While national headlines often spotlight large pharmaceutical corporations or hospital systems, it’s the passionate individuals working behind the scenes across New Jersey who are quietly reshaping the future of health care and wellness. These are the scientists, entrepreneurs, clinicians, and inventors who may not be household names—yet—but who are making groundbreaking contributions to how we detect disease, deliver medicine, and improve patient outcomes throughout the Garden State and beyond.
At Explore New Jersey, we believe it’s time more people recognize these innovators. Their work isn’t just shaping the medical landscape—it’s helping save lives, improve quality of care, and move the health care system into a smarter, more accessible future.
Spotlight on Innovation: From Canine Cancer Detection to Cutting-Edge Drug Delivery
Let’s start with two standout New Jersey entrepreneurs who are truly thinking outside the box when it comes to early detection and drug delivery.
Shlomi Madar, the founder of SpotitEarly, is pioneering a technology that blends artificial intelligence with the extraordinary scent-detection abilities of trained dogs. This innovative system is designed for early cancer detection, making the process faster, less invasive, and more accessible. It’s a revolutionary idea—one that has the potential to change how we catch cancer in its earliest stages, when treatment outcomes are often most successful.
Meanwhile, Vincent Mileto is working to transform the way oral medications are delivered. He’s developed a rapid-dissolving tablet that melts on the tongue—eliminating the need for swallowing large pills. For seniors, pediatric patients, and individuals with dysphagia or other swallowing disorders, this advancement could dramatically improve medication adherence and safety.
Both Madar and Mileto were recently featured at the BioNJ BioPartnering Conference, one of the state’s premier events connecting life sciences innovators with investors, collaborators, and industry leaders. This annual gathering has become a launchpad for new ideas and a spotlight for the bold thinkers changing the face of New Jersey’s health and biotech sectors.
To keep up with groundbreaking health stories like these, head to our dedicated section here:
👉 Explore New Jersey Health & Wellness
Quiet Excellence: The Professionals Behind the Progress
Not everyone making a difference in New Jersey health care is launching a startup. Many have spent decades in the trenches, leading research labs, managing hospital departments, teaching the next generation of doctors and nurses, or providing hands-on care in communities across the state. Their names may not appear in headlines, but their work is essential.
Some of these individuals have earned accolades from professional medical associations, research institutes, or niche industry groups. Others are known and revered among their peers, but remain largely anonymous to the general public. That’s exactly why we’re putting the spotlight where it belongs—on their achievements, their innovations, and their unwavering dedication to health and wellness.
These are the unsung heroes who:
- Design clinical protocols that improve patient outcomes
- Research treatments for rare and chronic conditions
- Run community outreach programs to promote health education
- Innovate in medical technology, diagnostics, and treatment delivery
- Train new generations of medical professionals in ethics, empathy, and excellence
The Power of Visibility
Let’s face it: the health care world can be a siloed space. Recognition often comes within small circles, trade publications, or annual conferences that most people never hear about. But that doesn’t mean the contributions aren’t worth celebrating. On the contrary—they’re often the most worthy of widespread recognition.
Creating lists and features that shine a light on New Jersey’s top health professionals is one step toward correcting that imbalance. These spotlights offer a chance for the broader public—and the business community—to see who’s behind the innovation, care, and progress driving health outcomes across our state.
Some are just beginning their journeys in biotech and clinical care. Others have been building better systems and changing lives for decades. Regardless of where they are in their career, one thing unites them: a passion for improving lives in the communities they serve.
Help Us Highlight the Next Generation of Leaders
At Explore New Jersey, we want to hear from you. Do you know a doctor, researcher, nurse, therapist, scientist, or health entrepreneur whose work deserves to be recognized? Someone who has made a real impact in a hospital, lab, clinic, or community center? Nominate them for a spotlight in our Health & Wellness section and help us elevate those voices that matter most.
To stay updated on New Jersey’s rising stars and veteran leaders in medicine, health tech, public health, and wellness initiatives, bookmark our full coverage here:
👉 Explore New Jersey Health & Wellness
Final Word: A Healthier New Jersey Starts with the People Who Power It
New Jersey’s health care ecosystem is one of the most innovative in the country. From groundbreaking pharmaceutical research in central Jersey to hospital leadership in Newark, from community wellness initiatives in Camden to AI-driven health startups in Hoboken—this state is built on compassion, curiosity, and commitment.
And while not every life-changing invention or breakthrough makes national news, here in New Jersey, we see it. We celebrate it. And we share it.
These professionals aren’t just shaping medicine—they’re shaping the future of health and wellness for all of us.
