100 Most Influential People in Healthcare - 2024

Dowling has headed the largest health system in New York — with 21 hospitals, nearly 900 outpatient facilities and a research enterprise — since 2002. Under his leadership, the organization has continued to expand, with Northwell announcing its intention this year to acquire Danbury, Connecticut-headquartered Nuvance Health. A prominent advocate for gun control, he participated in a White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention meeting this year that convened more than 80 healthcare executives looking to address the ongoing crisis. He also started the CEO Council on Gun Violence Prevention and Safety, which comprises more than 50 prominent leaders who seek to organize and spur action. Dowling additionally supports innovations from Northwell’s research arm, such as an artificial intelligence-powered pancreatic cancer detection device and a “double neural bypass” for paralyzed patients.