Dr. Aletha Maybank Discusses Health Equity, Culture, and Systems Change on Northwell Podcast
01 Jul 2026
Dr. Aletha Maybank, nationally recognized physician, CEO of Novellawells, and former Chief Health Equity Officer at the American Medical Association, recently joined host Chethan Sathya, MD, for a two-part episode of Northwell Health’s 20-Minute Health Talk podcast.
In part one, Maybank reflects on the personal experiences that shaped her path into medicine, from a childhood Fisher-Price doctor kit and a beloved pediatrician to a career grounded in proximity, community, and equity. She also shares how being raised by a single mother who intentionally exposed her to diverse people and home realities taught her an early truth: you cannot understand what people value unless you get close.
In part two, the conversation turns to the evolution of health equity leadership, including the rise of chief health equity roles, Maybank’s own work at the American Medical Association, the post-2020 surge in equity efforts, and the recent regression from those values. Maybank also draws a clear distinction between health equity and DEI, defining health equity as ensuring that everyone has the power, ability, conditions, and resources to obtain optimal health.
Throughout the series, Maybank connects individual experience to broader systems, examining how politics, laws, policies, narrative, and culture shape health outcomes. She also speaks to the challenge of building solidarity among leaders with different theories of change, emphasizing the need to align around shared goals in order to move meaningful work forward.
That message is central to Maybank’s work as a speaker and strategist. Her presentations help healthcare audiences move beyond surface-level conversations and examine the structures, stories, and conditions that determine whether people and communities can truly thrive.
As healthcare leaders continue navigating trust, access, culture, and organizational change, Maybank brings a perspective that is both deeply human and systems-focused. Her work invites audiences to engage with hard truths while focusing on what becomes possible when health is shaped by dignity, connection, accountability, and well-being for all.