Christopher Petrilli, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine; Senior Director, Revenue Cycle Operations Management
AI is fast, precise, and data-driven—but it lacks common sense
and empathy. Humans are intuitive and contextual—but often flawed. Dr. Christopher Petrilli explores why these strengths and weaknesses make us better together. In this compelling talk, he makes the case that artificial intelligence and human imperfection aren’t in competition—they’re complementary. Our future, he argues, depends on embracing both.
Debra Albert, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President for Patient Care Services, Lerner Director of Health Promotion
“Just a nurse.” It’s a phrase Dr. Debra Albert has heard too many times—and one she’s determined to challenge. In this candid talk, NYU Langone’s Chief Nursing Officer shares how a suggestion to pursue a “realistic” career became a lifelong calling. Dr. Albert reframes nursing as a science-rooted, impact-driven profession—far from a fallback. At a time when the U.S. faces a growing nursing shortage, she calls on us to recognize nurses not only for their care, but for their leadership, advocacy, and essential role in healthcare.
Fritz François, MD
Executive Vice President and Vice Dean, Chief of Hospital Operations
As a fifth grader, Dr. Fritz François knew he wanted to be a doctor. But growing up the son of Haitian immigrants and seeing health disparities up close gave that dream new meaning. His talk traces how early ambition evolved into a life of service—shaped by personal loss, community advocacy, and resilience. Through it all, Dr. François shows how purpose isn’t static—it grows with us, and often, through us.
Jeffrey Held
Health System Director of Culinary Operations
Chef Jeff Held grew up with a deep connection to food—and now he’s reimagining it inside hospitals. From his early culinary career to leading NYU Langone’s Cooking for Wellness program, Chef Jeff shares how food can be more than comfort or nourishment—it can be healing. With warmth and humor, he reflects on how food has shaped his life and why transforming hospital meals can be a powerful form of care.
Marie Bragg, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Population Health
What happens when childhood dares move from the backyard to TikTok? Dr. Marie Bragg explores how viral social media challenges can put kids at risk—and how tech platforms fuel that harm. A psychologist and researcher at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, she blends data, insight, and personal urgency to call for stronger protections for young users. The truth is clear, she says—and the dare is to the industry: make digital spaces safe for kids.
Megan Morris, PhD
Member of the Faculty, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
For 27% of U.S. adults living with disability, a medical
diagnosis often becomes a barrier—not a gateway to care.
Dr. Megan Morris shares how her uncle’s life shaped her
mission to reframe disability through a more human-centered
model. Drawing on personal and professional insight, she
makes the case for seeing the whole person—not just the
diagnosis—and asks one simple but transformative question
that could help reshape how care is delivered.
Melanie Jay, MD, MS
Professor, Department of Medicine and Department of Population Health
After 20 years of treating patients with obesity, Dr. Melanie Jay draws upon her experience to discuss where we are with obesity care and where we need to go. Dr. Jay explains how new medications—paired with better care models—could finally shift the conversation around obesity from stigma to science. She highlights what it will take to truly transform obesity care.