The inaugural Women’s Health Health Lab was held on May 15, drawing Northwell’s top medical experts, thought leaders, and advocates to address pressing women’s health issues

A star-studded and powerful room of women’s health advocates, experts, and leaders came together at Hearst Tower in New York City on May 15 for the inaugural Women’s Health Health Lab in partnership with the Northwell Health’s Katz Institute for Women’s Health (KIWH). The event delved into a spectrum of health issues crucial to women's well-being.

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(left to right) Dr. Dawnette Lewis, Chelsea Clinton, Christy Turlington Burns and Pilar Guzmán speak onstage during the Women's Health Hosts Inaugural Health Lab at Hearst Tower on May 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Hearst)

Hosted by Women’s Health in partnership with KIWH, the full-day, invitation-only event addressed women's diverse health concerns and featured insightful discussions and panels on topics such as health equity, heart health, menopause, maternal health, sports and fitness, and more.

“Women spend more years of their lives in ‘poor health’ than men. Time spent negotiating health conditions for which we need to find more answers. Time away from loved ones, time not spent following their dreams, or pursuing their careers. We can change this,” said special guest First Lady Jill Biden during her remarks at the event. “Together, we will build a health care system where women aren’t an after-thought, but a first-thought.”

The esteemed lineup of speakers included distinguished individuals from various fields to help foster productive conversations to speak about change and advocate for women’s health equity:

  • Dr. Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States
  • Christy Turlington Burns, Founder & President of Every Mother Counts
  • Kristin Chenoweth, Emmy® and Tony® Award-Winning Actress & Singer
  • Chelsea Clinton, Author, Advocate, and Vice Chair of the Clinton Foundation
  • Julianna Margulies, Emmy® Award-Winning Actress
  • Tunde Oyeneyin, NYT Bestselling Author, Motivational Speaker & Peloton Instructor
  • Midge Purce, Professional Soccer Player, U.S. Women’s National Team & NY/NJ Gotham FC

During the event, Hearst Magazines’ editors moderated thoughtful discussions among the invited speakers and KIWH medical experts, including:

  • Jill Kalman, MD, EVP, Chief Medical Officer, Northwell Health
  • Tara Narula, MD, Associate Director, Lenox Hill Women’s Heart Program
  • Stephanie McNally, MD, VP of the OB/GYN Service Line & Director of OB/GYN Services, Katz Institute for Women's Health
  • Dawnette Lewis, MD, Director of Northwell Health’s Center for Maternal Health
  • Laura Braider, PhD, AVP of College Mental Health, Northwell Health

“The U.S. healthcare system historically adhered to a male-centric model, overlooking the distinct health needs of women,” said Stacey E. Rosen, MD, executive director, Katz Institute for Women’s Health & senior vice president of women’s health at Northwell Health. “Events like this are crucial for fostering dialogue and raising awareness about the unique health challenges facing women. By convening experts and thought leaders and refocusing on research, clinical care, and education, we can initiate meaningful conversations, share insights, and ultimately drive positive change in women’s healthcare.”

The Katz Institute for Women’s Health is dedicated to improving the health of women across their lifespan, bridging the gap between wellness and personalized care delivery. With a single focus on women, the Katz Institute provides a complete healthcare connection and defines the standards of excellence in patient-centered women’s health care. The Katz Institute is a convener and amplifier of Northwell Health’s women’s health initiatives, focused on supporting sex- and gender-specific research, providing expert, coordinated clinical care and educating the community on prevention and well-being.

For more information about the KIWH, click here.

About Northwell Health

Northwell Health is New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer, with 21 hospitals, about 900 outpatient facilities and more than 12,000 affiliated physicians. We care for over two million people annually in the New York metro area and beyond, thanks to philanthropic support from our communities. Our 85,000 employees – 18,900 nurses and 4,900 employed doctors, including members of Northwell Health Physician Partners – are working to change health care for the better. 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, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Matthew Libassi 631-793-5325 mlibassi@northwell.edu