Building healthier cities: A conversation with Ashwin Vasan, MD, part 1
Wed Jan 28 2026
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.
Listen to Part 2
Listen to Part 3
About Northwell Health
Northwell Health is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 28 hospitals, 890 outpatient facilities and more than 16,600 affiliated physicians.
We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We're training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies.
For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
Get the latest news and insights from our experts in the Northwell Newsroom:
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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.
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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. Listen to Part 2 Listen to Part 3 About Northwell Health Northwell Health is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 28 hospitals, 890 outpatient facilities and more than 16,600 affiliated physicians. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We're training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. Get the latest news and insights from our experts in the Northwell Newsroom: Press releases Insights Podcasts Publications Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities. Get more expert insights from leading experts in the field — Northwell Newsroom. Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.