette Lewis, MD, director of Northwell Health's Center for Maternal Health. She joins host Sandra Lindsay, RN, DHSc on this episode during Black Maternal Health Week to discuss the barriers to care Black women face, and what her team is doing to improve access to life-saving services before, during, and after pregnancy. Dr. Lewis has practiced for more than 20 years in maternal-fetal medicine and now oversees all aspects of Northwell’s Maternal Health Program.

Read more about our efforts to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity through the Katz Institute for Women's Health.

Podcast transcript

Emergency NYC: A new Netflix series featuring Northwell

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 14:36:41 -0400

This new docu-series follows the lives of a diverse cast of healthcare pros, including paramedics, nurses, emergency physicians and surgeons. On this podcast, we speak with two of the people featured in Emergency NYC: David Langer, MD, and his patient Julian Primiano, a young opera singer who underwent brain surgery. Dr. Langer is the chair of neurosurgery at Lenox Hill Hospital, one of several Northwell hospitals where filming took place. Others include: Cohen Children's Medical Center, North Shore University Hospital, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Huntington Hospital and South Shore University Hospital. Cameras even followed one Sky Health flight nurse through her day-to-day working Northwell's state-of-the-art emergency helicopter service.

Both Julian and Dr. Langer share their struggles and triumphs and what it's like to watch their journey on Netflix.

Podcast transcript

More from the experts

Dr. Langer shares his experience suffering a spinal cord injury in this op-ed in MedPage Today.
Lenox Hill Hospital first in Manhattan to use brain mapping technology
Learn common causes of pain under the left rib cage.
Have pain under the right rib cage? An emergency medicine physician breaks down the most common causes, and what to do for each.

The healing power of ECT (Part 2)

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 09:43:50 -0400

In Part 2 of this deep dive into ECT, which stands for electroconvulsive therapy, Sohag Sanghani, MD, director of the ECT service at Zucker Hillside Hospital, talks about how the treatment was born, from its invention in 1938 by Italian scientists Ugo Cerletti and Lucio Bini, to the advent of modified ECT, to it’s impact today. He shares the importance of shedding stigma around ECT, which continues to create barriers to a highly effective therapy for those living with severe depression, psychosis and other behavioral health conditions.

Listeners can find Part 1 of this conversation with Dr. Sanghani in our feed, or read the podcast transcript here.

Chapters:

00:01 - Intro
01:10 - Unmodified ECT vs modified ECT
02:59 - A complicated history
04:06 - Dispelling myths, removing stigma
06:12 - Who should not get ECT?
06:49 - ECT in pregnancy
07:15 - History of ECT
09:20 - Before ECT, camphor used to treat depression
12:38 - ECT training course

The healing power of ECT

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 09:43:27 -0500

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) carries stigma thanks to negative portrayals in movies like "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Such portrayals hide ECT's true value — and the truth about the treatment: ECT has a decades-long track record of safety, and it offers a fast-acting solution for difficult-to-treat severe depression. ECT is also effective for patients with suicidal ideation or depression with psychosis or catatonia, says Sohag Sanghani, MD. He joins Sandra Lindsay, RN, and Rob Hoell to dispel myths and misunderstandings around ECT. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, the director of the ECT service at Zucker Hillside Hospital — which was among the first few in the US to ever use ECT in 1941 — explains how ECT works, who benefits from the treatment and how it changes lives.

Podcast transcript

Chapters:

00:01 - Intro
01:33 - ECT patient perspective
03:36 - What is ECT?
04:49 - What happens during ECT?
06:10 - Evolution of ECT
07:11 - Who gets ECT?
08:26 - Is ECT more effective than medications?
10:20 - Continuation ECT
11:38 - ECT's impact on patients
12:34 - What makes ECT so effective?
14:48 - ECT side effects
17:56 - Life after ECT treatment

Why Black women are at higher risk of heart disease — and what we can do about it

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 10:39:31 -0500

Stacey Rosen, MD, joins Sandra Lindsay on this 20-Minute Health Talk to discuss why heart disease disproportionately impacts Black women, what factors contribute to their risk and what health systems like Northwell are doing to change the statistics.

Meet the expert

Stacey Rosen is the senior vice president of Katz Institute for Women's Health at Northwell Health; partners council professor of women's health at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell; and a spokeswoman for the American Heart Association.

Sandra Lindsay, DHSc, MBA, MSN, RN, is Northwell’s ambassador to raise health locally, nationally and globally. She leads the health system in expanding knowledge of issues that affect community health, public policy and other aspects of health care. She spent spent 29 years in nursing, most recently serving as director of critical care nursing at a Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park. On December 14, 2020, Sandra volunteered to become the first American vaccinated with the Pfizer and BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine.

Podcast transcript

Chapters

00:01 - Intro
00:39 - Why sex, gender and background matters
02:49 - Risk factors in Black women
05:06 - What can you do?
06:26 - Making research more accessible
07:47 - The social determinants of health
09:30 - Prioritizing yourself
11:52 - Recognizing symptoms
14:10 - Where should women get their health information?
16:09 - What are health system's doing?
17:57 - Finding your healthcare partner
20:33 - A roadmap for heart-healthy living

What everyone needs to know about obesity

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 09:41:35 -0500

There are many misconceptions around weight — starting with the fact that people burn fat differently depending on their size, says Mitchell Roslin, MD, director of bariatric surgery at Lenox Hill and Northern Westchester hospitals. On this episode, he breaks down the factors that contribute to obesity, from genetics and lifestyle to the way our bodies convert food into energy. Obesity itself has an impact on one's ability to lose weight due to something he calls the "metabolic switch." Dr. Roslin explains how weight gain is linked to other illnesses like cancer and when people should consider talking to their doctor about medical weight loss strategies, such as medications and weight loss surgery.

Dr. Roslin is a pioneer in the field of bariatric surgery, helping to develop advanced treatments like the single-anastomosis duodenal-switch, also known as SADI.

Podcast transcript

More from the experts Dr. Roslin shares 3 surprising benefits of bariatric surgery. Dr. Roslin talks about his passion for bariatric surgery. Ozempic for weight loss: Does it work? Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube. Northwell Health is New York state’s largest healthcare provider, with 23 hospitals, 650 outpatient facilities and nearly 15,000 affiliated physicians. We’re here to set the standard of care for our communities—and make the 2 million-plus patients we treat every year not only healthier, but happier. Visit https://www.northwell.edu/ Subscribe to Northwell Health’s YouTube http://bit.ly/2wPz7on and follow us on social media: Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/northwellhealth Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/northwellhealth Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin/northwellhealth

Can famotidine — a heartburn drug — treat Covid?

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0500

People with Covid-19 often get sick because the body’s inflammatory response to the virus overreacts. To tamp down that inflammation, researchers at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, turned their sights toward famotidine, the active ingredient in a common over-the-counter heartburn medication with anti-inflammatory potential. On this bonus episode, we speak with the lead researcher of a unique clinical trial testing famotidine for Covid. Tobias Janowitz, MD, PhD, AN Assistant Professor, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and adjunct professor at the Feinstein Institutes, shares the results of the study, as well as how the pandemic impacted their approach and led to an early success story for decentralized trials, repurposing medications and the importance of collaborating with other institutions.

Chapters:

00:08 - Intro
01:39 - Safety, efficacy of famotidine for Covid
02:55 - What is famotidine?
04:45 - A fully remote trial
05:58 - Virtual trial strengths, weaknesses
07:00 - Famotidine dosage for heartburn, Covid treatment
08:12 - Studying famotidine for Covid
09:10 - Decentralized clinical trials
10:56 - New paradigms, new problems
12:02 - A national focus on decentralized trials
13:16 - Collaboration supports clinical excellence

This bonus episode expands on Ep. 102 featuring Onisis Stefas, PharmD, executive director of VIVO Health. Listen to that episode, available in our feed, to learn about the Covid treatments available today.

Covid treatments: Over-the-counter, prescription and in-hospital

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 17:46:26 -0500

While Covid-19 vaccines remain the best protection against the novel virus, if you do catch Covid there are also several treatments to help manage symptoms, like Covid cough, and prevent hospitalization. Onisis Stefas, PharmD, executive director of VIVO Health, breaks down what treatments are available over the counter, by prescription (paxlovid and molnupiravir) and if you do end up in the hospital (remdesivir). He explains the difference between the types of medications (anti-viral vs monoclonal antibodies) and which remain effective today against the new Covid variants.

Podcast transcript

Chapters:

00:07 - Intro
02:08 - A personal experience with paxlovid
05:26 - Covid treatments for mild-to-moderate Covid-19
08:13 - Categories of Covid treatments
10:05 - Paxlovid effectiveness
10:24 - Molnupiravir vs paxlovid
11:22 - When should you take paxlovid
12:05 - Remdesivir infusion
12:57 - Covid anti-viral medication vs monoclonal antibodies
14:11 - Paxlovid, molnupiravir, remdesivir work against new Covid variants
14:47 - Why paxlovid usage is low
16:39 - Outro

Listen to more from Dr. Stefas on 20-Minute Health Talk:

When hospitals close: How to address "care deserts" - March 15, 2022
Breaking down the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine - March 5, 2021
What's in the Covid-19 vaccine? - Jan. 13, 2021

Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.

For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu. And follow us on social media:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/northwellhealth
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/northwellhealth
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/northwellhealth/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth

BONUS: Top 5 moments of 2022

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 15:37:52 -0500

On this episode, we look back on Northwell Health’s most newsworthy moments from 2022. Our experts made headlines with life-saving treatments and innovative approaches that improved care for patients from New York to Ukraine. Here are Northwell's Top 5 moments of 2022:

00:36 - Extending benefits of telemedicine to War in Ukraine
02:22 - Heart, double lung transplant saves young mother's life
03:35 - Sandra Lindsay awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
04:40 - Ross Prize awarded to mRNA inventors
05:36 - A celebration of service

Listen to our episode reviewing the Top 5 medical innovations of 2022.

Top 5 medical innovations of 2022

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0500

As 2022 comes to a close, we look back on five exciting medical advances coming from clinical researchers at Northwell Health and the health system's Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. In the last year alone, investigators published more than 2,500 papers in peer-reviewed journals. In this episode, we spotlight studies that made strides against endometriosis, diabetes, lupus, pancreatic cancer and (yes) Covid-19.

Read more about these Five notable Northwell advances of 2022.

Chapters:

02:05 – Treating pancreatic cancer in a petri dish | Matthew Weiss, MD
05:51 – A powerful lupus treatment in the pipeline | Richard Furie, MD
10:25 – Famotidine for Covid | Tobias Janowitz, MD, PhD
14:45 – A noninvasive test for endometriosis | Christine Metz, PhD
19:12 – Treating diabetes with ultrasound | Sangeeta Chavan, PhD

Meet our guests:

Matthew Weiss, MD, professor in the Institute of Cancer Research at the Feinstein Institutes and the deputy physician-in-chief and surgical director in the Cancer Institute at Northwell Health

Richard Furie, MD, chief of the Division of Rheumatology at Northwell and global principal investigator on the LILAC (Part A) clinical trial

Tobias Janowitz, MD, PhD, assistant professor, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; adjunct professor at the Feinstein Institutes; and principal investigator of the trial studying famotidine for Covid

Christine Metz, PhD, professor in the Institute of Molecular Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes and co-director of Research OutSmarts Endometriosis (ROSE) study

Sangeeta Chavan, PhD, professor at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research

BONUS: Can pediatricians treat psychological disorders?

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 11:13:11 -0500

It's a staggering stat: More than 15 million children and adolescents are in need of a pediatric psychiatrist. But finding treatment is anything but easy with just around 8,300 trained pediatric mental health professionals in the U.S. The consequence: Long wait times, worsening symptoms and even higher costs when they do get help. To increase the pool of providers that can offer effective treatments to this population, Project TEACH is training pediatricians, as well as family doctors and Ob/Gyns, to be able to handle mild-to-moderate behavioral health conditions. On this bonus episode, host Sandra Linday, RN, speaks with two pediatricians using the New York State program, a collaboration between the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and seven top universities and hospitals across the state, led by University at Buffalo (UB). They share their experiences treating youth with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and ADHD before Project TEACH began in 2010, and how the free training, consultation and referral service has transformed their practice.

This bonus conversation builds on an earlier podcast featuring two of the founders of Project TEACH, David Kaye, MD and Victor Fornari, MD, as well as the new NYS lead for its reproductive psychiatry branch, Kristina Deligiannidis, MD.

