NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Hosts Columbia University Students for Discussion on Public Health Leadership

NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Hosts Columbia University Students for Discussion on Public Health Leadership

Event connected Metropolitan Hospital's senior leadership with 40 soon-to-be graduates of the Mailman School of Public Health

Discussion highlighted community-based care, hospital leadership, and public service within the nation's largest public health care system

Dec 24, 2025

NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan announced today that it hosted 40 Master of Public Health students from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health to connect soon-to-be graduates for a Public Health Fireside Chat with the hospital's senior leadership. The conversation, facilitated by Metropolitan Hospital's Chief Executive Officer, Julian S. John, MPA, Chief Operating Officer Elsa Cosme, MBA, and Metropolitan Hospital Auxiliary President Betsy Mendez White, MPH, covered the importance of community-based care, hospital leadership, innovation, and public service within the nation's largest public health system.

The event provided students with firsthand insight into the role of a safety-net hospital within a larger public health care ecosystem. Metropolitan leadership discussed the daily operational and strategic decisions that shape care delivery, particularly in an under-served community like East Harlem where residents have higher rates of preventable health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, HIV, certain cancers, as well as lower rates of healthcare access and insurance coverage.

"Exposing students to community-focused care models allows them the opportunity to better understand the realities of localized care and the responsibility we share in improving health outcomes locally and nationally," said NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Chief Executive Officer, Julian S. John, MPA. "Public service is a privilege and mentorship is critical. We are happy to offer students the chance to learn from those who have navigated healthcare leadership and offer insights that can help shape their careers."

"This event allowed Metropolitan to show students firsthand what hospital operations and the journey to leadership truly looks like at the local level, and the lasting impact it can have on patients, communities, and their own careers," said NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Chief Operating Officer, Elsa Cosme, MBA.

"Supporting the next generation of public health leaders is central to Metropolitan's mission, and we are proud to welcome students who are committed to understanding community needs and serving with purpose," said NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Hospital Auxiliary President, Betsy Mendez White, MPH.

The discussion also explored what qualities it takes to lead in the health care field: resilience, vision, and heart. Leaders shared their personal journeys, offering students valuable insights into navigating the challenges of today's healthcare climate. The conversation allowed students the unique opportunity to engage directly with senior hospital leadership, asking questions to inform their careers, including how to best apply their passion for public service in an evolving industry.

As one of New York City's oldest public hospitals and with a 150-year legacy of empowering the next generation of healthcare leaders, Metropolitan Hospital supports a range of educational programs - including medical residencies, nursing and allied health professional trainings, pre-collegiate and direct to workforce programs, as well as a robust volunteer network - to help develop future healthcare professionals and strengthen local pathways to careers in public service.

MEDIA CONTACT: Domonique Chaplin, NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan, (212) 423-7782

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About NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan
NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan is a 338-bed facility serving East Harlem and surrounding communities. Known historically as the primary health care provider in El Barrio, Metropolitan delivers high-quality, compassionate care to over 400,000 clinic visits and more than 60,000 emergency room visits annually. The hospital is a designated Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Center of Excellence and a recognized "Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality" by the Human Rights Campaign. Since 2021, the hospital has been ranked #1 in New York State for health equity and inclusivity across all categories by the Lown Institute. Metropolitan has earned numerous honors, including the AORN, Beacon, Lantern, and Pathway to Excellence with Distinction awards, and national recognition in U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals list. With a legacy spanning 150 years, Metropolitan maintains the nation's oldest municipal hospital-medical school affiliation through its longstanding partnership with New York Medical College.

https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/locations/metropolitan

About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city's five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system's trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlus health plan-all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 46,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.