Jim Andrews
President and CEO | Deborah Heart and Lung Center
Appointed in September, Jim Andrews brings over two decades of experience to his role as president and CEO of Deborah Heart and Lung Center. Recognized for his strategic vision and dedication to patient-first innovation, Andrews has already begun to shape the next era for the renowned institution. “Jim is a visionary with a deep grasp of health care delivery,” said Board Chair Barbara George Johnson. Andrews hit the ground running, overseeing the opening of The Olsen Family Patient Care Pavilion—marking Phase 1 of a $100 million, multi-phase expansion project known as Deborah 100. “This new pavilion represents more than expanded space—it’s our commitment to cutting-edge care and compassion in action,” said Andrews.
Bill Arnold
CEO, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital | EVP, Southern Region, RWJBarnabas Health
Bill Arnold wears multiple leadership hats, and if you ask those around him, he wears them all well. As CEO of RWJ University Hospital and EVP for the Southern Region of RWJBarnabas Health, Arnold has been instrumental in launching the transformative $1.5 billion oncology initiative in collaboration with Rutgers Cancer Institute. That includes the recent ribbon-cutting of the state’s first freestanding cancer hospital—the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center. “This is the hub,” Arnold said, referencing the broader statewide network being built. “Keeping cancer care close to home is no longer a dream—it’s happening.”
Kalindi Bakshi
Division Head of Life Sciences and Food Innovation | Middlesex County Office of Business Engagement
Kalindi Bakshi is leading Middlesex County’s efforts to become a national model for innovation-driven economic growth. A seasoned entrepreneur—best known for founding Plantology Fuel and Phirki NYC—Bakshi now channels her experience into expanding the region’s footprint in life sciences and food technology. Her office’s initiatives connect businesses with critical resources and emphasize sustainability, equity, and food security. “The REPLENISH food pantry alone has distributed over 500 million pounds of food,” she noted. With programs addressing waste reduction, harvest donation, and workforce development, Bakshi’s holistic approach is changing how counties think about innovation.
Kaitlan Baston
Interim CEO | University Hospital
After stepping down as New Jersey’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Kaitlan Baston took the reins as interim CEO of University Hospital in Newark. Her mission? Lead the institution through a smooth leadership transition while laying the groundwork for major redevelopment. “Leadership is trust-building,” said Baston, who brings a background in medicine, public health, and administration to the role. In early July, she announced the start of a multi-phase redevelopment campaign, aimed at reshaping University Hospital into a modern, accessible, and community-driven medical hub. “This is about building the future Newark deserves,” she said.
Dr. Peter Blumenthal
President | Medical Society of New Jersey
As the 233rd president of the Medical Society of New Jersey, Dr. Peter Blumenthal brings both history and progress to the role. A longtime member of MSNJ and a veteran of occupational medicine, Blumenthal has prioritized advancing physician advocacy, improving patient education, and creating sustainable working conditions for clinicians. “Health literacy starts with conversation,” he said. “An informed patient becomes an empowered partner.” In his address, he outlined his vision for fair physician compensation, clinician-led reform, and tools that bridge the gap between medicine and community.
Eric Carey
Vice President and CIO | Valley Health System
As CIO of Valley Health System, Eric Carey is at the forefront of digital innovation in New Jersey health care. He played a critical role in the development of Valley’s new Paramus campus—a smart hospital powered by artificial intelligence and cutting-edge digital systems. “Technology isn’t just infrastructure—it’s patient empowerment,” said Carey. He was recently named to Becker’s “Hospital CIOs to Know” list and helped Valley earn a “Most Wired” designation for its leading IT integration. “Our systems are built to improve outcomes, streamline care, and create better experiences for every patient we serve.”
Lori Colineri
Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President | JFK University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health
With a career spanning over 40 years, Lori Colineri has influenced every corner of the New Jersey nursing landscape. At JFK University Medical Center, she oversees nursing operations and also leads educational programs through the Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Schools of Nursing and Medical Imaging. Her approach is grounded in mentorship and collaboration, with a strong focus on strategic improvement and interdisciplinary teamwork. Colleagues credit her with shaping a culture of professional growth and exceptional care. “When we uplift nurses, we uplift care outcomes,” Colineri said.
Geoff Cook
CEO | Noom
Geoff Cook is steering digital health company Noom into its next chapter—this time from its new home in Princeton. Since becoming CEO in 2023, Cook has led the relocation and expansion of the company’s holistic health platform, which now includes Noom GLP-1 Rx. “Health happens between the check-ups,” said Cook, emphasizing Noom’s lifestyle-first approach. A serial entrepreneur and longtime New Jersey resident, Cook chose Princeton for its community feel, walkability, and startup-friendly culture. “Ideas are born in the spaces between meetings—and Princeton creates those moments.”