Our guests this week are:

David Fagan, MD FAAP, vice chair of Pediatric Ambulatory Services at Cohen Children's Medical Center, a part of Northwell Health
Maureen Montgomery, MD, FAAP, assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at SUNY Buffalo

Podcast transcript

Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.

Tripledemic: Should you be concerned?

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 15:54:39 -0500

Heading into the holidays, surging cases of Covid-19, the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pose a unique threat, which many are calling a "tripledemic" or "tridemic." While RSV cases have plateaued, Covid-19 and the flu are on the rise. Hospitalizations for the flu are the highest seen at this time of year in a decade. While unprecedented, experts in infectious disease and emergency medicine say the convergence of these illnesses is not a reason to live in fear. On this episode, Bruce Farber, MD, and Eric Cruzen, MD, explain what people can do to avoid serious illness this winter, particularly as families gather for holiday celebrations. They discuss:

Masking recommendations
Overlapping symptoms between Covid-19, flu and RSV
How hospitals handle surges
The importance of getting vaccinated against Covid-19 and the flu

Podcast transcript Meet the experts

Bruce Farber, MD, chief of Public Health and Epidemiology at Northwell Health
Eric Cruzen, MD, senior vice president and executive director of the Emergency Medicine service line, Northwell Health

Doctor/therapist: How a NYS program is expanding access to behavioral health care

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0500

While we associate mental health care with psychologists and psychiatrists, primary care doctors are often the first to see children and families with behavioral health issues. To strengthen and support doctors' ability to deliver that care, a state-wide program called Project TEACH provides free psychiatric consultation support and training. Since its inception in 2010, Project TEACH has enrolled nearly half of the 9,000 primary care physicians in New York State, leading to over 23,000 consultations of pediatric patients. This is a critical resource amidst an ongoing maternal and child mental health crisis in the US. On this episode, two of the founders of this unique program discuss this collaboration between the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and seven top universities and hospitals across the state, led by University at Buffalo (UB). Our third guest explains how a recent 5-year, $16.8 Million grant from New York State has enabled the expansion of Project TEACH into behavioral health services that support OB/GYNs, family physicians and other clinicians who work with women who are pregnant or have recently given birth.

Podcast transcript

Meet our guests

David Kaye, MD, professor of psychiatry and vice chair of academic affairs at the University of Buffalo, and executive director, Project TEACH.
Victor Fornari, MD, vice chair and director of the division of child and adolescent psychiatry at Northwell and site medical director, Project TEACH.
Kristina Deligiannidis, MD, is director of women’s behavioral health at Zucker Hillside Hospital, a part of Northwell Health, and the new medical director of reproductive psychiatry for Project TEACH.

Chapters:

03:05 - A maternal mental health crisis
04:28 - An unmet need in child/adolescent mental health
05:40 - What is Project TEACH?
07:04 - Examples of how Project TEACH is used by primary care doctors
08:14 - A typical consult
09:46 - Are there similar programs in other states?
10:13 - What are the differences between the program's child/adolescent and Ob/Gyn sides?
12:28 - How the primary care setting helps remove the stigma associated with mental health
14:09 - Getting buy-in from Ob/Gyns
17:00 - Changing the face of medical education

How hyperbaric oxygen therapy heals the body - Part 2

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0500

More than just a treatment for scuba and deep sea divers experiencing decompression sickness, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has evolved during the last 70 years and become an option for more than a dozen other conditions. In part two of this episode, Owen J. O’Neill, MD, MPH, and John Peters, two experts in undersea and hyperbaric medicine, discuss the research driving this field forward, including a clinical trial conducted during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic that offered patients an alternative to ventilation. The study was led by Dr. O’Neill, medical director Division of Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine at Phelps Hospital. He joins the podcast, along with Mr. Peters, executive director of the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society. Listen to Part 1

Chapters:

00:56 - Hyperbaric oxygen therapy research
01:55 - Treating Covid-19 with hyperbaric oxygen hood
04:50 - Recognizing excellence in hyperbaric medicine
06:10 - Hyperbaric medicine training
07:41 - What to look for when seeking hyperbaric medicine
08:46 - Standardizing care
10:50 - The future of hyperbaric medicine

Find hyperbaric medicine near you: Northwell hyperbaric facilities include:

Mather Hospital Northwell Health Wound Treatment Center

75 N Country Rd

Port Jefferson, NY 11777

Department of Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine | Phelps Hospital Northwell Health

701 North Broadway

Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591

Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine | Long Island Jewish Valley Stream

900 Franklin Avenue

Valley Stream, NY 11580

Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine | Northern Westchester Hospital at Chappaqua Crossing

480 Bedford Rd

Chappaqua, NY 10514

Comprehensive Wound Care Center

1999 Marcus Avenue, Suite M6

Lake Success, NY 11042

Hyperbaric medicine and wound care | Plainview

888 Old Country Road

Plainview, NY 11803

Huntington Hospital Wound Care Center

270 Park Ave. Huntington, NY 11743 Contact us: (631) 385-5915

How hyperbaric oxygen therapy heals the body - Part 1

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Oxygen is crucial to healing — but it has to be able to reach the damaged tissue to help the body recover and fight off infection. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can facilitate that process by dramatically boosting the amount of oxygen your blood cells deliver to an injury. You may have heard about the therapy’s use in treating scuba diving incidents or carbon monoxide poisoning, but it can also speed healing from crush injuries, chronic wounds related to diabetes, radiation damage from cancer treatment and a host of other conditions. In part 1 of this two-part episode, two world-renowned experts in the field explain the history of this powerful treatment, how it works and what to expect during a session in the "727 airplane-sized" hyperbaric oxygen chamber at Phelps Hospital, who qualifies and the research driving it forward.

Podcast transcript

Meet the guests

Owen J. O’Neill, MD, MPH, medical director Division of Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine at Phelps Hospital
John Peters, Executive Director of the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society

* Part 2 of this episode will be available Wednesday, November 30.

RSV: What parents need to know about the surge of this airway infection

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 14:42:40 -0500

Typically, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) sends thousands of children to the hospital over fall and winter, peaking in January and February. But for the second year in a row cases have spiked early and continue to grow. This has led to unprecedented cases of the common respiratory virus across the U.S. On this episode, Cohen Children's Medical Center leaders Joshua Rocker, MD, and Margaret Duffy, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, discuss what they are seeing on the front lines in New York, the impact flu will have leading into the winter months, and how hospitals are responding to the need. They explain what parents need to know about RSV, and what steps they can take to reduce transmission within the home, particularly for those with children under the age of 1, who are at the greatest risk.

Meet our guests

Dr. Joshua Rocker is the chief of the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Division at Cohen Children's Medical Center
Margaret Duffy is associate executive director for Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer at Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

Podcast transcript

Find a pediatrician

Chapters:

00:01 - Intro
01:31 - Why are we seeing an RSV surge now?
03:27 - What is RSV?
05:04 - RSV symptoms
05:56 - How is RSV transmitted?
09:58 - Diagnosing RSV
11:52 - A view from the frontlines
13:23 - The RSV surge in context
16:15 - Flu, Covid-19 and RSV
16:51 - Can you prevent RSV?
17:53 - Coping with RSV

20MHT BONUS w/ Sandra Lindsay: Understanding cultural barriers to hospice

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0500

On this bonus episode Sandra Lindsay, DHSc, MA, MBA, RN, speaks with Tara Liberman, DO, executive director for Northwell Health’s Hospice Care Network, about the role that culture plays in end-of-life care. They discuss racial disparities in the use of hospice, how cultural beliefs can actually influence people’s perception of pain, and what providers need to know to deliver care in a culturally sensitive manner.

This bonus edition of 20-Minute Health Talk continues the conversation from the previous episode, which featured Dr. Liberman and Mia Clar, MD, another palliative care expert. They dispelled 6 common myths about hospice. Listen to that episode here.

Podcast transcript.

Chapters:

00:01 - Intro
01:30 - Racial disparities in hospice utilization
02:44 - Factors driving hesitancy
03:39 - Varying perceptions of pain
05:12 - Pain management at the end of life
05:58 - Addressing misconceptions
07:39 - Elevating life
08:49 - Breaking down barriers
11:04 - Signs a loved one may benefit from hospice
11:34 - Criteria for hospice
12:29 - Preparing for a delicate conversation
12:35 - Dealing with guilt

More from the experts

Dr. Liberman explains the difference between palliative care vs hospice.
Dr. Mia Clar explains 5 things experts need to know about hospice.

Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.

6 myths about hospice care: Educating patients, families and clinicians

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0400

From pain and symptom management to emotional and spiritual support, hospice care can improve and even extend life for some patients with advanced illness, as well as offer respite for their families. Yet, this vital resource is severely underutilized, particularly in New York, which ranks 50th among all states in the utilization of hospice. On this episode, two palliative care experts discuss barriers to care and debunk the most common myths about hospice.

Guests:

Tara Liberman, DO, is executive director for Northwell Health’s Hospice Care Network, which takes care of patients from Putnam, Westchester, Staten Island, Queens, Nassau County and Suffolk County.

Mia Clar, MD, is an outpatient geriatrician & assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

Chapters

00:01 - Intro
01:32 - What is hospice?
02:19 - Biggest misconceptions
03:53 - Can patients get off of hospice if they improve?
04:37 - Can you keep your doctor?
06:06 - Training clinicians
07:40 - A sense of dignity
08:57 - Why is hospice so underutilized?
09:41 - Having that conversation
10:27 - How does hospice referral work?
11:04 - Who is getting hospice?
11:53 - Is hospice covered by insurance?
14:05 - Cultural concerns with hospice
17:16 - If only I had known earlier

How to know if you’re at high risk for breast cancer

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

While most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years of age or over, about 1 in 10 diagnosed with breast cancer are under 45, and often their cancer is in a later stage when it’s discovered. On this episode, Nina Vincoff, MD, clears up the confusion around mammogram guidelines. She says every woman should go through a risk assessment at a younger age to determine their risk — something most do not discover until their first mammogram. For those at high risk, this can have deadly consequences. The chief of breast imaging at Northwell Health explains what average risk means, how it is calculated, who is at the highest risk and steps women can take before going to their doctor's office. Chapters

00:50 - Mammogram guidelines
01:41 - What is average risk for breast cancer?
02:26 - Why women should start screening for breast cancer in their 20s
03:06 - What is a risk assessment?
05:46 - Types of risk calculators
07:05 - Breast cancer risk categories
08:00 – Who is at highest risk?
12:18 - What if mammogram isn't enough?
13:14 - Are there risks of mammography?
14:57 - Does insurance cover mammograms?
17:06 - What happens if I am high-risk?
19:00 - Reasons for positivity
20:15 - Be your own best advocate

20MHT BONUS w/ Sandra Lindsay: What women need to know about heart disease

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Despite the best efforts of heart health experts, only 56% of women recognize that heart disease is their No. 1 killer; among African American women that number drops to just 25%. Jean Cacciabaudo, MD, medical director at Huntington Hospital, renowned cardiologist and member of Northwell Health's Katz Institute for Women's Health, sits down with Sandra Lindsay, RN to discuss the differences between men and women when it comes to heart disease, what health systems are doing to address disparities in care, and what women seeking a cardiologist or cardiac surgeon should know.

This bonus edition of 20-Minute Health Talk continues the conversation from the previous episode, which featured a panel of cardiovascular experts offering tips for patients looking for a cardiologist or cardiac surgeon. You can listen to that conversation here.

Learn more about cardiology, cardiac surgery and women's heart health services at Northwell Health.

How to pick a cardiologist or cardiac surgeon

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 17:10:19 -0400

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?

On this episode, three experts representing different subspecialties within cardiovascular health offer advice to patients facing the question: How do I pick a cardiologist or cardiac surgeon?

Jeffrey Kuvin, MD, is senior vice president of Cardiology for Northwell’s Eastern & Central Regions and chair of the Department of Cardiology at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. He is also Co-Director of the Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital at North Shore University Hospital.
Alan Hartman, MD, is senior vice president and executive director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Northwell Health; as well as co-director of the Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital at North Shore University Hospital.
Varinder Singh, MD, is senior vice president of Cardiology for Northwell’s Western Region; 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

Learn more about patient satisfaction scores, like Press Ganey.

