Michael Dowling ’74 MSW

Michael Dowling is one of healthcare’s most influential voices, taking a stand on societal issues, such as gun violence and immigration, that many healthcare leaders shy away from. As CEO emeritus of Northwell Health, he serves in an advisory capacity, supporting the advancement of key public health initiatives and focusing on teaching and writing.

Dowling has received many awards over the years. In 2024, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland presented him with an honorary fellowship, the organization’s highest honor, which recognizes those who have made significant contributions and can inspire future generations of surgical leaders. In 2020, he received the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad, which recognizes individuals for their contributions to Ireland and to Irish communities abroad, presented by the president of Ireland. He also received an honorary fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and is a board member of the Foreign Policy Association.

In 2025, Time recognized Dowling as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Global Health. In 2020, Dowling received the Deming Cup from the Columbia Business School and was ranked No. 1 on Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare in 2022. In 2017, he served as the Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in NYC. He also chairs the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

Prior to joining Northwell in 1995, Dowling served in the New York state government for 12 years. He held several leadership roles, including director of health, education, and human services; commissioner of social services; and deputy secretary and chief adviser to former Governor Mario Cuomo. Dowling was previously a professor of social policy and an assistant dean of Fordham’s Graduate School of Social Services.

He has received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and a number of honorary degrees from Fordham University, University College Dublin (Ireland), and the prestigious Queen’s University Belfast. Dowling served as Northwell’s first president and chief executive officer for more than 23 years before transitioning to his role of CEO emeritus in October 2025. His extraordinary tenure was characterized by significant growth, industry innovation, and a steadfast commitment to enhancing health for all.

Dowling is a respected author of multiple books, covering both critical healthcare topics and his life story. His works include Leading Through a Pandemic (2020) on Northwell’s COVID-19 response, his 2020 memoir After the Roof Caved In, and the co-authored The Aging Revolution (2024) and Health Care Reboot (2018), which explore geriatric health advancements and broader trends in American medicine, respectively.