20-minute health talk by Northwell Health

In the first episode of this two-part 20-Minute Health Talk, Chethan Sathya, MD, sits down with Don Berwick, MD — former Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator (CMS) and founder of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). Dr. Berwick traces his path from early harrowing medical experiences to a career dedicated to improving patient care and healthcare delivery. The conversation moves to how patient solidarity could become a force for change and why simplifying to a single, public payer could create conditions that could fix the delivery of health care while actually improving patient choice and lowering costs.

In episode two, Dr. Berwick challenges some basic assumptions: Does competition truly drive innovation in health care? He argues that cooperation often outperforms competition, citing VA-led safety advances and national patient-safety collaboratives at CMS (like the Partnership for Patients) that rewarded results and spread what worked. He also identifies some of the issues that both health care and politics face in lobbying and the undue influence of moneyed interests.

Host Chethan Sathya, MD, sits down with television host and political commentator S. E. Cupp to explore how a “moderate middle” of Americans can still lead in an era obsessed with extremes. Cupp traces her journey from Republican insider to independent conservative, sharing why principles—not parties—guide her in politics and public health. They break down how nearly every hot‑button health topic gets pulled into political trenches, and what it takes to build real inroads of agreement.

In part 2, S. E. Cupp digs into how to maintain integrity in a chaotic media environment. She distinguishes healthy scientific and journalistic skepticism from conspiratorial content spirals — and explains why some “alternative voices” deserve a hearing while others don’t. Cupp shares how she sets firm on‑air boundaries (including saying no to harmful pairings) to protect her family, her audience, and her mental health — and how those choices can improve the public conversation.

In the first half of host Sandra Lindsay’s conversation with Tareq Aro, MD, urologist, he strips away the fear and mystery surrounding kidney stones. He explains how stones form, why they’re on the rise, and what’s raising the risk for most people. Even better, Dr. Aro provides clear and simple advice on how to prevent the stones from causing trouble in the first place.

In part 2, Dr. Aro explains why many stones are “silent”  — and why they suddenly announce their presence with the classic flank pain, which is among medicine’s most intense. He not only clarifies what to do in the moment, but also the options available to patients, including effective new treatments. Stay tuned for his checklist of behaviors that can help, along with advice on avoiding the stones altogether. checklist to help avoid ranging from minimally invasive treatments to of recurrence if nothing changes—and an empowering checklist to lower your risk.

In the first episode of this two-part discussion, host Chethan Sathya, MD, sits down with entrepreneur Mark Cuban for a candid look at why Cuban has set his sights on fixing the economics of healthcare. Cuban shares how the “power of broke” shaped his risk mindset, why curiosity beats bravado, and how democratized knowledge and AI are lowering the barrier to entrepreneurship. He unpacks the origin and mission of his new pharmacy business, Cost Plus Drugs, which is all about radical price transparency, straightforward markups, and passing savings to patients. He also discusses his new pushes into mobile pharmaceutical manufacturing and how to apply his Cost Plus Drugs lessons to surgical procedure savings. 

In the second part of this conversation between 20-Minute Health Talk host Chethan Sathya, MD, and Mark Cuban, they discuss the twin forces reshaping healthcare: AI and price transparency. He argues that large language models can curb online health misinformation and even augment day-to-day clinical decisions. Cuban dives into policy, praising recent moves to rein in Medicare Advantage overpayments and explaining the drivers of branded drug costs in the U.S. He then unveils Cost Plus Wellness, a push to “open-source” direct contracts between self-insured employers and providers to reduce administrative waste and improve outcomes. Along the way, he makes the case that healthcare is surprisingly easy to disrupt when you understand costs and align incentives.

Research astronaut and emergency physician Shawna Pandya, MD, joins host Chethan Sathya, MD, for a compelling conversation about space medicine’s real-world impact. From an upcoming all‑female suborbital research mission to VR/AR training, remote imaging, and “independent medical operations” for Moon and Mars, they connect frontier challenges to better care in rural and resource-limited settings.

In part one of this two-part episode, William Frist, MD, and host Chethan Sathya, MD, discuss Dr. Frist’s unlikely arc from heart and lung transplant pioneer to U.S. Senate Majority Leader to global conservation advocate. Dr. Frist explains how scientific curiosity and a problem-solving mindset led him from “healing one-on-one” to impact at scale through public policy. He also explores the modern trust gap in public health and institutions, the echo chambers amplified by social media and the clinician’s unique responsibility to rebuild credibility through empathy, evidence and alignment. Dr. Frist’s optimism is grounded in experience: He recounts the creation and success of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief — PEPFAR — a program that has helped keep 26 million people alive and, just as importantly, built durable health infrastructure and democratic transparency across scores of countries.

In part two, William Frist, MD, outlines a rural health strategy that meets people where they are, a plan that draws on community health workers, cultural literacy, and hybrid care models that blend local touch with technology. He underscores the social determinants of health, such as environment, behavior and equity. Dr. Frist also connects climate and biodiversity loss to day-to-day health, explaining how it can impact the heart, lungs and mental well-being. Keeping the discussion focused on the personal, he details actions anyone can take that have a broad-ranging impact. Finally, he explains his investment approach at Frist Cressey Ventures, which backs health services companies that close care gaps in areas such as home-based care and palliative care; these projects have the potential for strong ROI and faster impact than government-led efforts.  

In part one of this two-part 20-Minute Health Talk, host Chethan Sathya, MD, sits down with David Skorton, MD, President and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), for a candid look at a career defined by curiosity, openness, and unlikely pivots. Dr. Skorton traces his nontraditional journey from aspiring Los Angeles session musician to internist and cardiologist, to university president (Iowa and Cornell), to Secretary of the Smithsonian, and back to academic medicine at the AAMC. He shares lessons on saying yes to unexpected opportunities, seeking mentorship in all directions — including a charge nurse who guided him through his first night as an intern — and leading with a “beginner’s mind.”

In the second episode of this two-part 20-Minute Health Talk, the conversation turns to the future of medical education in a world reshaped by AI, information overload, and eroding public trust. David Skorton, MD, discusses with host Chethan Sathya, MD, how academic medicine can responsibly integrate emerging technologies — from ambient listening tools to AI competencies — while ensuring curricula, faculty development, and assessments keep pace. He underscores the importance of ethical guardrails and continuous learning for students, as well as listening with humility and engaging communities as partners.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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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.

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.

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.

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 transplants. 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.

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?

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.

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:

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

Meet our guests

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.

Episodes 1 and 3 are available in our feed. 

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. 

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

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. 

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. 

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.

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.”

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 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.