Providing police officers improved access to behavioral health care

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400

"Police officers see everyone on their worst day," says Katelyn Jetelina, PhD, a guest on this week's 20-Minute Health Talk. This constant exposure to high-stress situations takes a considerable toll on an officer's emotional well-being, yet few seek help despite suffering higher rates of depression, substance use, burnout, PTSD and anxiety than the general public. Tragically, more police officers die by suicide than in the line of duty. On this episode, we speak with health care experts working to remove barriers to behavioral health services for police. Nick Stefanizzi is CEO of Northwell Direct, which recently announced a new collaboration with the New York Police Department called Finest Care, which will bring free, confidential counseling and other behavioral health services to the largest police department in the U.S. Dr. Jetelina is a data scientist, violence epidemiologist, and educator studying vulnerable populations exposed to violence. She's also the Director of Population Health Analytics at the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, based in Texas and has published extensively over the last decade on this issue.

Honoring mRNA pioneers Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 18:01:24 -0400

While the Covid vaccines were developed and deployed in less than a year, the messenger RNA (mRNA) technology that powered them took more than five decades to develop. On this episode, we speak with two researchers who played a key role in advancing the science: Katalin Kariko, PhD, adjunct professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Pennsylvania and a senior vice president at BioNTech; and Drew Weissman, MD, PhD, the Roberts Family Professor of Vaccine Research in Penn's Perelman School of Medicine. Despite setbacks and even ridicule from peers, they worked tirelessly to find a way to harness the potential they saw in mRNA. In 2001, they discovered a way to turn fragile mRNA strands into viable vaccines and medicines by packaging them into lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). For their contributions to medical research, they were recently awarded the 2022 Ross Prize in Molecular Medicine, an annual award meant to cultivate promising careers in the fields of science and research.

In this episode, the history-making duo discusses what motivated them to endure their decades-long scientific struggles, their plans to continue their mRNA research and what it means to be awarded the Ross Prize. Also on the show, we speak with Kevin Tracey, MD, president of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, about the importance of supporting young scientists, early-stage research, the culture of science and how listeners can nominate a candidate for the 2023 Ross Prize.

Dr. Tracey is widely known as the "father of bioelectronic medicine," an emerging field of medicine that is making strides in the use of devices, rather than medications, to treat chronic diseases. Among the most promising is a treatment called vagus nerve stimulation.

Burn pits: Understanding the problem, identifying solutions

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 16:55:13 -0400

For the 5 million veterans who served overseas in the last couple of decades, burn pit exposure continues to pose a threat to their well-being. Toxic fumes have triggered breathing troubles and other serious health conditions in more than 12,500 veterans between 2007 and 2020. Our guest, Anthony Szema, MD, has worked not only to diagnose and treat these burn pit-related issues, but better understand them through research and advocacy. He recently joined several patients and fellow advocates at the White House to witness the signing of the PACT Act — new legislation that will help veterans suffering from burn pit exposure get treatment.

On this episode, Dr. Szema, who is director of Northwell Health’s International Center of Excellence in Deployment Health and Medical Geosciences, shares his extensive knowledge of burn pits, the impact they've had on his patients, and his experience at the White House. He also shares the recommendations he made to the Senate Armed Services Committee to prevent future exposures.

Why — and how — surgeons are ditching opioids in the OR

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 12:36:08 -0400

Recovering from surgery can be difficult — and opioids actually make it tougher. In addition to side effects such as nausea, lethargy and potential breathing problems, this potent painkiller also carries the risk of addiction for about 3 to 4 percent of surgical patients. That number climbs to about 8 percent for bariatric surgery patients because they may also be battling joint pain stemming from their weight issues.

On this episode of the podcast, two bariatric surgeons share how they are limiting, and in some cases even eliminating all together, the use of opioids during a patient's stay in the hospital and after discharge through their "enhanced recovery" initiative. They are:

Dominick Gadaleta, MD, chair of surgery, South Shore University Hospital
David Pechman, MD, bariatric surgeon, South Shore University Hospital

And they’re joined by an expert in substance use disorder:

Sandeep Kapoor, MD, assistant vice president of Emergency Medicine Addiction Services.

Read more about how the use of nerve blocks is reducing the need for opioids at Northwell hospitals.

Regenerative medicine: Helping the body heal itself

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 17:47:05 -0400

It sounds like science fiction, but researchers today are unlocking the body's natural healing ability as part of an emerging field of science called regenerative medicine. Although the field is relatively young, some regenerative treatments are already approved to help repair joints and relieve pain, allowing some patients to avoid surgery altogether. Two leaders in the field detail their research into current and future clinical applications within orthopedics.

Kenneth Zaslav, MD, is director of The Center for Regenerative Orthopedic Medicine at Northwell/ and part of the Lenox Hill Orthopedic Institute
Seth Sherman, MD, is a sports medicine and orthopaedic surgeon at Stanford Health Care.

Learn more about Northwell Health's Center for Regenerative Medicine.

How philanthropy is improving health equity

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 15:00:14 -0400

Medical research often depends upon the generosity of donors: In this episode we talk to philanthropy experts about the role of donations in driving medical breakthroughs and achieving health equity across all zip codes. The panel includes:

Brian Lally, senior vice president and chief development officer for Northwell Health and head of Northwell's Foundation.

Mark Butler, PhD, assistant professor in the Institute of Health System Science, part of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. He is leading a study using smart prescription pill bottles to help address medication adherence and reduce cardiovascular disease in the Black community.

Emmet Conlon, senior vice president and group head of U.S. Healthcare and Higher Education at TD Bank, which funded Dr. Butler’s clinical trial.

Support our nonprofit mission and save lives. Your generous gift will allow our clinical teams to remain at the forefront of care for people in our communities.

Injectable PrEP: Adding choice to HIV prevention

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 07:05:14 -0400

An estimated 38,000 Americans are diagnosed with HIV annually. An important tool in the effort to end the ongoing epidemic is an injectable form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the first option to prevent HIV that does not involve taking a daily pill. The injectable form of the drug received FDA approval in late 2021 and has begun to hit the market. This is Part 2 of our conversation (Recorded May 16, 2022) with a panel of experts specializing in the HIV treatment and prevention. They discuss the benefits and what people at risk for HIV should know, challenges of implementation among providers and more.

The panel includes:

David Rosenthal, DO, PhD, medical director for the Center for Young Adult, Adolescent and Pediatric HIV.

Demetre Daskalakis, MD, director of the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention (DHAP) for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Charles Gonzalez, MD, medical director for the New York State Department of Health's AIDS Institute

More from the experts

Dr. Rosenthal talks strengthening HIV prevention with PrEP and expanding the four key strategies to end AIDS by 2030.

Treating trans youth: Separating fact from fiction

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 13:42:33 -0400

In recent months, more states have debated and even passed legislation that limits how health care is delivered to transgender individuals. In the last year alone, more than 20 such bills have been enacted nationwide. In Part 1 of this two-part episode (recorded May 16, 2022), we take a closer look at the impact these laws are having on transgender care with a panel of experts at the local, state and federal level. In part 2 (posting June 28) our experts discuss PrEP injectables, the newest treatment and prevention modality for HIV.

Joining us for this panel discussion are:

David Rosenthal, DO, PhD, medical director for Northwell’s Center for Transgender Care; as well as medical director for the Center for Young Adult, Adolescent and Pediatric HIV.
Demetre Daskalakis, MD, director of the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention (DHAP) for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Charles Gonzalez, MD, medical director for the New York State Department of Health's AIDS Institute

More from the experts

Dr. Rosenthal shares his perspective as a physician treating transgender individuals on care being politicized and how health care can help.

Nerve blocks: Fighting opioid addiction with safer pain management

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 11:01:28 -0400

The overuse of opioids in health care over the last two decades has had devastating effects. The development of the ultrasound-guided nerve block has revolutionized the field of anesthesia and is part of an important and necessary shift in the conversation about how we manage pain. Not only championing its use in the surgical setting, Joseph Marino, MD, Northwell’s senior vice president for anesthesia, is now expanding its use to emergency departments in Staten Island, Westchester and Long Island. The team responsible for implementing this approach at Staten Island University Hospital share their experiences using the femoral nerve block for certain painful ailments, like hip fractures. They include:

Joshua Greenstein, MD, Assistant Medical Director, Department of Emergency Medicine
Maria Tama, MD, co-director, division of emergency ultrasound in the hospital’s Department of Emergency Medicine
Simone Rudnin, DO, co-director, division of emergency ultrasound, Department of Emergency Medicine and director, emergency medicine clerkship

Telemedicine in Ukraine: A system to support frontline healthcare workers

Wed, 25 May 2022 09:37:28 -0400

On this episode of the podcast, we speak with two Northwell leaders who have led the effort to create and deploy a 24/7 consultation and support service to Ukraine. This real-time, doctor-to-doctor platform is now offering health care workers a vital resource, particularly for those displaced by the ongoing hostilities in the country. Eric Cioe-Pena, MD, director of Northwell's Center for Global Health, and Jonathan Berkowitz, MD, medical director for the Center for Emergency Medicine, discuss:

Northwell's Ukraine Relief Fund
The benefits of telemedicine in a conflict
Adapting existing infrastructure for Ukraine
Reactions from doctors in Ukraine and Northwell
How technology is driving Global Health forward

Support the Center for Global Health's Ukraine Relief Fund

More from the experts

Read more about standing up a telemedicine system in Ukraine from Dr. Cioe-Pena and Dr. Berkowitz.

Listen to Dr. Berkowitz talk more about the overnight telemedicine platform, ER on Demand, which he helped to launch in summer 2021.

Watch episodes of this health podcast on YouTube.

CCTA: Diagnosing chest pain just got a lot easier

Tue, 10 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

For the millions of US patients who go to an ER or medical office with chest pain every year, doctors have several options for screening. New national guidelines recommend a quick and non-invasive heart scan known as CCTA for stable chest pain. Our guests today are leading experts in the field of advanced cardiac imaging and discuss the history and many applications of this technology, which produces a 3D image of the heart and can be used to rule out several potentially deadly conditions. The updated guidelines come from the American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA), and other groups.

Podcast transcript.

Meet the experts

Amar Shah, MD, is Northwell's chief of cardiac imaging

Michael Poon, MD is director of advanced cardiac imaging, for Northwell's Western Region.

More Insights

Preventive care: Life-saving tests you should schedule now.
Have pain under the right rib cage? An emergency medicine physician breaks down the most common causes, and what to do for each.
Common causes of pain under the left rib cage.
Prostate screening: A safer, faster, more accurate pathway

Jaw-in-a-Day

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 12:51:17 -0400

Jaw-in-a-Day accomplishes in one surgery and one day what used to take three surgeries or more. Prior to this revolutionary procedure, the process to get dental implants could take months, or even years, forcing patients to live without teeth. Using virtual surgical planning, a team of doctors can not only pre-fabricate teeth to implant on the day of surgery, they can improve the accuracy and efficiency of this difficult process. On this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk, we speak with the pioneers of Jaw-in-a-Day:

David Hirsch, MD, DDS, FACS, senior vice president of the dental medicine service line for Northwell Health, and chair of the newly established Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital.
Lawrence Brecht, DDS, a specialist in maxillofacial prosthetics

They discuss how this new approach to jaw surgery came to be, evolving the technology behind it over that last 10 years, and expanding access.

Outsmarting endometriosis: How breakthrough research is leading the way

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Diagnosing a disease usually requires a test or blood sample. But for women with endometriosis, diagnosis requires an invasive surgery. For April Summerford, a 36-year-old from Fresno California, that surgery actually worsened her disease. Wanting to do her part, she joined the ROSE study, which stands for Research OutSmarts Endometriosis. Led by Christine Metz, PhD, and Peter Gregersen, MD, the ROSE research team has spent the last seven years trying to find better treatments and less invasive ways to detect endometriosis. Dr. Metz and Dr. Gregersen join April to discuss her decade-long battle, the ROSE study's innovative approaches to studying endometriosis, the medical gaslighting patients often face, and the problem of gender bias in research funding. Podcast transcript Watch episodes of this health podcast on YouTube. Meet our guests

Dr. Christine Metz is co-director of the study and a professor in the Institute of Molecular Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research.
Dr. Peter Gregersen is also co-director of the ROSE study, and director of the Feinstein’s Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics.
April Summerford, is an endometriosis patient and ROSE study participant, who also runs the popular support group, Beyond Endo; AND hosts the FemFuture podcast, which covers women’s health.

What does a lung transplant sound like?

