All Access Healthcare - Addressing Social Determinants of Health to Achieve Health Equity

Dr. Kavita R. Dhanwada is the Founding Dean of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences at Iona University, bringing over 30 years of academic experience as both a faculty member and administrator. She earned her BS in Microbiology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her PhD from Loyola University Chicago.

Dr. Dhanwada’s career spans significant roles in higher education, including serving as faculty in Biology and as an administrator at the University of Northern Iowa, as well as Founding Dean of the Borra College of Health Sciences at Dominican University in Illinois. Known for her commitment to innovative curriculum development, interprofessional education, and experiential learning, she has been instrumental in establishing healthcare partnerships and community engagement initiatives that equip students for impactful careers in health sciences.

Dr. Dhanwada is also a strong advocate for evidence-based teaching and faculty development. As Dean, she is dedicated to advancing the mission of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences by fostering a supportive, inclusive environment focused on academic excellence, student-centered learning, and collaborative healthcare education.

Karen M. Murray, M.D., ’99 is associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology and dean of admissions for the New York Medical College (NYMC) School of Medicine (SOM). Dr. Murray received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Cornell University. After graduating from NYMC, she completed her residency training at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan and Westchester Medical Center where she served as chief resident. She joined the NYMC faculty in 2003 and was an attending physician NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan. Dr. Murray has also worked at Open Door Family Medical Center and served as the medical director of the Women’s Health Department and Ossining Open Door Family Medical Center since 2011. While working at Open Door Dr. Murray established a relationship with Phelps Hospital where she became a part of our Voluntary OBGYN staff. During her 12 years here in Westchester she has continued to make her mark on our community. She received 914 Inc Westchester Women in Business award 2020 and the Doctor of Distinction award in 2021.

Amie Parikh is the Chief Executive Officer of Hudson Valley Care Coalition (HVCC), where she is responsible for setting the strategic direction and overseeing operations aimed at improving access to healthcare and social services for individuals throughout the Hudson Valley region.

With over 25 years of experience in healthcare administration, Ms. Parikh has held progressively senior roles in both the public and private sectors. She has a long-standing focus on addressing disparities in healthcare and social services, advocating for transformative change, and ensuring equitable access for underserved communities. Her diverse experience spans hospitals, community-based nonprofits, government agencies, and healthcare IT startups.

Most recently, Ms. Parikh led HVCC in a successful merger with a Behavioral Health Independent Practice Association (IPA) in the Hudson Valley, as well as the establishment of the Social Care Network for the region.

Before joining HVCC, she spearheaded the New York State Balancing Incentive Project, where she developed innovative models for care coordination and transitions of care to better manage chronic conditions and reduce hospital admissions and emergency room visits.

Ms. Parikh is highly skilled in building coalitions among diverse stakeholders and fostering strategic external partnerships. She has extensive experience working with marginalized populations, including individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, immigrant communities, LGBTQ+ populations, women of color, older adults, and those experiencing homelessness.

Amie holds a Bachelor’s degree in History with a focus on African American and Women’s Studies from the University of Cincinnati, and a Master’s degree in South Asian Studies from the University of Toronto.

Matilde L. Roman, serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Officer at WMC Health, where she leads, designs, and directs the integration and alignment of diversity and inclusion best practices for the network. Prior to joining WMC Health, Matilde served in the inaugural role of Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals, where she developed the diversity and inclusion program from the ground up. A graduate of New York Law School, she has devoted her career to developing policies and programs to support underserved communities that both improve meaningful access to important services and drive positive social change.

Recognized as one of the Top Diversity Officers in the U.S., Matilde spent most of her career in the public sector advancing equity and access initiatives to support the well-being of individuals and families. In her current role, and in previous roles as General Counsel, Deputy Commissioner and Senior Policy Advisor, Matilde’s contributions led to the development and implementation of innovated solutions and programs that created social and economic value and empowered communities.