Podcast Summary: Global Health Leadership, Innovation, and Lessons from Davos

Podcast: Becker’s Healthcare Podcast
Host: Scott Becker
Guest: Dr. Eric Choi Pena (VP of Global Health, Northwell Health)
Date: February 17, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode features a conversation with Dr. Eric Choi Pena, an emergency physician and founding VP of Global Health at Northwell Health. The discussion explores the evolving landscape of global health leadership, Northwell's innovative approach to international partnerships, the personal and professional journey of Dr. Choi Pena, insights from the World Economic Forum (Davos), and broader lessons on continuous learning, leadership, and imposter syndrome.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Defining the Role: VP of Global Health at Northwell

[01:40]

• Dr. Choi Pena is the first person to hold the VP of Global Health title at a U.S. health system (typically more common at academic medical schools).
• The Center for Global Health elevates passion projects of faculty and staff into sustainable, strategic partnerships with international communities.
• Emphasis on moving from “medical missions” to “development programs”—helping strengthen global health systems alongside in-country partners rather than simply providing direct care.

“If you can imagine taking a medical mission program and turning it into a development program, something that actually did some health system strengthening work… that's really kind of the genesis of the center for Global Health at Northwell.” – Dr. Choi Pena [01:40]

2. Recognition and Experience at Davos

[03:10]

• Dr. Choi Pena was named Corporate Social Innovator of the Year by the Schwab Foundation at the World Economic Forum (WEF).
• The WEF experience includes speaking about Northwell’s work and engaging global leaders.
• He describes the feeling as “very surreal,” with continuous “pinch me” moments.

“I didn't really envision the system level, kind of population-based role that I have now… It’s very humbling to be in the room with people that I view as are a lot smarter than me, that are decision makers…” – Dr. Choi Pena [03:49]

3. Staying Grounded as a Practicing Clinician

[04:48]

• Despite leadership responsibilities, Dr. Choi Pena still practices emergency medicine (usually every other Friday).
• Believes physician leaders benefit by remaining close to clinical practice, maintaining skills, and understanding frontline experiences.

4. Commitment to Lifelong Education

[05:51]

• Academic journey spans a BA in Spanish American Literature and Biology, MD from UPenn, MPH from Columbia, and MBA from Hofstra.
• Education is a family value; his mother, a PhD in nursing, inspired his pursuit.
• Lifelong learning is seen as necessary for staying innovative and adaptive in leadership.
• Northwell’s culture encourages “pushing the envelope” and permits failure as part of the innovation process.

“If you are standing still, you’re probably going to be overtaken… you can’t really be innovative without having kind of that permission to try something and, you know, not get it right the first time you do it.” – Dr. Choi Pena [08:23]

5. Excitement for Northwell’s Future

[09:11]

• Describes an era of “dramatic” C-suite change at Northwell, with new CEO and COO.
• Sees global programs as a “value add” in driving both domestic and global innovation.
• Recognizes pressures from financial and technological disruptors, with optimism about Northwell’s adaptive trajectory.

6. Advice for Emerging Leaders

[10:54]

• Emphasizes learning something new every day, even in small bites; experiential learning is most impactful.
• Admits that acknowledging what you don’t know and fighting imposter syndrome are key to becoming agile, confident leaders.

"Being comfortable with saying, 'I don’t know the answer to that question, but we’re going to figure it out,' allows you to be a little bit more agile…” – Dr. Choi Pena [12:10]

7. Understanding and Managing Imposter Syndrome

[14:06]

• Defines imposter syndrome as feeling unworthy of one’s place, even after extensive vetting or selection.
• Notes it makes leaders more guarded; real confidence is shown by encouraging open dialogue.
• Acknowledges almost everyone feels this at times, not restricted by role, gender, or background.

“It’s kind of this feeling that like somebody made a mistake, like I don’t belong here… very infrequently is that feeling actually true.” – Dr. Choi Pena [14:18]

8. Insights from Davos: Humility Among Power

[17:27]

• Highlights the unique requirement that only principal decision-makers (not delegates) attend Davos, which accelerates action and collaboration.
• Encounters at Davos include high-level discussions with world leaders and major CEOs; participants exhibit humility and shared commitment to improving global health.

“The humility with which you enter some of those spaces and rooms… they’re just people… coming into these rooms with a genuine desire to improve the state of the world.” – Dr. Choi Pena [17:41]

9. A Royal Encounter: Meeting the Queen of Belgium

[20:53]

• Met Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of Belgium, who is deeply invested in healthcare and serves on the Schwab Foundation board.
• Queen Mathilde approached their meeting with real curiosity and humility, prioritizing listening over speaking.
• Meetings were closed-door and candid, under Chatham House rules, fostering openness and trust.

“You expect that when someone from a queen of a country reaches out to you… they’re going to have a lot to say. And she really was… very inquisitive and really gave the floor to me… listened very intently, had her assistant next door taking notes…” – Dr. Choi Pena [21:24]

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Lifelong Learning:
  “Education’s always been very important... I’m constantly trying to learn new ways of doing things, new ways of thinking about things, because I think if we get stuck in, ‘well, this is what I do,’ then you’re not really on the edge of innovation or of change.” – Dr. Choi Pena [07:13]

• On the Magic of Davos:
  “You can’t send a delegate... That combined with the fact that… you can speak your mind about a lot of the things that are going on… is the magic of Davos. That’s why they call it the magic mountain.” – Dr. Choi Pena [23:47]

• On Confidence in Leadership:
  “The more confident you are in your leadership role, the more you are likely to foster various different opinions because you’re confident in your ability to hear those opinions… and then make the decision.” – Dr. Choi Pena [16:13]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:40] — Defining the VP of Global Health Role
• [03:10] — Davos and Schwab Foundation Recognition
• [04:48] — Maintaining Clinical Practice as a Leader
• [05:51] — Commitment to Education and Leadership Development
• [09:11] — Northwell’s Leadership Transition and the Future
• [10:54] — Advice to Emerging Leaders
• [14:06] — In-depth Look at Imposter Syndrome
• [17:27] — Inside Perspective on the World Economic Forum (Davos)
• [20:53] — Meeting Queen Mathilde of Belgium

Conclusion

Dr. Choi Pena’s journey—from clinician to a globally-recognized executive leader—illustrates the importance of transforming passion into sustainable impact, lifelong learning, embracing humility, and confronting imposter syndrome. His stories from Davos and international partnerships underscore the shared humanity of even the most high-profile figures and their collective drive to improve global health outcomes.

For healthcare leaders and aspiring changemakers, this episode provides tactical advice, candid personal insights, and a reminder that innovation and humility must go hand-in-hand.