Theme: Beyond Boundaries – Innovating for a Healthier Tomorrow

TEDxNYU Langone Health welcomes inspirational stories from its diverse community on how they have used innovation, collaboration, creativity, and resilience to improve the lives of others around them.

Murphy Auditorium
550 First Avenue
New York, New York, 10016
United States

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

When Oprah Winfrey asked Dr. Melanie Jay a simple yet profound question in 2023, it sparked a deep reflection on her two-decade journey as a physician-scientist in obesity medicine. In this compelling TEDx talk, Dr. Jay explores the evolving landscape of obesity care and weight management—from stigma and outdated models to groundbreaking new treatments like semaglutide, tirzepatide, Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound. With clarity and compassion, she examines the promises and pitfalls of these powerful medications and what they mean for the millions living in larger bodies. This is a powerful call to action for patients, providers, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of healthcare.