Bio
Dr. Jane Bedell is the “go-to” doctor for the NYC Health Department in the Bronx. She is described as unique in her ability to collaborate with local health providers, hospitals, schools, state and federal agencies and community organizations to address pervasive and long-term community health issues. Dr. Bedell’s medical and public health background, her respect for community residents, her ability to both listen and lead, and her focus on finding solutions have made her without peer in the challenge of creating effective multi-agency efforts and community collaborations. The Bronx has seen significant improvement in reducing infant mortality and reducing unintended teen pregnancy as well as providing increasing access to healthier food, among many other successes. Dr. Bedell reflects, “My work as a public servant is similar to being a primary care physician. For both, I want to help build the mutual trust that is critical to saving lives. Being a public servant is as close as I can get to being part of democracy, because public service is democracy in action.”
