NYACP's Physician Spotlight

 In this episode, Neha Puttagunta and Nina Cheranda explore the power of advocacy in medicine, sharing the experiences that sparked their passion, the causes that motivate them, and the initiatives they're advancing to make a lasting impact. 

 Join Dr. Bryant Muniz Safadi as he explores his growing commitment to advocacy, the causes that drive his efforts, and the impactful projects he is actively working on. 

 What drives a busy physician to take on advocacy work? Gurpreet Singh, MD reflects on his inspiration, the issues he’s most passionate about, and how he makes time for it all. 

Pascale Lafortune, MD, is an internal medicine specialist based in Brooklyn, NY. She completed her medical education at Ross University School of Medicine in 2020 and subsequently undertook her internship and residency at SUNY Downstate Medical Center from 2020 to 2024. Currently, she is pursuing a fellowship at Northwell Health. Her research includes a publication on Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficienc...

What does it take to be a leader in medicine? In this episode, Dr. Susan Lee reflects on her path through NYACP and ACP leadership, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and her advice for physicians looking to grow as leaders.

 Join Dr. Amanda Lee, Dr. Shafkat Salam, and medical student Jonathan Herrera as they reflect on their transformative NYACP advocacy internship experience. They share key lessons learned, including the vital role physicians play in educating lawmakers to shape informed health policy — and the undeniable power of speaking with a united voice. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to make a...

Dr. Samuel de Ycaza needed an outlet when he was feeling the effects of burnout.  A chance inquiry led him to discover boxing, which quickly became a new passion that fostered self-reflection, humility, and confidence, enabling him to pursue new opportunities in his medical career.   

Three of NYACP's 2025 advocacy interns reflect on what inspired them to get more involved in advocacy, the topics they are passionate about, and their tips for making time as busy physicians.   Dr. Brent Arcayan, Dr. Fahema Nadira, and Dr. Shruti Varadarajan share experience with NYACP as physician advocates!

 In this episode, NYACP Executive Director Loretta Ponesse and Jacob Agwu, NYACP Health Disparities Fellow from the UAlbany Center for the Elimination of Minority Health Disparities, share their insights on the power of advocacy. They discuss how NYACP supports physicians and patients, opportunities for members to get involved, and the chapter’s legacy of driving meaningful change. Tune in for a t...

Join us for a conversation with two exceptional women in medicine who have flourished through their involvement with ACP and the NY Chapter.  Beyond building their CVs and networking at events,  they've uncovered career-advancing opportunities and built lasting connections by making ACP their professional home. Discover how ACP can empower your journey, too! 

 Have you ever considered becoming a leader or Governor with ACP? Dr. Pomerantz hadn’t either—someone asked and it became part of his journey! Join us as he shares his story, including what he’s most proud of, how he balanced the role with his professional responsibilities and the many benefits of serving as an ACP leader. 

Dr. Benavides entered this journey with a focus on the aging population in NY, with a strong desire to address primary care needs.  During his time with NYACP, he discovered government initiatives, pathways to advocate for his passion, and a community of like-minded people.  Learn more about his experience, takeaways, and tips for turning your frustration into advocacy.    Dr. Raul Benavides is a...

Dr. Sam Eisenberg, a PGY2 Northwell Health (NSLIJ), embarked on a journey with NYACP to combat burnout by proactively engaging in advocacy. With a keen focus on Step Therapy, his timing aligned perfectly with attending advocacy days alongside alliance groups. Join us as we dive into the results of his advocacy endeavors, his experience deciphering legislative bills, and his invaluable insights on...

Medical Student Amanda Greco meets with Dr. Kelley Ramsey to explore her career path in Addiction Medicine.  Learn how she turned her clinical experience into an opportunity to effect change for patients.  

Dr. Bailey Perry and Dr. Debbie Fermin share their experience with the NYACP Advocacy Internship program, what sparked their interest in advocacy, their platform, and what they want every physician to know about the 340B drug pricing carve-out affecting the medically underserved.  

Maddy Locastro is a Medical Student at SUNY Upstate Medical University.  Since High School, she has been working to help patients with developmental disabilities remove barriers to accessing crucial Durable Medical Equipment.  Learn how she expanded her advocacy opportunities through NYACP!

Jazmin High is a 2023 NYACP Health Disparity Fellow bringing her background of Medical Anthropology and interest in health disparities to the Chapter's advocacy work.   As a child, she dreamt of being a classical archaeologist until experiences led her to an interest in health disparities.  She shares her journey and tells listeners just exactly what a medical anthropologist does and how they...

Radhika Prasad joined the ACP Evergreen Award-winning Health Disparities Fellowship program for two semesters.  In this episode, she shares how her experience helped her shape research into practical applications and which bill she feels is important to watch in the NYS Legislature!

Dr. Shane Solger a is PGY-3 IM ER/IM at Kings County/SUNY Downstate.  To this role, he brought experience with making changes in the NAVY to improve the care of wounded Marines.  Learn about his new focus on Haitian Creole Interpreter access in Brooklyn and developing a pregnancy leave toolkit for Program Directors. Dr. Solger shares his advice for getting involved in advocacy and what surprised h...

Dr. Winnie Chu is currently a Geriatric Fellow at Northwell Health.  Find out how a colleague inspired her to get out of her comfort zone and learn about physician advocacy! Her internship focus was long-term care for older adults, but with a lack of experience, learn how she started from scratch and built a solid foundation of knowledge.   Dr. Chu shares what she learned and gives advice to other...

Dr. Vincent Huang is a PGY-2 at Northwell Health.  Dr. Huang was inspired to learn how policies that affect physicians and patients are created!  Learn how he discovered that physicians are vital to the legislative process and how he recommends others can become more involved. 

If you're preparing for the match cycle, Dr. Gabriella Bernal and Dr. Rajendra Shah share their perspective to provide guidance.  Medical Student Committee Member, Rachelle Monteau dives into why they choose IM, how to research programs, and how to prepare in Medical School to match in IM.  This includes their perspective as Internal Medical Graduates!

Dr. Gabriela Bernal and Dr. Rajendra Shah share their tips for Medical Students entering The Match and those preparing for intern year.  Hosted by NYACP Medical Student Committee Member, Rachelle Monteau

Prep for Residency by gathering great resources!  Dr. Gabriela Bernal and Dr. Rajendra Shah share the ones that have helped them the most. Hosted by NYACP Medical Student Committee Member, Rachelle Monteau

Dr. Razia Jayman Aristide reflected on her needs, assessed her personal and professional goals, wrote the most important in pen and has created the work-life integration she needs.  What was her anchor?  How did she determine her needs?  Where did she seek support?  Dr. Aristide shares tips for a professional and personal journey that apply to everyone from Medical Students to physicians consideri...