Paul DiMaio & John Rosero
CEO & General Counsel | Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut
Paul DiMaio and John Rosero are leading Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut into a new era of growth, compliance, and innovation. DiMaio, as CEO, has spearheaded efforts to expand benefits offerings, including successfully introducing vision coverage in the state. He’s also a dedicated community leader, guiding the Delta Dental Foundation’s annual $1 million grant program. Rosero, appointed general counsel in December, brings decades of legal and compliance expertise from his tenure at Prudential. Together, they are modernizing how Delta Dental supports patients, providers, and communities alike.
Saad Ehtisham
Incoming CEO | Atlantic Health System
Beginning July 30, Saad Ehtisham steps into the top leadership role at Atlantic Health System, bringing extensive experience from North Carolina’s Novant Health. Known for his ability to lead both for-profit and not-for-profit health care systems, Ehtisham is expected to advance AHS’s mission of patient-centered, community-integrated care. “This is about delivering excellence—affordable, accessible, and forward-thinking health care for every family we serve,” said AHS Board Chair Laura Ann Kelly. With a strong background in operational performance and strategic planning, Ehtisham is poised to build on AHS’s legacy of trust and transformation.
Sari Kaplon
AVP | RWJBarnabas Health, Cardiac Surgery – Northern Region
Sari Kaplon is a dynamic leader at RWJBarnabas Health, overseeing cardiac surgical operations across three major hospitals in the northern region. Her background as a nurse and administrator fuels her results-driven approach—improving revenue streams, reducing blood use, and implementing sustainable project management models. Colleagues describe her as a supportive mentor with an open-door policy and a talent for translating clinical insights into operational improvements. “Our mission is simple—elevate care and empower teams,” said Kaplon. Her focus on collaboration and innovation continues to drive measurable progress across the system.
Dr. Matthew Kaufman
Surgeon | The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction
Based in Red Bank, Dr. Matthew Kaufman is rewriting the playbook for reconstructive surgery. Double board-certified in plastic surgery and ENT, Kaufman is globally recognized for his expertise in phrenic nerve reconstruction—a rare, life-changing procedure that restores breathing function for patients with diaphragm paralysis. “We’re offering hope where there once was none,” said Kaufman. Having performed over 800 of these surgeries, he draws patients from around the world. With elite training from Mount Sinai and UCLA, Kaufman exemplifies the mission of his institute: innovative care rooted in compassion and research.
Kara Kushnir
Founder and Clinical Director | A Work of Heart Counseling
Kara Kushnir is the founder and clinical director of A Work of Heart Counseling in Allendale, a practice she built with a mission to create a safe, empowering space for women and children. Over the past five years, she has navigated the evolving mental health landscape with a forward-thinking mindset, establishing herself as a leader in reshaping how therapy is delivered. Her practice is deeply rooted in family values—staffed predominantly by women and mothers—and emphasizes a culture of flexibility, compassion, and work-life balance.
Kushnir approaches therapy as a collaborative, human experience. She blends evidence-based techniques with a warm, conversational style that mirrors a heart-to-heart chat with a trusted confidant. Whether she’s working with children through creative play and art, or supporting new mothers and adults through major life transitions, Kushnir customizes her methods to fit each unique individual. She rejects a one-size-fits-all model, favoring an eclectic, client-centered approach.
Under her leadership, A Work of Heart Counseling was named a “Health Care Hero in Mental Health” by NJBIZ. Kushnir also serves as the chair of the New Jersey Chapter of Postpartum Support International, where she leads advocacy, training, and support initiatives for new and expecting parents. She is currently working on a children’s book, Mama’s Thoughts, designed to encourage new moms to focus on how their babies see them—with love—rather than on the anxiety and self-doubt that can cloud early parenthood.
Michelle Larkin
Interim Executive Vice President | Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Michelle Larkin currently serves as interim executive vice president at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in addition to her role as vice president of program management. She leads RWJF’s work across New Jersey while overseeing grantmaking initiatives that support systemic change and community health. Known for her powerful storytelling and approachable style, Larkin recently headlined Saint Peter’s Healthcare System’s “Forum at Four” series, where she offered candid insights into health equity, the future of care, and the importance of policy reform.
Her career began at the bedside—Larkin spent over a decade as a registered nurse before earning her master’s in health policy and a law degree from Seton Hall. From there, she held positions with the CDC and the U.S. Senate, building a deep understanding of both frontline care and federal health policy. RWJF recruited her after a successful public-private collaboration, and over the past 25 years she has held multiple roles across the organization.
Today, Larkin draws from her combined clinical, legal, and policy experience to lead initiatives that address some of New Jersey’s most urgent health challenges. Her journey—from nurse to policymaker to philanthropic leader—underscores her unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes for all.