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

There are only 73 lung transplant centers in the United States and, until recently, none on Long Island. As a result, many have fought an uphill battle waiting for transplant, including Lindsay Salguero-Lopez, 40. In late January, end-stage heart and lung failure left her near death, with transplant as the only treatment that could save her life. Fortunately, Northwell had just launched its program days prior. Even more fortunate, donor organs became available just three days later and in the early morning hours of February 5, Lindsay became the first person to receive a lung transplant on Long Island.

On this special episode of 20-Minute Health Talk, listen to the delicate and life-giving sounds of Lindsay's landmark surgery, and hear from the medical team who saved her life. They include:

Aldo Iacono, MD, medical director of advanced lung failure and lung transplantation
Zachary Kon, MD, Northwell’s surgical director of advanced heart failure and cardiac transplantation, as well as advanced lung failure and lung transplantation
and Paul Trevlos, AVP of cardiothoracic surgery and the administrative lead for Northwell's lung transplant program.

Chapters:

00:44 - Lindsay in crisis
01:06 - Waiting for transplant
02:07 - Preparing for surgery
03:26 - Moving to the OR
03:39 - Donor organs arrive
05:24 - Implantation time
06:05 - A shock to the heart
06:43 - Long Island's first lung transplant
07:34 - An urgent need for lung transplant
08:38 - Panel discussion intro
09:21 - Returning to life after transplant
10:08 - Post-operative care
11:31 - Building a world-class program
12:55 - History of lung transplant (and heart-lung)
14:26 - Recovery from lung transplant
16:39 - Ways lung transplant programs start
17:25 - Rounding out transplant services
19:35 - Innovation in lung transplant
21:12 - Novel immunosuppression

When hospitals close: How to address ’care deserts’

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 10:07:25 -0400

Millions of Americans live 30 miles or more from the nearest hospital. Not just an inconvenience, this access issue known as “care deserts” affects a shocking 80 percent of counties in the United States and can exist in both rural and urban areas. A scarcity of medical resources, however, does not have to doom the health of entire communities, says Onisis Stefas, PharmD, Northwell’s chief pharmacy officer and CEO at Vivo Health Pharmacy. He joins Alex Hellinger, DPT, MBA, FACHE, Northwell's senior vice president and regional executive director for the Brooklyn region, who shares his experiences working to fill the care desert in lower Manhattan's west side following the closing of St. Vincent's in 2010. Then the executive director of Lenox Health Greenwich Village, he and Dr. Stefas talk types of care deserts, re-imagining what care looks like, the role pharmacists can play, and what to do if you live in a care desert.

Chapters:

00:54 - Care deserts: types and causes

01:54 - Physician shortages

02:37 - Hospital closures and finances

03:35 - Pharmacy deserts

04:48 - Rural vs. urban

08:15 - Rethinking health care

09:15 - An equitable approach

12:46 - A snowball effect

14:38 - Helping Brooklyn

15:32 - Covid-19's impact

18:29 - Transforming medical deserts

The latest on long Covid

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 17:28:35 -0500

Researchers have identified more than 200 symptoms associated with the long-term effects of Covid-19, but much remains unknown. Peter Silver, MD and Sonali Narain, MD shed light on some of the mysteries that surround long Covid, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). They offer context to the current state of the disease and actions being taken by the medical and research communities to combat and better understand it.

Meet the experts

Peter Silver, MD is the Chief Quality Officer at Northwell Health. He is responsible for system-wide initiatives in care quality and patient safety.

Sonali Narain, MD is a Director of the Scleroderma and Raynaud Treatment Center and the Epidemiology division of Rheumatology. She is also an assistant professor at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Director of the Northwell Health CARES Learning Collaborative.

The CARES program is model designed to increase patient access across treatment areas and amplify a patient-centered experience.

From New York to Guyana: Building cross-cultural understanding

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 09:59:57 -0500

A group of medical professionals arrived in Guyana this week to deliver care, exchange knowledge and develop a plan to support the more remote areas of the South American country. This work is part of a five-year medical partnership between the Ministry of Health of Guyana and Northwell Health, through its Center for Global Health (CGH). Daniel Leon is among those who traveled 2,500-plus miles for the three-week trip. He shares his experiences and connection to Guyana, as well as his passion for global health and the critical role the CGH plays. Also joining the show is Launette Woolforde, EdP, DNP, chief nursing officer for the Northwell's Western Region, who was part of the CGH's prior trip to Guyana in November 2021. Born and raised in Guyana, the chief nursing officer for Northwell Health's Western Region explains the benefits of clinicians broadening cross-cultural understanding, particularly for the communities of Little Guyana in Queens, as well as surrounding neighborhoods that makeup the fifth largest immigrant population in New York City.

Donations to the Center for Global Health will benefit Northwell's Ukraine relief fund.

Chapters:

01:08 - Daniel Leon on returning to Guyana
02:09 - EMS in a rough terrain
03:07 - Medical education in a tropical climate
03:57 - A deep connection
05:20 - Building a partnership
06:49 - A focus on mental health
07:39 - How to support global health efforts
08:56 - Launette Woolforde on nursing collaboration
10:45 - Mutual benefit
12:25 - Tropical medicine
13:46 - Local is global in Little Guyana
15:43 - Value for medical students
18:05 - A selfless cause

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The Cancer Moonshot: Increasing cancer survivorship for everyone

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0500

With the goal of cutting cancer deaths in half by 2047, the White House's Cancer Moonshot initiative is pumping $1.8 billion into cancer research over the next seven years. Achieving this goal, however, will require clearing research hurdles — including the lack of diversity in clinical trials, say Richard Barakat, MD, and David Tuveson, MD, PhD. They discuss the exciting research being funded by the Moonshot initiative, describe efforts to improve and diversify clinical trial recruitment, and explain the fruitful collaboration between Northwell Health and Cold Spring Harbor.

Chapters:

01:33 - What is the Cancer Moonshot?
02:16 - Replicating success, speed of Covid-19 vaccine development
03:46 - Allocating funds
06:41 - The pre-neoplasia project
09:48 - Pushing for greater access
11:23 - Cancer disparities, outcomes
12:55 - Community outreach is critical
14:25 - Commitment to cancer research
16:26 - Practice changing, paradigm shifting, policy making
19:30 - Can we cut mortality by 50 percent?

Meet the experts

Richard Barakat, MD, Physician-in-Chief and Director of Cancer, Northwell Cancer Institute

David Tuveson, MD, PhD, Professor, Director, Cancer Center, Cold Spring Harbor

Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.

Finding love in a science lab — and building a family with science’s help

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0500

This Valentine’s Day we're celebrating a love for science and a special bond between two scientists. Kim Simpfendorfer, PhD, and Michael Ryan built a relationship while pursuing a career at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. They also discuss their experience of going through in-vitro fertilization, pregnancy, and the crucial role the Covid vaccine played in building their family.

Sarah Pachtman, MD, a maternal/fetal medicine doctor explains what other couples should know about IVF and how partners can provide support.

Better child mental health services: How Northwell is helping

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 08:25:53 -0500

Demand for mental health services for children has once again accelerated as the latest Covid-19 surge impacts daily life. Lack of resources in the community have resulted in delays in care for children experiencing anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. Vera Feuer, MD, talks about the challenge of expanding mental health care access, and how health systems can partner with school districts to bridge that gap.

She shares the success of the Northwell School Mental Health Partnership, which contracts with 30 school districts in Nassau and Suffolk counties, to bring mental health care services directly to the places where kids and families revolve. This has resulted in a significant reduction, she says, in schools referring students to the emergency department, as well as increasing rates of follow up care.

Meet the expert:

Vera Feuer, MD, is AVP for School Mental Health for Northwell Health's Behavioral Health service line. She is also the Director for Pediatric Emergency Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Urgent Care, part of Cohen Children's Medical Center; and Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

Chapters:

00:42 - Omicron and kids mental health
01:38 - Treating kids, supporting parents
03:25 - Partnering with schools
06:23 - Stress and anxiety in kids
07:31 - Mental health access
08:13 - Different ages, different needs
08:42 - Behavioral disorders in children
09:42 - Behavioral problems in teenagers
10:03 - Eating disorders in children
10:46 - Telemedicine and timely care
12:54 - Emergency mental health
13:52 - Removing stigma
15:41 - Modeling behaviors
17:34 - Responsive parenting
18:32 - Long-term impacts

Women’s heart health: The right partnerships save lives

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 15:49:38 -0500

Kicking off Heart Health Month in February, we sat down with Stacey Rosen, MD, and Jennifer Mieres, MD, two leading experts and patient advocates in the field of cardiovascular disease in women. They highlight the importance of partnering with your doctor — as well as family, friends and colleagues — to identify and maintain heart healthy habits. They discuss the impact of access issues in health care and the history of bias in sex and gender research, and the work they are doing to change that through the Katz Institute for Women's Health and Center for Equity of Care.

During Heart Health Month, Katz is hosting several events, starting with its Go Red for Women Celebration on National Wear Red Day Feb. 4 at 12 p.m.

Both Dr. Rosen and Dr. Mieres are spokeswomen for the American Heart Association, and co-authors of the new book, "Heart Smarter for Women," due to be released in March 2022. In it, they outline the barriers to heart health and simple steps every woman can take to start their journey.

Meet our guests:

Stacey Rosen, MD, Senior Vice President, Women's Health, Katz Institute for Women’s Health.

Jennifer Mieres, MD, Senior Vice President, Center for Equity of Care at Northwell.

Chapters:

01:23 - Sex and gender research bias
02:33 - Not a man's disease
03:22 - Risk factors for women
04:46 - Symptoms for women
06:!0 - Stress and heart disease
08:57 - Ten percent happier challenge
09:32 - The science of stress
10:12 - Power in partnerships
11:53 - Go Red - What we've learned
12:42 - Pregnancy and heart disease
13:32 - Equity in healthcare
15:30 - Improving access
16:24 - Customizing care
17:10 - Covid-19 and social determinants of health
18:14 - "Heart Smarter for Women"
19:24 - The human connection

A faster PCR Covid-19 test for everyone?

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 09:12:36 -0500

In addition to Covid case counts, the need for testing has skyrocketed since the arrival of the omicron variant. With demand outpacing supply throughout most of December and January, labs nation wide have struggled to keep up. Dwayne Breining, MD, executive director of Northwell Health Labs, shares how his team was able to double their testing capacity using a new technology called LabGold. He explores how this highly reliable, low-cost testing platform — capable of processing up to 100,000 specimens per day — could help labs across the country quickly scale when facing a public health crisis like Covid-19.

Chapters

01:37 - Doubling Covid testing capacity

02:47 - Distinguishing omicron from delta

03:57 - Expanding access to Covid testing

06:24 - Developing "LabGold"

07:42 - A self-swab PCR test

09:55 - A new, scalable Covid test

11:42 - A national strategy

15:11 - Omicron's long tail

16:30 - Testing in pro sports

What everyone needs to know about omicron, kids and Covid-19 testing

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 11:30:51 -0500

Charles Schleien, MD, describes the effect the omicron variant has had on children amid the recent surge of Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations. In addition, Dwayne Breining, MD, joins the podcast to answer common questions about Covid-19 testing.

Meet the experts:

Dr. Schleien is senior vice president and chair of pediatric services at Northwell Health and chair of pediatrics at the Barbara & Donald Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

Dr. Breining is executive director of Northwell Health Labs and Pathology

Chapters:

00:38 - Covid-19 antigen test vs PCR test

02:47 - What to do if exposed to Covid-19

03:58 - Testing for variants

04:32 - Using a Covid-19 at home test

05:00 - False negative rapid covid test

05:50 - Covid-19 at home test recommendations

06:21 - Omicron's impact on testing

07:41 - How omicron impacts kids

10:01 - Hospitalizations

11:10 - Omicron on Long Island

13:24 - Pediatric vaccination rates

15:28 - Kids and long covid

16:51 - Protective measures for kids, families

What is a caregiver? How to prepare for—and manage—caregiving

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 08:20:45 -0500

More than 1 in 5 Americans provide unpaid care to an adult family member or friend. Whether an act of love or sense of duty, carrying out this critical role takes a toll. On this episode, three experts in caregiving share practical tips, advice and resources to help guide listeners through this difficult and demanding time. They discuss caregiver support groups, planning for retirement, how hospital-based caregiver centers help and how Covid-19 has changed caregiving.

