Mr Michael J. Dowling is President and Chief Executive Officer of Northwell Health, which delivers world-class clinical care throughout the New York metropolitan area, pioneering research at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and a visionary approach to medical education highlighted by the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies.

Northwell Health is the largest integrated healthcare system in New York State with a total workforce of more than 66,000 employees — the state’s largest private employer. With 23 hospitals, 6,675 hospital and long-term care beds, 650 outpatient physician practices and a full complement of long-term care services, Northwell is one of the largest health systems in the United States, with US$11 billion in annual revenue. 

Before joining Northwell Health in 1995, Mr Dowling was a Senior Vice President at Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield and served in New York State government for 12 years, including seven years as state director of Health, Education and Human Services and deputy secretary to the governor. He was also commissioner of the New York State Department of Social Services. Previously, he was a professor of social policy and assistant dean at the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Services.

Presentation Synopsis
1. The Case For Optimism
Amidst an increasing avalanche of negativity about healthcare delivery and cost, it is worth remembering the achievements, the successes and the innovation that are constantly occurring. To a great extent we suffer from a crisis of success, not failure. This lecture will address these issues and their context. 

2. Promoting Innovation: From Within
The concept of innovation is constantly talked about. How to promote entrepreneurship among staff and leadership will be the subject of this discussion using concrete examples that have proven successful. Innovation is a core competency of good organisations but requires leadership and a degree of risk taking. 

3. Creating A Learning Organisation
Great organisations, at their core, are about people, talent, behaviors, values and the creation of a culture of continuous learning. These issues will be discussed using the experience of Northwell – the largest and most integrated system in New York State.