Transforming systems and driving innovation to build a healthier future for all.
Dr. Ashwin Vasan is a physician, epidemiologist, and proven health leader who has led transformational change across government, health care, nonprofits, and the private sector. He served as New York City’s 44th Health Commissioner from his appointment in 2021 through 2024, leading one of the world’s largest public health agencies, in one of the world’s largest and most complex cities, through the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 mpox outbreak, and a growing mental health crisis, all while advancing ambitious initiatives focused on prevention, affordability, and population health. Today, he serves as an Operating Partner at Commonweal Ventures and a Senior Fellow in Health Policy and Global Affairs at Yale University, where he continues to work at the intersection of health, policy, and innovation.
With experience spanning clinical care, government leadership, philanthropy, academia, and venture-backed innovation, Dr. Vasan brings a uniquely cross-sector approach to building systems that improve health, expand opportunity, advance fairness, and help communities thrive.
Advancing the next generation of leadership in health, policy, and systems change.
Dr. Vasan’s academic work sits at the junction of public health and care, leadership, innovation, and equity, with the aim of preparing future leaders for a rapidly changing world. Before joining Yale University as a Senior Fellow in Health Policy and Global Affairs, he held tenure-track academic positions as a Professor at Columbia University and teaching fellowships at institutions including Harvard University and Meharry College of Global Public Health, alongside his leadership in medicine and public service. Today, he engages students, policymakers, and practitioners in conversations about building healthier systems and translating ideas into real-world impact.
Helping organizations and founders navigate the future of health and systems change.
As an Operating Partner at Commonweal Ventures, an early-stage venture fund working at the intersection of government and technology, Dr. Vasan advises founders, organizations, and mission-driven leaders working across health care, public policy, and innovation. Drawing on experience spanning government leadership, policy and politics, clinical care, and large-scale systems transformation, he helps bridge gaps between the public and private sectors to develop practical solutions that improve health and expand opportunity.
Bringing practical leadership insights to today’s most urgent challenges.
Dr. Vasan speaks nationally and internationally on public health and healthcare, leadership, mental health, AI and innovation, crisis response, health equity, and the future of health and care. Drawing from experience across government, medicine, and global health, he offers perspectives grounded in both frontline experience and systems-level leadership and is managed by the Washington Speakers’ Bureau.
Exploring the ideas shaping the future of health and society.
Through OpEds, commentary, interviews, and public dialogue, Dr. Vasan writes about the systems and forces that influence health — from public policy and mental health to innovation, affordability, and community well-being. His work focuses on practical solutions that expand opportunity and improve lives.
Bringing practical leadership insights to today’s most urgent challenges.
Dr. Vasan is a trusted voice on health and systems change, regularly contributing to national conversations on public health, health care, mental health, crisis response, and policy innovation. His perspectives have been featured across global media outlets, conferences, and public forums.
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For speaking engagements, media inquiries, advisory opportunities, or general requests, please get in touch using this form or email info@ashwinvasan.com.
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