Meet our guests:

Maria Torroella Carney, MD, FACP is chief of geriatric and palliative medicine at Northwell Health, and former health commissioner for Nassau County.
Kerri Scanlon, RN, is the executive director for Glen Cove Hospital.
Amy Goyer, AARP family and caregiving expert and author of AARP’s “Juggling Life, Work and Caregiving” and “Things to Do Now That You’re…a Grandparent”

Find resources for caregivers:

Contact Northwell Health's Geriatric and Palliative Care program by emailing: geripal@northwell.edu

Dr. Carney explains how caregivers can be advocates for the Covid-19 vaccine.

Join AARP's Family Caregiver Discussion Group on Facebook.

Learn more about being a caregiver on AARP's Caregiving Home Page.

Access AARP's Financial Workbook for Caregivers: a practical guide focused on health, housing and money management.

Top 5 medical innovations of 2021

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0500

The advent of the Covid-19 vaccines propelled us into 2021 and put a spotlight on the critical role of research and clinical trials. In this episode we spotlight five innovations coming out of the last year from researchers at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. The innovations aim to improve life for patients living with paralysis, schizophrenia, cardiovascular disease, Covid-19, brain cancer and PTSD.

Chapters:

00:42 – Treating PTSD with inner-ear stimulation – Dr. Rebecca Schwartz and Dr. Theodoros Zanos
04:13 – Virtual trials – Dr. Christina Brennan and Dr. Mark Butler
08:30 – Artificial intelligence to help diagnose schizophrenia – Dr. Sunny Tang
11:17 – Restoring movement in paralyzed patients – Chad Bouton
13:30 – Treating glioblastoma with belly fat – Dr. John Boockvar
16:33 – Northwell's Top 5 moments in 2021

In a bonus segment, we reflect on Northwell Health’s most newsworthy moments, including the release of The First Wave Documentary; the Northwell Health Nurse Choir competes on America's Got Talent; the 20th anniversary of 9/11; the authorization on Covid-19 vaccinations for children; and the anniversary of the first Covid-19 vaccination in the U.S.

Meet our guests:

Rebecca Schwartz, PhD, associate investigator, Institute of Health System Science at Feinstein Institutes and Director, Research and Evaluation, Northwell Center for Traumatic Stress, Resilience and Recovery

Theodoros Zanos, PhD, assistant professor, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Assistant Professor, Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

Christina Brennan, MD, MBA, vice president of clinical research at Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research

Mark Butler, PhD, assistant investigator, Center for Personalized Health, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research

Sunny Tang, MD, assistant professor, Institute of Behavioral Science, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

Chad Bouton, professor, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Vice President, Advanced Engineering, Northwell Health, and Professor, Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

John Boockvar, MD, professor, Feinstein Center for Neuroscience and Laboratory for Brain Tumor Biology and Therapy, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Co-Director, Brain Tumor Biotech Center, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, and Vice Chair, Department of Neurosurgery, Lenox Hill Hospital

Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.

Omicron variant: should you be concerned?

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 10:56:41 -0500

The new covid variant omicron has quickly overtaken delta as the dominant strain of Covid-19 in multiple countries, which now includes the US. New data released Dec. 20 shows omicron is responsible for 73 percent of new Covid-19 infections nationally during the week end Dec. 18; up from just 12.6 percent for the week prior. Bruce Farber, MD, chief of public health and epidemiology, and John D'Angelo, MD, senior vice president and executive director of emergency medicine services, discuss what is known so far about the more contagious Covid variant, how health systems are preparing, and urge the public to get vaccinated — and even more importantly to get a booster.

Read more from Dr. Farber on the omicron variant.

Chapters:

00:54 - Omicron becomes dominant Covid variant
02:09 - How concerned should we be?
02:44 - Handling a Covid surge
03:36 - Improved Covid care
04:20 - How contagious is omicron?
05:50 - Covid reinfection rate
06:17 - Boosters protect against omicron
07:00 - How severe is omicron?
08:08 - The science behind the Covid booster shot
09:15 - Omicron's impact on work
10:48 - Boosting vaccination rates
12:00 - Renewing mitigation efforts
14:15 - Lessons from the first wave in New York
15:40 - Predictive technology combats Covid-19
16:42 - Maintaining services during a surge
17:41 - Expanding Covid-19 testing
18:39 - Don’t wait, get the vaccine and booster

Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.

The race to vaccinate - one year later

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Today marks one year since Sandra Lindsay became the first American to receive the Covid-19 vaccine outside of clinical trial; catapulting the critical care nurse at LIJ Medical Center into the public eye. She reflects on the lead up to that day and challenges she's faced since. She is joined by Yves Duroseau, MD, chief of emergency medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, who received his first dose minutes after Sandra, as well as Gregory Zuckerman, who writes about that day and the decades of work that went into the Covid-19 vaccines in his new book, A Shot to Save the World: The Inside Story of the Life-or-Death Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine. Each share their experiences addressing vaccine hesitancy and resistance, and commemorate the resilience, stubborn persistence and heroism of the researchers and scientists who worked tirelessly to achieve “one of the proudest moments in human history.”

Preventing gun violence: The role doctors can play

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 17:40:59 -0500

A .38-caliber bullet nearly killed Joseph Sakran, MD, when he was 17 years old. Now a trauma surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Dr. Sakran has dedicated much of his "second chance" at life to advocating for gun violence prevention. In 2018 he sparked a movement that became known as "This is our Lane." On Dec. 15 he will speak at Northwell Health's Gun Violence Prevention Forum on a panel moderated by Chethan Sathya, MD. Ahead of the event, the pediatric trauma surgeon and director of Northwell's Center for Gun Violence Prevention joins Dr. Sakran to discuss:

helping clinicians learn how to talk about gun violence
the upcoming Gun Violence Prevention Forum
the link between social determinants of health and gun violence

The future of pancreatic cancer care

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Pancreatic cancer survival rates have doubled in the last few years from 5 to 10 percent. This is thanks largely to clinical trials that have led to better treatments and a better understanding of how to tailor them to the individual. Despite the advancements, pancreatic cancer remains difficult to treat and long-term survival remains low. But, experts are hopeful that cutting-edge technology such as organoids — a collection of a patient’s cells that are maintained in a petri dish — will lead to continued improvements in outcomes.

Featured speakers: Matthew Weiss, MD, physician-in-chief and director of surgical oncology for the Northwell Cancer Institute; and Sepideh Gholami, MD, F.A.C.S., cancer specialist and surgeon at UC-Davis in California.

How patient navigators help with high-risk pregnancies

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 15:51:35 -0500

Expectant moms dealing with high-risk pregnancies desperately need someone who can guide them through the medical system to ensure they get the right care from qualified specialists. That’s the exact job description for patient navigators, such as Jeanne Woods Ludwig, RNC, and Bernadette Smith, RNC, who work in Northwell Health's new Maternal Fetal Medicine Center. In this unique role, they improve communication between patient and clinician, break down barriers to effective care, and provide support throughout the patient journey.

Surprising COVID-19 symptoms in older adults

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Common COVID-19 symptoms include fever, chills, cough and shortness of breath. But research has revealed that a surprising number of older adults experience some atypical signs of the virus. This is according to a study published in the Journal of Gerontology. The principal investigator of that paper, Allison Marziliano, PhD, discusses her findings and their implications for older adults and clinicians.

Dr. Marziliano is assistant professor in the Center for Health Innovations and Outcomes Research for the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research.

Chapters:

00:29 - What are atypical COVID-19 symptoms?

01:24 - About the study

02:33 - Key takeaways

04:40 - What is functional decline?

05:43 - Testing older adults for COVID-19

07:34 - Comparing outcomes in typical, atypical patients

09:21 - Explaining atypical COVID-19 symptoms

11:07 - Dementia and COVID-19

11:25 - Northwell Health older adult workgroup

13:21 - Future COVID-19 research

15:24 - Isolation during COVID-19

16:00 - Ageism in healthcare research

18:14 - Role of COVID-19 vaccines

18:54 - On a positive note

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Documenting the First Wave of COVID-19

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0500

In the new National Geographic documentary, The First Wave, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and director Matthew Heineman captures what the COVID-19 pandemic really looked like inside the walls of one of New York City’s hardest-hit hospitals. In this 20-Minute Health Talk, Matthew reflects on what it was like to document patients fighting for their lives, as well as the frontline heroes responding to the crisis. He is joined by two nurses featured in the film: Kellie Wunsch, RN, a critical care nurse at LIJ; and Brussels Jabon, LPN, who was pregnant with her second child when diagnosed with COVID-19.

Meet our guests:

Matthew Heineman is an Oscar-nominated and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker well known for documentaries including: Cartel Land; City of Ghosts; Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare; and his collaboration on Emmy-nominated HBO series, The Alzheimer’s Project.

Kellie Wunsch, RN, is a critical care nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Kellie volunteered to be a member of the rapid response team through the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Brussels Jabon is a Registered Practical Nurse at Northwell Health’s Stern Family Center for Rehabilitation.

Kids talk COVID vaccines

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine now has emergency use authorization (EUA) in kids ages 5-to-11, opening up eligibility to 28 million children in the US. Nora Gossett, 7, shares why she got the shot with her doctor dad, Jeffrey Gossett, M.D., F.A.A.P., at Cohen Children's Medical Center (CCMC). He was one of four doctors to stand behind their children as they received their first dose Nov. 4 at CCMC in a display of confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines.

Like Dr. Gossett, Mundeep Kainth, DO, MPH, and Sophia Jan, MD, talked the talk and walked the walk by getting their children in this age group vaccinated. They join Lorry Rubin, MD, CCMC's director of pediatric infectious diseases, to discuss:

how to talk to your kids about the vaccine
clinical trials and vaccine safety
parental concerns about long-term side effects like myocarditis
what to expect with the COVID vaccine in kids 6 months to 4 years old

Meet the experts

Lorry Rubin, MD, director, pediatric infectious diseases, Cohen Children’s Medical Center

Sophia Jan, MD, chief of general pediatrics at Cohen Children’s Medical Center

Mundeep Kainth, MD, pediatric infectious disease, Cohen Children’s Medical Center

Jeffrey Gossett, M.D., F.A.A.P, vice president and system chief of pediatric cardiology at Cohen Children's Medical Center (CCMC)

The COVID vaccine and pregnancy: Empowering expectant moms

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Only 33.8 percent of pregnant women between the ages of 18 and 49 in the US are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. And while many pregnant women are fearful of the effect that the COVID vaccines could have on them and their baby, more than 160K expectant moms have been vaccinated with no adverse pregnancy outcomes, explains Burton Rochelson, MD, chief of maternal fetal medicine, and Sarah Pachtman, MD, a maternal fetal medicine attending. Like Dr. Pachtman, Elizabeth Boyce, RN, got the COVID vaccine while pregnant. They share their experiences, dispel misinformation and encourage women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive to Crush COVID and get the shot.

More from the experts

Is it safe to get the COVID vaccine if I'm pregnant? Burton Rochelson, MD, explains.

Pregnant and hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine? Sarah Pachtman details new research revealing that the COVID-19 vaccine is likely to protect unborn children, too, when moms-to-be roll up their sleeves.

Breast cancer survivorship: beginning at diagnosis

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Thanks to improvements in breast cancer screening and treatment, more than 80 percent of patients will beat the disease. But, survivorship comes with its own health challenges — something health professionals and patients need to start planning for at diagnosis, says Catherine Alfano, PhD, an international leader in cancer survivorship and rehabilitation. She joins medical oncologist Jennifer Ligibel, MD, and integrative health and wellness coach Deborah McElligott, NP, to discuss the challenges of implementing this approach; the issues cancer survivors face; and balancing the benefits and long-term risks of cancer treatments.

Chapters:

00:01 - Survivorship starts at diagnosis

01:20 - What is survivorship?

03:24 - Cancer care and lifestyle changes

05:27 - American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

07:15 - Getting survivorship right

08:40 - Cancer treatments: balancing benefits and risks

09:09 - Integrative medicine programs

11:34 - Tai chi health benefits

12:21 - Cancer care and integrative health

14:03 - Cancer research and personalized care

15:18 - What is a learning health system?

16:01 - Breast cancer survivor

18:34 - Racial disparities in survivorship

19:36 - Support from faith-based communities

Meet the experts

Catherine Alfano, Ph.D., is vice president of cancer care management and research at the Northwell Health Cancer Institute, and associate director for the Institute of Health System Science at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. She also co-chairs the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s clinical guidelines on nutrition, physical activity, and weight management for treatment in cancer patients. Previously, she served as vice president for survivorship at the American Cancer Society; and before that as deputy director of the office of cancer survivorship at the National Cancer Institute.

