Northwell Health prioritizes physician leadership, emphasizing collaboration to empower doctors in organizational strategy and decision-making. Under CEO Michael Dowling’s three-decade leadership, a patient-centered culture has been developed, highlighted by the recent appointment of John D’Angelo, MD, as the first physician CEO.
Dr. Jill Kalman, executive vice president and CMO, underlined Northwell’s commitment to physician collaboration and recruitment. The organization has successfully drawn talent at various levels, fostering clinical excellence by integrating technology, research, and leadership.
Dr. Mark A. Talamini, a senior vice president, noted that having a physician CEO sends a strong message to potential recruits, who increasingly seek organizations where they can impact patient care.
Northwell incorporates physician perspectives through its governance structure, allowing for bi-directional communication between senior executives and physicians, essential as the health system expands geographically. Each local market has a designated physician leader to advocate for their specific needs.
Moreover, Northwell focuses on physician well-being through initiatives like the Stress First Aid program and engagement activities that reinforce community and support among physicians.
Looking forward, both Kalman and Talamini believe in the growing importance of physician leadership, especially in tech and AI, emphasizing that Northwell aims to cultivate a culture that encourages innovative thinking among its physicians to meet the evolving healthcare landscape.
