Northwell Health cares for more than any other health care provider in New York. Hear from their experts -- some of the brightest minds in health care breaking down the latest news and developments.
Northwell Health cares for more than any other health care provider in New York. Hear from their experts -- some of the brightest minds in health care breaking down the latest news and developments.
Episodes

Wednesday Jan 31, 2024
100-plus: Centenarians reveal their healthy-aging secrets
Wednesday Jan 31, 2024
Wednesday Jan 31, 2024
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.
Northwell is recognized as an "age-friendly" health system. Here's how age-friendly care can help you age well.
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.
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Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Top 5 medical advances of 2023
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
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.
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 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 –
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/ northwellhealth X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
School shooting survivor turns tragedy into advocacy
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
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.
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.
Friday Dec 01, 2023
20MHT Classic: Adding PrEP injectables to fight against HIV
Friday Dec 01, 2023
Friday Dec 01, 2023
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.
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.
Friday Nov 10, 2023
Healing veterans: Understanding the long-term effects of burn pit exposure
Friday Nov 10, 2023
Friday Nov 10, 2023
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.
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
20MHT Classic: Why military burn pits are a major health hazard
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
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.
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Covid, flu, RSV: What vaccines do I need this fall/winter?
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
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?
More from the expert
- Eric Ascher, DO, answers the question: Can you sneeze in your sleep?
- Dr. Ascher hosts the Hack Your Health video series from The Well, in which he answers more common health questions.
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
A ’revolutionary’ RSV vaccine and monoclonal antibody
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
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.
Monday Oct 02, 2023
20MHT CLASSIC: mRNA pioneers win Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Monday Oct 02, 2023
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.
More on the history of mRNA technology
Learn more about the history of mRNA technology and the development of the Covid-19 vaccines on this episode of the podcast, featuring Wall Street Journal writer, Gregory Zuckerman, and two of the first Americans to receive the vaccine, Sandra Lindsay and Yves Duroseau, MD.
Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
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.
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.