Jennifer Ligibel, MD, is a medical oncologist and director of the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. She also co-chairs the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s clinical guidelines on nutrition, physical activity, and weight management for treatment in cancer patients.

Deborah McElligott, DNP, is a holistic nurse practitioner, as well as an integrative health and wellness coach at the Center for Wellness and Integrative Medicine at the Katz Institute for Women's Health.

Clinical trials and the blood brain barrier

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0400

The COVID-19 vaccines have put a spotlight on the importance of clinical trials. During the early days of the pandemic in New York, researchers like John Boockvar, MD, had to shut down ongoing trials to contribute to the fight against the novel virus. Since, he has resumed his work investigating novel approaches to treating brain cancers. He has been internationally recognized for his research in brain tumors and stem cell biology throughout his 20-year career. He explains the importance of clinical trials, his connection with the inventor of mRNA technology, and his experience leading investigations into experimental treatments for glioblastomas — the deadliest form of brain cancer.

Meet the expert

Dr. Boockvar is a world-renowned brain tumor expert. He is vice chair of neurosurgery and director of the Brain Tumor Center at Lenox Hill; and director of the Laboratory for Brain Tumor Biology and Therapy at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research.

Along with his fellow neurosurgeons, he was the subject of the highly-acclaimed Netflix docudrama in 2020, “Lenox Hill.”

Northwell research making news:

The healing power of vagus nerve stimulation
New research identifies potential therapeutic target for fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome
Feinstein Institutes research finds sex, gender identity are linked to human brain activity
Feinstein Institutes study identifies Alzheimer's disease blood biomarkers
Top 5 Northwell advances of 2023

Why I got the COVID booster shot

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 13:17:45 -0400

After receiving his COVID booster shot, Lorry Rubin, MD, director of pediatric infectious diseases at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, walks us through why it's important to get the additional dose, who is eligible and how effective it is. Currently the Pfizer mRNA vaccine is the only one approved for booster shots under emergency use authorization. However, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson both are seeking emergency use authorization and the FDA's Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet Oct. 14 and 15 to consider the requests.

Dr. Rubin also talks about the COVID vaccines and children, with Pfizer reporting that its vaccine is safe and effective in kids age 5 to 11 - the dose would be smaller than those currently in use in other age groups.

How our environment shapes our health

Sat, 02 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0400

What goes on in our home, neighborhoods and community all have a major impact on our health. Chronic issues like diabetes and heart disease are more prevalent in vulnerable communities, which also tend to face more environmental challenges. Northwell is hosting the 1st Annual Raise Health Forum on Oct. 5, 2021. This free virtual event will cast a light on issues including Health Equity, Women’s Health and Environmental Health.

Debbie Salas-Lopez, MD, Stacey Rosen, MD, and Jacqueline Moline, MD, will each host panels addressing these issues and the role health systems can play. Register at https://raisehealth21.app.rsvpify.com/

Full agenda:

11:00 am ET - Why We're Here

Michael Dowling, President & CEO, Northwell Health

11:05 am ET - Welcome & Introduction

David Battinelli, MD, SVP and Chief Medical Officer, Northwell Health

11:10 am ET - By the Numbers: Social Determinants of Health

This data-driven presentation will highlight the numbers and metrics behind the Social Determinants of Health as driven by environmental, social, and gender-based inputs.

Kulleni Gebreyes, Director of Health Equity Institute, Deloitte

11:20 am ET - Reaching the Hard to Reach: Equitable Healthcare Access, and the Role of Community Leadership

This cross-sector conversation will explore how and why certain communities are harder to engage around healthcare delivery, and share best practices that both faith and community leaders and private sector leaders are using to gain trust and unlock healthcare delivery in our communities. Taking a particular look through the lens of Covid-19, especially around testing, treatment, clinical trials, and vaccine access and delivery, it will ask the question: what does this mean for engaging communities around other health risk factors, and for health equity outcomes overall?

Marcus Osborne, Senior Vice President, Walmart Health, Walmart
Megan Callahan, President, Healthcare, Lyft
Rev. Dr. Malcolm Byrd, Pastor, Chief of Protocol, Mother AME Zion Church
Moderator: Jennifer Mieres, MD, Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Northwell Health

11:40 am ET - Breaking the Mold in Women's Health

For too long, our medical establishment and practices have failed to make the distinction in treating males and females in a number of areas, including clinical trials, treatment prescriptions, physician education, and more. This conversation will explore the uniqueness of women’s health, and how we should be treating the patient based on key differences between the sexes, the implications for the healthcare community, and how the medical field can and should implement changes moving forward.

Janine Clayton, MD, FARVO, Director, Office of Research on Women’s Health, National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer, American Heart Association
Moderator: Stacey Ellyn Rosen, MD, Senior Vice President, Women’s Health, Katz Institute for Women’s Health, Northwell Health

12:00 pm ET - The World Around Us: How our Environment is Shaping our Health

The physical environment is a key contributor to our health — the air we breathe, the food we ingest, and even the design of our physical spaces all contribute to our health outcomes. In an ever changing climate and environmental landscape, how can stakeholders take measures to ensure we are maximizing community health?

Karen Hacker, MD, MPH, Director, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Whitney Austin Gray, PhD, WELL AP, LEED AP, SVP of Research, International WELL Building Institute
Corey Stern, Partner, Levy Konigsberg
Moderator: Jacqueline Moline, MD, MSc, FACP, FACOEM, Senior Vice President, Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention, Northwell Health

12:20 pm ET - The Power of Innovation: How Technology Will Power the Future of Health

Across health equity, women’s health, and environmental health, we know that the solutions we seek will be powered by the same approach and mindset that has powered the medical field for centuries: the innovation mindset. How can cutting-edge technology and new approaches to healthcare help ensure a positive future for the health of our communities?

Ann Aerts, Head of the Novartis Foundation, Novartis
Shez Partovi, Chief Innovation & Strategy Officer, Royal Philips
Deena Shakir, Partner, Lux Capital
Moderator: Debbie Salas-Lopez, MD, MPH, Senior Vice President, Community and Population Health, Northwell Health

12:45 pm ET - The Patient Story

Highlighting the racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare.

Michelle R. Connell
Hosted by: Zenobia Brown, MD, MPH, Vice President and Medical Director, Population Health, Northwell Health

12:55 pm ET - Raise Health

Michael Dowling, President & CEO, Northwell Health

Overcoming substance use disorder, Part II

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 05:01:00 -0400

COVID-19 has skyrocketed rates of substance use disorder. Sandeep Kapoor, MD, joins Shatterproof executive director Stephen D'Antonio to explain how people can find resources, educate themselves, diffuse stigma and save lives.

Meet the experts

Dr. Sandeep Kapoor is Assistant Vice President of Addiction Services for Northwell’s Emergency Medicine Services, as well as Director of SBIRT, that’s Northwell’s Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment program.

Stephen D’Antonio is the Executive Vice President for Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the addiction crisis. He also helped create the podcast series “My Child & Addiction.”

Resources

Northwell's Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) program is open six days a week, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 516-465-5955 to speak to a team member.

Stephen created the "Just Five" series to help people understand the most important concepts and facts regarding addiction: https://justfive.org/northwell/

Call SAMSHA's national hotline: 1-800-622-HELP

Overcoming substance use disorder, Part I

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Approximately 93,000 drug overdoses took place in 2020, the highest number ever in a single year. Many life-saving resources are available, yet only one in 10 receive treatment. So many suffer in silence and stigma plays a major role. Stephen D'Antonio shares his experience becoming an advocate for his son, who overcame an alcohol use disorder, and partnering with other parents and health care organizations. He joins Sandeep Kapoor, MD, to discuss substance use disorders, shattering stigma and more.

Meet the experts

Resources

Northwell's Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) program is open six days a week, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 516-465-5955 to speak to a team member.

Stephen created the "Just Five" series to help people understand the most important concepts and facts regarding addiction: https://justfive.org/northwell/

Call SAMSHA's national hotline: 1-800-622-HELP

When to consider a second opinion

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Seeking a second opinion can be the difference between a slow recovery or a positive outcome. Daniel Sciubba, MD, and Matthew Weiss, MD, explain their approach when a patient comes in asking for a second opinion.

Meet the experts

Daniel Sciubba, MD, is senior vice president of neurosurgery at Northwell Health; and chair of neurosurgery at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center.

Matthew Weiss, MD, surgeon and deputy physician in chief at Northwell’s Cancer Institute.

Suicide prevention in health care workers

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Four hundred physicians die each year by suicide, a statistic that is both tragic and personal for advocates like Corey Feist, JD, MBA. In April 2020, his sister-in-law, Dr. Lorna Breen, took her own life shortly after recovering from COVID-19. She worked in emergency medicine, which has one of the highest rates of suicide of all medical specialties. To recognize Physician Suicide Awareness Day, Corey joined Northwell's Patricia Flynn and Mayer Bellehsen, PhD, to discuss barriers to seeking help, suicide prevention, and physician burnout, as well as sharing and expanding resources.

Meet the experts

Patricia Flynn, assistant vice president of wellness and employee assistance.

Mayer Bellehsen, PhD, director, Center for Traumatic Stress, Resilience, and Recovery.

Corey Feist is a health care executive and co-founder of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation.

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Can schools reopen safely?

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Many schools across the United States have been forced to close just weeks after reopening - more than 1,000 across 31 states - as the delta variant continues to spread. But, schools can reopen safely, says David Fagan, MD, if they follow proper mitigation efforts. He joins Charles Schleien, MD, to discuss: universal masking in schools; the spike of COVID cases in children nationally; the delta variant's impact; and what health care systems can do to help schools stay open.

Meet the experts

Dr. Schleien is the senior vice president and chair of the pediatric services at Northwell Health.

Dr. Fagan is vice chair of pediatric ambulatory administration for Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

Listen to episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOylAPfMBafmhQIwY75QbOzNcQEpz5tEr

9/11 first responders reflect on 20th anniversary, Part II

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 05:01:00 -0400

In Part II of this conversation, our panel of heroes explores the mental health concerns for 9/11 first responders 20 years later, and what Northwell is doing to help them cope. The Queens World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program integrates mental health into its program, which Jacqueline Moline, MD, MSc, details.

Eddie Reyes, program director for Northwell Health Emergency Management, and Scott Strauss, vice president of Northwell Health Corporate Security, share their experiences coping with the memories they carry and how they mark the anniversary of 9/11. They also reflect on those who they consider heroes - the civilians who assisted in rescue missions, working on the pile, bringing food and sending cards and letters in the months and weeks after the attack on 9/11.

9/11 first responders reflect on 20th anniversary, Part I

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Retired NYPD officers Scott Strauss and Eddie Reyes spent nine months working on and in "the pile" after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Now 20 years later, both suffer from health issues related to those heroic efforts, which include a remarkable rescue famously portrayed in the Oliver Stone-directed film, "World Trade Center." Both also have found treatment -- and hope -- at Northwell Health's Queens World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. Administered by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the program tracks medical research into physical and mental health conditions related to 9/11 exposures.

Jacqueline Moline, MD, MSc, senior vice president of Northwell’s Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention department, directs the WTC Health Program. She joins Eddie and Scott to reflect on the 20th anniversary of 9/11, as well as her experiences caring for those first responders.

More from the experts

Hear more from Scott Strauss and Eddie Reyes from Northwell's 2021 Side-by-Side NBC special.

Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.

ER on Demand: A new emergency telehealth program

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0400

“ER on Demand” is a new telehealth program that makes it easy for patients to consult an emergency medicine doctor at home, even in the middle of the night. Jonathan Berkowitz, MD, medical director of emergency medical services at Northwell Health, and John D'Angelo, Northwell's chief of integrated operations, talk launching an overnight telehealth service and making it accessible from anywhere in New York State.

Will I need a COVID booster shot?

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 15:01:18 -0400

As federal officials consider COVID booster shots for all Americans, certain immunocompromised individuals began receiving a third dose of the mRNA vaccines this week following approvals from the FDA and CDC late last week. Onisis Stefas, PharmD, chief pharmacy officer for Northwell Health, explains the need for booster shots, who is eligible now and what else immunocompromised individuals can do to protect themselves against COVID-19, especially the delta variant.

