Dave Ashok Chokshi stands as a beacon of dedication and excellence in public health. Born on May 8, 1981, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he has carved a path marked by resilience, innovation, and a relentless commitment to improving community health.
As the 43rd health commissioner of New York City, Chokshi’s tenure was transformative, underscored by his leadership during one of the most challenging periods in modern history—the COVID-19 pandemic.
Early Life and Education of Dave Ashok Chokshi: Foundations of Excellence
Chokshi’s journey began in Baton Rouge, where he graduated as valedictorian from Baton Rouge Magnet High School. His academic brilliance continued at Duke University, where he double-majored in chemistry and public policy studies, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. This dual focus on science and policy set the stage for his future contributions to public health.
A Rhodes Scholar, Chokshi pursued further education at the University of Oxford, obtaining two Master of Science degrees in global public health and comparative social policy. His academic pursuits culminated with a medical degree from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was honored with the Joel Gordon Miller Prize.
Completing his internal medicine residency at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Chokshi was well-equipped to make significant strides in the medical field.
Career: From Crisis Response to Health Leadership
Chokshi’s career is marked by his unwavering response to public health crises. His service in the Louisiana Department of Health during Hurricane Katrina and his role on the FEMA delegation to New York City after Hurricane Sandy in 2012 underscore his commitment to disaster response and recovery.
As a White House Fellow during the Obama administration, he served as the principal health advisor to the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs, demonstrating his capability in managing health policies at the highest levels of government.
In 2014, Chokshi became a primary care internist at Bellevue Hospital and a clinical professor of population health and medicine at the New York University School of Medicine.
His leadership extended to NYC Health + Hospitals, where he served as the inaugural chief population health officer and CEO of the NYC Health + Hospitals Accountable Care Organization. Under his leadership, the ACO achieved high quality and cost performance for ten consecutive years, a testament to his strategic vision and effectiveness.
Health Commissioner of New York City: Navigating a Pandemic
In August 2020, Dave Ashok Chokshi was appointed health commissioner of New York City, succeeding Oxiris Barbot amid the COVID-19 pandemic. His tenure was marked by decisive actions and innovative strategies to combat the virus.
Dave Ashok Chokshi spearheaded the city’s historic vaccination campaign, administering vaccines to over 6 million New Yorkers and saving countless lives. He developed treatment protocols, managed the reopening of schools and businesses, and was a prominent public spokesperson during the crisis.
Under Chokshi’s leadership, the Health Department’s budget reached unprecedented levels, allowing for the launch of significant initiatives such as the Public Health Corps, the Pandemic Response Institute, and the New Family Home Visiting program.
Dave Ashok Chokshi’s efforts also led to the establishment of the nation’s first publicly authorized overdose prevention centers and the adoption of a landmark resolution recognizing racism as a public health crisis.
Continuing the Mission: Educator and Advocate
After stepping down as health commissioner in March 2022, Dave Ashok Chokshi’s dedication to public health persisted. He has been an active voice on numerous health topics, including reversing the decline in American life expectancy, combating medical misinformation, and advocating for universal healthcare.
Dave Ashok Chokshi’s insights and experiences have been shared through writings in prestigious journals like The New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, and The Lancet.
In August 2023, Dave Ashok Chokshi was appointed the inaugural Sternberg Family Professor of Leadership at the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at the City College of New York. This role allows him to impart his extensive knowledge and leadership experience to the next generation of public health professionals.
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