New York, NY (October 23, 2025) – New York Academy of Medicine hosted its 30th annual gala on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Nearly 250 people in attendance gathered in the organization’s historic library to honor three healthcare champions and to unite behind one unified purpose: healthier, longer lives for all.
Kristine Johnson, an Emmy-award winning CBS News New York anchor and TV news journalist, hosted the gala for the first time. Johnson welcomed all in attendance with her signature conversational style, charm, and warmth.
“Your presence here tonight is a testament to your compassion and your commitment to our shared mission,” Johnson said during her opening remarks. “Tonight, we stand together, united by a shared goal of healthier, longer lives for everyone. It’s not just an aspiration; it’s a responsibility we all embrace together.”
Johnson welcomed Ann Kurth, PhD, CNM, MPH, New York Academy of Medicine president, who spoke passionately about the nonprofit’s mission and exciting work on the horizon. Dr. Kurth emphasized that New York Academy of Medicine is both a long-standing and forward-looking institution.
“From pioneering public health and sanitation, from transforming safer childbirth, and accessible vaccine programs, to tackling the urgent challenges of a warming climate, we have consistently stood at the forefront of progress,” she explained. “By keeping our eyes on the future, we turn the possibility of healthier, longer lives into a reality for our fellow New Yorkers and for communities around the globe.”
Each of New York Academy of Medicine’s three annual awards were given to deserving health equity advocates at the annual gala. The first award, the Healthcare Legacy award, was given to John ‘Jack’ W. Rowe, MD, Julius B. Richmond Professor of Health Policy and Aging, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. Johnson asked Dr. Rowe to talk in depth about the term ‘successful aging’ that he coined in 1987. He is a subject matter expert regarding addressing health outcomes in older adults.
“At any given age, say 65, with advances in the prevention of disease and in treatment, the portion of remaining life going forward would be more healthy and less disabled. That’s the optimistic vision,” he elaborated before providing important nuance. “We now have emerging evidence that it’s only happening for people in higher socioeconomic groups.”
The Bold and Brave award was given next to Tom Wright, president and CEO of Regional Plan Association (RPA), in recognition for his innovative urban planning work and advocacy. Wright spoke about some of the challenges and opportunities in creating more livable cities for all, and the effect that urban planning has on health outcomes. He talked about the potential successes of congestion pricing, including health outcomes.
“Traffic fatalities in New York City are down by about a third this year,” Wright emphasized, referencing data on the first six months of this year compared to the previous one, and noting that air quality comparisons will be another measure to watch.
The evening’s final honor, the Health Equity Champion Award, was given to Pat Wang, president and CEO of Healthfirst, who has worked tirelessly in support of high-quality, equitable care. Wang spoke about the pressing need to focus on providing dignified care for vulnerable populations.
“We all are driven by personal experience, and health is personal,” she explained. “When you start from that premise of doing a good thing for communities and people who are uninsured, the question is ‘What’s next? What do we do to make sure that people have the experience and the care they want?’”
Each awardee shared a unique message and perspective, yet all emphatically spoke in alignment with New York Academy of Medicine’s mission to create healthier, longer lives for all. The Academy is grateful to Kristine Johnson for being a gracious emcee, to our three honorees for sharing their knowledge and advice, and for all in attendance for their time, generosity, and for building a forward-looking health advocacy community alongside us.
About New York Academy of Medicine
New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) is a leading voice for innovation in population health. With over 178 years of history, NYAM is committed to a future where everyone has what they need for a healthier, longer life. Guided by the expertise of its 1,800 Fellows, a world-class historical medical library, and its convening, capacity-building and community-informed research, NYAM creates actionable solutions to today’s most pressing health challenges. To learn more, visit www.nyam.org.
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