Facial feminization surgery

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0400

Approximately 1.4 million people in the U.S. identify as transgender or gender diverse. One of the biggest challenges to transgender individuals is acceptance in society. Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is a gender-affirming procedure that not only helps trans women become their authentic selves, it saves lives.

The goal of FFS – which employs multiple facial procedures of the brow, nose and chin – is to ease the transwoman’s psychosocial burden. It has been associated with improved mental health and quality of life.

James Bradley, MD, vice chair of plastic surgery at Northwell Health, and his colleagues were the first to show that virtual treatment planning before FFS provides superior results in terms of accuracy, safety and efficiency. They were the first to confirm that both facial recognition software, which uses artificial intelligence, and people correctly classify transwomen as “women” 98 percent of the time after surgery.

Joining Dr. Bradley on the podcast are Northwell physician assistant Sabrina Sam and FFS patient Rubi, who underwent the procedure in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares her story and why she says FFS saves lives.

The problem

Despite hormonal therapy, voice training, make-up and hair, transwomen are at risk for mis-gendering. Even with the growing number of non-discriminatory protections for this population, many continue to face bias in employment, healthcare and housing. This, along with the effects of gender dysphoria, can lead to high rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide.

Artificial intelligence and virtual planning

Building on the surgical techniques originally developed in the 1980s, Dr. Bradley has made the various operations involved in FFS safer and more efficient through years of research. His first study focused on improving the safety, accuracy and efficiency of FFS through the use of virtual surgical planning, which entails developing computer models and physical prototypes before the surgery to use as aids during the procedure.

Two more studies examined whether facial recognition software and people could differentiate between cis- and trans-women after successful FFS based on images of faces. These were the first studies ever to evaluate the impact of FFS on how transwomen are gender-typed by both artificial and human intelligence.

Hear from more transgender women about FFS.

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Catching up on cannabis

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0400

New York legalized recreational cannabis in 2021, but researching its medical applications remains difficult. Diana Martins-Welch, MD, got involved with the state's medical cannabis program in 2016 and has certified more than 2,000 patients as a medical cannabis provider through her role as a palliative care expert.

On this episode, Dr. Martins-Welch discusses misinformation, the effect of cannabis on cancer patients and opioid use, and the need for federal legalization. She also compares New York state's relatively young medical cannabis program to those in other states like California and Colorado.

The director of supportive oncology services at the Monter Cancer Center also chairs Northwell's Medicinal Cannabis Workgroup, which brings together physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, researchers and other medical professionals to discuss medicinal cannabis expansion, increased access for patients and advocacy efforts. It has developed a comprehensive learning series and hopes to be recognized and used an approved course by New York state for health care practitioners registering as medical cannabis providers.

The medical cannabis workgroup is carrying out important research, which includes evaluation of the effects o medical cannabis on quality of life of cancer patients. Another looks at pelvic floor dysfunction in females and the use of medical cannabis suppositories.

Read Dr. Matins-Welch's op-ed in Newsday on the need to widen access to medical cannabis.

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COVID vaccine safety surveillance

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0400

The medical safety net ensuring vaccine safety is historic, says Henry Bernstein, DO, MHCM, FAAP, a voting member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and a professor of pediatrics at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

00:55 - Dr. Bernstein explains his role on the ACIP

03:02 - He explains the four reporting programs they use to monitor and learn from data on possible reactions to vaccines. Three of those have been around for many years, with the CDC's V-safe after vaccination health checker a new addition during COVID-19.

V-safe: a text messaging-based system that enables people who received the COVID-19 vaccine to report any post-vaccine side effects via a free app. Users receive weekly messages for up to six weeks; then three-, six-, and 12-month check ins after the final dose of vaccine. Users are also reminded to get the second vaccine dose and a check-in afterward about their experience.
VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System): a national database to which providers, vaccine manufacturers and the public can report side effects. The "early warning system" provides the CDC and FDA with information that helps identify health concerns and ensure vaccine safety.
Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment Project (CISA): a national network of vaccine safety experts from the CDC’s Immunization Safety Office (ISO) and medical research centers. There are seven centers around the county that serve as consultants around these less common events and also do research relating to vaccine safety, as well as work with health care providers when vaccine safety questions arise, or adverse events following immunization occur domestically.
Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD): yet another monitoring system created by the CDC that gathers electronic health record data from nine participating integrated health care organizations on more than 12 million people each year.

07:34 - Dr. Bernstein shares insights from recent ACIP meetings reviewing reports of myocarditis and pericarditis following vaccination with either the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines.

10:57 - ACIP's latest meeting in July focused on reports of Guillain-barre syndrome (GBS) after inoculation using the J&J vaccine. Of the roughly 100 reported cases of GBS in the US among recently vaccinated individuals (with the J&J vaccine), not all cases have been confirmed as GBS.

13:41 - In both cases - myocarditis, pericarditis and GBS, patients recover well. Emergency use authorization fact sheets, available to the public, now contain information about these findings to help inform individuals getting the vaccines.

16:33 - The 3 guiding principles of the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

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In addition to a professor of pediatrics, Dr. Bernstein is an Ex-Officio member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) Committee on Infectious Disease (COID Red Book Committee) and Associate Editor of Red Book Online. He is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.

How to handle youth sports during COVID-19

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Pediatric orthopedic surgeons Allison Spitzer, MD, and Elaine Tran, MD, explain how kids can avoid injury, and COVID-19, as they return to their favorite sports. (Recorded June 8, 2021)

Preventing sports injuries

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 06:00:46 -0400

New York Islanders legend Bobby Nystrom teams up with Certified Athletic Trainer Roger Gerland, MSPT/ATC, to talk sport injury prevention. As a director at Northwell Health's STARS Rehabilitation, Roger treats athletes at all levels and offers tips on how to stay in the game, as well as what to look for in a doctor if you do get hurt. After his playing career, Bobby refocused his energy on bicycling, marathons and spartan races. He shares how he has adapted his training to fit his new passions.

Watch episodes of the podcast on YouTube.

More from the experts

6 tips to avoid pickleball injuries
Northwell STARS Rehabilitation gets pickleball player back on the court. Read more.
4 reasons for rising ACL tears and other knee injuries

Global health experts reflect on first mission trip since COVID-19

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 07:11:34 -0400

Shari Jardine spent the last week in Ecuador vaccinating locals as part of Northwell's Center for Global Health (CGH) and joins the podcast from one of its vaccination pods. In March 2020, COVID-19 grounded Northwell's growing Global Health program, which had developed core sites in Guyana, India, and Ecuador. Eric Cioe-Pena, MD, CGH director, explains how the team maintained their global relationships virtually, and eventually resumed travel, starting with this three-week mission.

More from the experts

Dr. Cioe-Pena explains how to develop an effective global public health program.

How pipeline programs boost diversity in medicine

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 06:48:40 -0400

Designed to expose minority students to careers in medicine, the Medical Scholars Pipeline Program is now in its 12th year. Britney Nathan, MD, was among the first students to participate, and this week begins her residency as an OB/GYN at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and North Shore University Hospital. She joins Gina Granger, assistant director of pipeline programs at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, to discuss the value the program brings to students and the communities they go on to serve.

Fred Guttenberg and Dr. Chethan Sathya

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 09:11:36 -0400

After his 14-year-old daughter, Jaime, was killed in a school shooting in 2018, Fred Guttenberg devoted his life to gun violence prevention and firearm safety. Now, he is helping Northwell's Center for Gun Violence Prevention (CGVP) in its mission to mobilize the health care industry around this public health issue. He joins Chethan Sathya, MD, director of the CGVP and a pediatric trauma surgeon, to discuss how they plan to do that.

More from the experts

Dr. Sathya details why health care must drive gun violence prevention, and how to do it.

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The future of the flu and other common illnesses in the age of COVID-19

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 16:22:35 -0400

As states like New York and California lift mandates on COVID-19 safety precautions and fully reopen, we will likely see other viruses like influenza and the common cold resurge. David Hirschwerk, MD, interim chair of the department of medicine at Northwell Health and an infectious disease attending, explains what to expect going into the summer and fall months.

Post-COVID recovery programs offer hope

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 07:00:44 -0400

The lingering effects of COVID-19 can be alarming for patients, some of whom are still dealing with shortness of breath, brain fog or other symptoms for weeks, months, or longer after recovering from the virus. Ankita Sagar, MD, is the director of Northwell's COVID Ambulatory Resource Support (CARES) program, which offers its patients, currently more than 4,000, everything they may need to safely and comfortably recover. She joins David Battinelli, MD, chief medical officer, to discuss Northwell's unique approach and the latest research being done on post-acute sequelae of COVID-19.

'BRAINterns' offers new model for medical internships

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 07:15:33 -0400

A free virtual shadowing program called “BRAINterns” gave more than 16,000 students from 87 countries an inside look at careers in the medical field in summer 2020. Randy D’Amico, MD, neurosurgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital, explains how the webinar series replaced educational opportunities lost during the COVID-19 crisis, while expanding access to populations that are underrepresented in medicine. The program returns for a second year starting on July 1 and registration is open.

More from the experts

Dr. D'Amico explains the role genetics play in brain cancer, and how they may help more than they hurt.

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Was the face mask mandate lifted too soon?

Wed, 19 May 2021 14:17:10 -0400

Today, New York lifted many of its COVID-19-related restrictions, adopting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's updated guidelines on masking and social distancing for fully vaccinated people. Mark Jarrett, MD, chief quality officer and deputy chief medical officer for Northwell Health, explains why he believes the "sudden" change to the guidelines may be too soon.

COVID-19's impact on children's mental health

Mon, 17 May 2021 07:17:15 -0400

A year of school shutdowns, social isolation and family trauma has taken a toll on children's mental and emotional health. Andrew Adesman, MD, chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics, discusses the broad array of consequences from COVID-19 and how pediatricians are changing their playbook to meet their patients' evolving needs.

A new approach to lowering health insurance costs

Mon, 10 May 2021 09:18:20 -0400

How do you lower the cost of health insurance? Rather than working through insurance companies, large health systems are cutting out the middle man to offer customizable services directly to self-insured employers. Northwell Health launched Northwell Direct in 2020 to do just that and has seen great success in just one year. The company has partnered with Whole Foods, JetBlue, local schools and more to offer health benefits tailored to each employer's needs. Nick Stefanizzi, CEO of Northwell Direct, and Joe Moscola, PA, executive vice president of enterprise services for Northwell Health, explain.

Older adults lead the way toward herd immunity

Wed, 05 May 2021 08:59:06 -0400

Hospitalizations and death among older Americans have dropped dramatically, promising evidence that the COVID vaccine effort is working. But, COVID-19 is a family illness, explains Maria Carney, MD, chief of geriatric and palliative medicine for Northwell Health. She and Lawrence Eisenstein, MD, health commissioner for Nassau County, join the podcast to emphasize the importance of vaccinating younger people, as well as the critical role of a robust public health infrastructure and collaborative partnerships during crises like COVID-19 and H1N1.

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How integrative medicine helped women during COVID-19

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 15:29:21 -0400

COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of integrative medicine, which combines modern medicine, healthy lifestyle practices and complementary healing modalities. Deborah McElligott, NP, an integrative health and wellness coach at the Center for Wellness and Integrative Medicine at the Katz Institute for Women's Health, discusses this holistic approach to care and how it can benefit a person’s physical, mental and spiritual health.

A diversity emergency in EMS

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 17:51:04 -0400

In the world of emergency medical services (EMS), minorities and women are severely underrepresented, a problem that studies have shown can have consequences on quality of patient care. Bernard Robinson, director of operations for Northwell's Center for Emergency Medical Services, and Tara McEvoy, a paramedic supervisor at Lenox Hill Hospital, discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in the field, as well their experiences during COVID-19.

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COVID-19 and addiction

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 12:46:36 -0400

Overdoses have spiked since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, many Americans report having started or increased substance use as a way of coping with the crisis. Soteri Polydorou, MD, and Harshal Kirane, MD, discuss these alarming trends and how Northwell's many programs have adapted to meet the rising demand for substance abuse disorder treatment amid COVID-19. Topics include:

Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research Center, which launched amid the pandemic and is expanding access to critical substance abuse disorder services
What is an addiction?
Impact on families
Bringing research to practice

More from the experts

Dr. Polydorou discusses the support services available during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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I got the COVID vaccine. Now what?

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 09:23:37 -0400

Once we get vaccinated against COVID-19, what can we do and what can’t we do? David Hirschwerk, MD, interim chair of the department of medicine at Northwell Health and attending physician in the division of infectious diseases at North Shore University Hospital and LIJ Medical Center, explains.

