100 Most Influential People in Healthcare - 2022

Michael Dowling’s advocacy and leadership land him at the top of Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare list this year. At a time when the healthcare industry faces ongoing financial strain—along with the lingering effects of COVID-19—Dowling has continued to push for growth, with a hyperfocus on patients and their communities. Under his leadership, Northwell, the largest integrated health system in New York state, has enabled individuals with chronic conditions to more easily access medical support, including through the Vivo Health Pharmacy. In September, Northwell announced that it had surpassed $1 billion in its first system-wide comprehensive fundraising campaign, with Dowling increasing the goal to bring in an additional $400 million by 2024. A self-described “healthcare optimist,” he has relentlessly pushed the national conversation forward on critical issues, banding together with other industry leaders to make gun violence prevention a legislative priority. This is Dowling’s 16th year appearing on the 100 Most Influential list.