More from the experts

Dr. Hirschwerk discusses the differences among the COVID-19 vaccines in a roundtable discussion.

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Revolutionizing women's health

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 15:18:52 -0400

Women have been understudied, undertreated and misdiagnosed for decades due to lack of representation in research studies. Stacey Rosen, MD, senior vice president of the Katz Institute for Women's Health explains the history of the one-size-fits-all approach to health care, eliminating health care disparities and the need for more gender-based research, and why healthier and well-informed women mean healthier families and healthier communities.

More from the experts

Dr. Rosen explains how her team is changing the way we care for women.

Reopening Long Island amid COVID-19

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 10:32:51 -0400

What will summer 2021 look like in New York? County Executives Laura Curran of Nassau and Steve Bellone of Suffolk join Northwell's Chief Medical Officer David Battinelli, MD, to discuss the importance of the COVID vaccines, mask wearing and social distancing in the process of reopening Long Island's economy. More from the experts Dr. Battinelli talks about the health inequalities putting our nation at risk.

Playback Health connects patients and families during pandemic

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 13:46:39 -0500

A mobile app co-founded by Lenox Hill Chair of Neurosurgery David Langer, MD, became a great source of connection during the height of COVID-19 in New York City. Hear from Dr. Langer, Playback Health CEO Greg Odland and Associate Executive Director of Experience Services for Northwell's New York City Region Joe Leggio, who helped deploy the tool throughout Lenox Hill Hospital during the pandemic. They discuss:

Evolving the technology
Creating and a new type of medical record
Expanding its use during COVID-19
Enhancing patient-to-provider and provider-to-provider communication

More from the experts

Dr. Langer stars in the Netflix series "Lenox Hill." Learn more and watch the series.

Kids, the COVID vaccines and clinical trials

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 12:09:58 -0500

Children are the key to reaching herd immunity, but those younger than 16 are not yet eligible to receive the COVID vaccines. Clinical trials are underway testing the efficacy of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in children. But, what does that mean for you and your family, as well as reaching community immunity? Drs. Charles Schleien and Henry Bernstein discuss.

Meet the experts

Dr. Schleien is the senior vice president and chair of the pediatric services at Northwell Health

Dr. Bernstein is a member of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a pediatrician at Northwell Health

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Breaking down the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 10:02:05 -0500

With a valuable third vaccine offering protection in the battle against COVID-19, Onisis Stefas, PharmD, Northwell's chief pharmacy officer, discusses how the J&J vaccine works, its efficacy and what it means for relieving the pandemic.

More from Dr. Stefas Dr. Stefas explains the science behind Pfizer and Moderna's mRNA COVID-19 vaccines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9mJa-V9r0c&list=PLOylAPfMBafmhQIwY75QbOzNcQEpz5tEr&index=7 Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOylAPfMBafmhQIwY75QbOzNcQEpz5tEr

Health care heroes reflect on one-year anniversary of first COVID-19 patient

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 10:18:32 -0500

On March 2, 2020, Northwell Health saw its first COVID-19 patient. In a round table discussion, its CEO and two frontline heroes reflect on the year that followed on this special episode of the podcast.

Michael Dowling, president and CEO
Mangala Narasimhan, DO, vice president of critical care services
Sandra Lindsay, RN, intensive care unit (ICU) nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and the first person in the United States to receive the COVID vaccine.

Each share who some of their heroes are, how COVID-19 affected them personally, their memories from the early days of the pandemic in New York and the hope that the vaccines now bring.

Infectious disease expert talks new COVID-19 vaccines and variants

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 12:14:30 -0500

While new variant strains of COVID-19 present new challenges, Bruce Farber, MD, chief of division of infectious diseases, says he remains optimistic. On this episode of the podcast, he talks about the potential impacts on the pandemic and how effective vaccines, including the Johnson & Johnson single-dose shot currently awaiting authorization, will be against these new variants.

More from the experts

Dr. Farber explains what to expect after getting the COVID-19 vaccine: side effects; immunity; what our new normal will look like; and more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEp6iYqWn9c&t=12s

Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOylAPfMBafmhQIwY75QbOzNcQEpz5tEr

A cardiologist covers COVID-19

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 16:17:38 -0500

When she's not treating patients as the assistant director of the Women's Heart Program at Lenox Hill Hospital, cardiologist Tara Narula, MD, is covering the news as the senior medical correspondent for CBS News. During the first wave of COVID-19 in New York, her role as reporter took on new significance for her. On this episode, she covers:

The stories that defined 2020
Practicing medicine during a pandemic
COVID-19 long haulers
Women's Heart Month
Supporting female physicians through mentorship

Beyond vaccines — the need for more COVID treatments

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 18:05:28 -0500

More research and clinical trials are needed to develop COVID-19 treatments, says Kevin Tracey, MD, President of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. The "father of bioelectronic medicine" talks:

COVID’s impact on medical research
What medications exist — remdesivir, convalescent plasma, monoclonal antibodies, etc.
Research studies underway
What we need to prepare for future pandemics

Northwell research making news:

The healing power of vagus nerve stimulation
New research identifies potential therapeutic target for fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome
Feinstein Institutes research finds sex, gender identity are linked to human brain activity
Feinstein Institutes study identifies Alzheimer's disease blood biomarkers
Top 5 Northwell advances of 2023

COVID-19 vaccine can boost mental health, too

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 12:33:33 -0500

The COVID-19 vaccine is a turning point in what has become a mental health crisis. Manish Sapra, MD, executive director for behavioral health at Northwell Health, and Mayer Bellehsen, PhD, director for the center for traumatic stress, resilience and recovery, explain that the hope brought by the COVID vaccine enables all of us to begin the healing process - and why that is a process we will go through together.

"This has been a long, protracted course, and what the COVID vaccine does it sort of sets the clock where we start taking that identity of being in recovery rather than just being a victim. It just gives a level of optimism that we can actually take a big step against a disaster like this." More from the experts

Read Dr. Sapra's op-ed on community recovery from COVID-19

Listen to Dr. Bellehsen discuss stress management

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Delivering the COVID vaccine in communities of color

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 10:11:23 -0500

Deb Salas Lopez, MD, discusses Northwell's initiative to help vaccinate Long Island's underserved communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Also, hear firsthand insight from Rev. Scott Williams, whose congregation at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Roosevelt welcomed the vaccine last week.

More from the experts

Dr. Salas Lopez writes about how to make community partnerships work

Read more about Long Island's vaccination efforts

Watch Dr. Salas-Lopez and Rev. Williams on CBS2 News

What transplant patients need to know about COVID vaccines

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 13:53:11 -0500

Transplant patients are at higher risk for COVID-19 and should get the vaccine, but only those using mRNA. Lewis Teperman, MD, director of transplant services for Northwell Health and vice chair of surgery at North Shore University Hospital, explains.

Organ transplants during COVID-19

Dr. Teperman led the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) strikeforce, which wrote the blueprint on how to perform transplants safely during the pandemic. Read some of his insights

6 questions with Dr. Teperman on the COVID vaccine and transplant patients

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The COVID vaccines' impact on public health

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 13:10:11 -0500

Zenobia Brown, MD, vice president of population health, discusses the latest with the coronavirus vaccine and all things public safety, from herd immunity to when we can get back to normal. Watch 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube More from the experts

Dr. Brown explains the often misunderstood intention of vaccines

Addressing maternal morbidity and maternal mortality among Black women

Is the COVID vaccine safe for pregnant women?

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 19:33:13 -0500

With limited research available, Michael Nimaroff, MD, senior vice president and executive director, Ob-Gyn Services, explains why Northwell recommends pregnant women get vaccinated. Also, hear Elizabeth Espinal, a research coordinator in her second trimester, discuss her experience getting the first dose of the medication.

Watch this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube

Despite the World Health Organization's announcement that it does not recommend the Moderna vaccine for pregnant women, Northwell Health along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and other national societies remain supportive of vaccinating pregnant women who meet criteria for vaccination.

What's in the COVID-19 vaccine?

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 15:35:58 -0500

As more people are becoming eligible for the historic vaccine, Onisis Stefas, PharmD, Northwell's chief pharmacy officer, breaks down the science behind the medication, as well as the massive undertaking to distribute it.

More from the experts

Relive the delivery of the first COVID vaccines at Northwell Health

Dr. Stefas talks the importance of vaccinations with Healthline

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Using data to respond to COVID-19

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 19:29:28 -0500

When will the second COVID patient surge peak? Data can provide advance warning. John D'Angelo, MD, Northwell's chief of integrated operations, explains.

Watch this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube

Disrupting the patient experience

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 19:45:44 -0500

COVID-19 significantly altered patient experiences. Sven Gierlinger, Northwell's senior vice president and chief experience officer, suggests how it can be used to advance care.

Watch this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube

Gun violence and health care

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 16:09:00 -0500

Gun violence skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chethan Sathya, MD, director of Northwell’s Center for Gun Violence Prevention, discusses health care’s role in stemming the issue and the health system's 2020 Gun Violence Prevention Forum, which featured key speakers like Michael R. Bloomberg and Gabby Giffords.

Watch this episode on YouTube

More from the experts

Watch Dr. Sathya's panel discussion on Streamlining Solutions for Healthcare System Collaboration, which featured:

Lloyd Dean, CEO of CommonSpirit Health
Thomas Jackiewicz, President of University of Chicago Medical Center
Peter L. Slavin, MD, Professor of Health Policy, Harvard Medical School; President of Massachusetts General Hospital

Watch the 2020 Gun Violence Prevention Forum in its entirety on YouTube.

COVID-19 and pregnant women of color

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 18:12:35 -0500

The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly hard on communities of color, including pregnant women. Michael Nimaroff, MD, senior vice president and executive director, Ob-Gyn Services, discusses this impact and what health system's can do to assist.

Watch this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube

More from the experts

Learn more about the MOMS initiative at Northwell Health, which provides improved communication and resources to addresses high maternal morbidity and maternal mortality among Black women

The community of tomorrow...today

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 15:31:39 -0400

A highly politicized pandemic, social injustices and a tumultuous election season defined 2020. Deb Salas-Lopez, MD, MPH, senior vice president of community and population Health, explains how the lessons learned can be used to address social determinants of health, revive poor communities and build a better tomorrow.

Watch this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube

The future of work

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 21:26:49 -0400

COVID-19 disrupted many aspects of our lives, including the workplace. Here’s what we’ve learned from the pandemic and how it will shape work moving forward. Featured speaker: Joseph Moscola, PA, senior vice president and chief people officer of Northwell Health.

Watch this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube

More from the experts

Joseph shares three hard-earned insights on how to manage a large workforce in a time of transition

Leading Through a Pandemic, Part II

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 22:23:15 -0400

Michael Dowling discusses the federal government's response to COVID-19, misinformation and a path forward in part II of this special interview with Northwell's president and CEO.

Watch this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube

More from the experts

Purchase Michael Dowling's new book, After the Roof Caved In: An Immigrants Journey from Ireland to America: https://www.amazon.com/After-Roof-Caved-Immigrants-Journey/dp/1951627245

Leading Through a Pandemic, Part I

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 22:20:58 -0400

In part I of this special interview with Northwell's president and CEO, Michael Dowling discusses his new book and provides a riveting account of the health system’s COVID-19 experience.

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Can telehealth replace primary care?

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 08:32:08 -0400

Telehealth has been a boon for health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Has it replaced primary care, or is it a significant tool in a physician’s belt? Zenobia Brown, MD, Northwell's vice president of population health, explores.

How can health systems help schools get through the pandemic?

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 08:05:07 -0400

Charles Schleien, MD, Northwell's senior vice president and chair of Pediatric Services, discusses opening schools — what hazards exist, what parents can do to prep children and how health systems can assist.

Watch this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube

More from the experts

Dr. Schleien shares his experience battling COVID-19 with The New York Times

Keeping up with your child's vaccination schedule during a pandemic

COVID-19 and the fall

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 17:31:14 -0400

Mark Jarrett, MD, Northwell Health's deputy chief medical officer and chief quality officer, discusses the latest with COVID-19, the status in New York and across the US, what people can expect in the fall and how health care organizations can prepare.

Watch this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube

More from the experts

Dr. Jarrett joins other New York health care executives to discuss the pandemic and future preparation with the American Medical Association