Leading Public Health Experts

Dr. Jagdish Khubchandani is a Professor of Public Health at New Mexico State University (NMSU), known for his extensive research and expertise in global health and social epidemiology

Dr. Robert W. Buckingham, Dr.P.H., is Professor Emeritus of Public Health at the University of Michigan and a pioneer of the U.S. hospice movement. In 1974, he helped establish the first hospice in the United States and has since assisted in developing more than 80 hospice and long-term care programs worldwide. He is the author of 12 books and numerous peer-reviewed papers, including five on COVID-19. Dr. Buckingham also serves on the ASPHER–WHO COVID-19 Task Force, advising on pandemic response and preparedness. His career spans five decades at the intersection of hospice care, longevity, global health leadership, and end-of-life studies, making him a sought-after voice on aging, grief, and public health innovation.

Dr. Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology at North Dakota State University, internationally recognized for his pioneering work at the intersection of digital epidemiology, pharmacovigilance, and artificial intelligence. His research harnesses advanced statistical modeling and AI to track and predict health behaviors, medication safety, and disease patterns in real time—bridging traditional epidemiology with next-generation digital health analytics. Dr. Bhagavathula has published more than 250 peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Annals of Epidemiology, JAMA Network Open, and Lancet Digital Health. His work has been widely cited and featured in major media outlets such as The New York Times, where he discussed the real-world safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro). Recognized among the Stanford–Elsevier Top 2% of Scientists (2019–2024) and elected as a Fellow of the American College of Epidemiology, Dr. Bhagavathula is known for translating complex data into actionable insights that shape public health policy and clinical practice. His ongoing projects include NIH- and NSF-aligned initiatives on AI-powered overdose forecasting, digital twins for public health, and real-world drug safety surveillance using explainable machine learning. With a decade of experience spanning more than two dozen countries and collaborations with organizations such as WHO, USAID, and UNICEF, Dr. Bhagavathula brings a global, data-driven, and human-centered approach to solving modern health crises.

Health Educator at the University of California, Berkeley.

Specialties: Population Health, Care Management, Accountable Care Organizations, Sustainable Health Communities, Provider Engagement, Product Development, Business & Health Care Strategy, Product Sales Support, Business Process Management, Telemedicine, Healthcare Information Technology, Operations, Physician Engagement, Clinical Redesign, Patient Flow, Wellness, Strategy, Patient Centered Medical Home, Health Policy, Managed Care, Medicaid, Medicare, Regulatory, Boards, Governance, Public Sector, Public Health, Analytics. Leadership Development and Nursing

I'm an ecologist and geographer at Penn State University. I received my Ph.D. in Geography from Indiana University, and also hold master's and bachelor's degrees in Biology. My research focuses on forest ecosystem dynamics, as well as nature-society relations using both quantitative and qualitative frameworks.

Terrence Hight, Jr., is the Founder and CEO of Hight Health, the world leader in providing access to care for underserved populations. Terrence has worked entrepreneurially and professionally in the healthcare industry for over a dozen years; leading projects for organizations such as Optum360, Dignity Health System, Northwell Health, and WellStar Health System. As CEO of Hight Health, Terrence oversees large-scale access to care community health events. Hight Health events have provided awareness and education to over 10,000 and the in-person events have provided health access to over 1,000 across Metro-Atlanta. Terrence was also a faculty member in the College of Nursing and Health Professions at Georgia State University. In 2023, Terrence received a Georgia State University 40 Under 40 Alumni award. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University and an Executive MBA from Kennesaw State University.

Brian is the Chief AI Officer at Health-Vision.AI, LLC, where he leads responsible AI implementation and develops ethical AI, security, and governance frameworks for healthcare and life sciences organizations in the US and EU. He is also the founder of Envision-Health.AI and creator of HealthRoundsAI, a platform that helps future clinicians use AI ethically and communicate more effectively with patients. With decades of public- and private-sector experience in health tech, AI strategy, data governance, and digital innovation, Brian is a recognized thought leader on AI ethics, AI governance, and the societal impacts of AI in healthcare. He also serves as an adjunct instructor in social sciences and AI ethics and has published in JMIR, Public Health Reports, and the Journal of Community Health.

Growing products and platforms that connect the world.

With over 20 years of executive leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, I am passionate about creating positive social impact and system change through collaboration, strategy, and innovation. As the Executive Director of HealthForce Partners Northern San Joaquin Valley, I lead a cross-sector partnership that connects healthcare, education, and workforce development to mitigate workforce shortages and build career opportunities in the region. My core competencies include business development, fundraising, communication, marketing, event planning, and board and staff development. I hold the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential and have successfully planned and executed large-scale events and campaigns, secured impactful gifts, and modernized processes and systems. I also have a background in sports marketing and media, technology startups, consulting and teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. I enjoy building lasting relationships and sustainable partnerships with diverse stakeholders.

Eric is a seasoned executive with broad health IT expertise and relevant entrepreneurial skills. Following successfully founding G2Xchange Health, a membership-based online competitive intelligence firm for Federal Health IT executives, Eric recognized that environmental factors have been long neglected by the medical community. He founded DailyBreath, LLC to bring personalized environmental health to the vulnerable populations. Inspired to address environmental factors as a determinant of health for vulnerable populations, Eric has spent more than 10,000 hours in the domain of environmental factors and respiratory conditions. He quickly became a thought leader in understanding the impact of weather and environmental exposures on respiratory patients.

Dr. James Lyons, M.D., is an internationally trained physician that was born in Germany. He is the son of a teacher and army veteran and was raised in Texas, but traveled extensively during his medical training. From medical rotations in French Hospital Systems, to his training in Miami at Ryder Trauma medical center and psychiatric training at TGK Prison, his depth of knowledge for those in acute crises is vast. In addition to his doctorate in medicine, Dr. Lyons also holds a Masters of Medical Sciences and coordinated research trials for schizophrenia pharmaceutical treatments in Dallas, TX. He completed his residency in Rural Michigan as a Family Medicine Physician, where he made home visits, and was rigorously trained in all aspects of medical care from delivering and caring for newborns, to end of life care. In his final year of training, he was named chief resident of this program. After 3 additional years practicing in rural east texas as a hospitalist in the acute setting, he, his wife, and their 4 children now reside back in Texas where he was raised, where his parents are retired, and where his sister works as a registered nurse in hospital leadership. Dr. Lyons continues to practice medicine in the acute setting as a hospitalist and emergency room physician in the greater Austin area. Aside from direct patient care, Dr. Lyons provides medical expertise and consulting while also being actively involved in performance improvement, infection control, and medical executive committees in the hospitals where he practices.

I’m a lifesciences compliance strategist with a passion for building real-world, right-sized programs in fast-moving environments. With deep experience in pharma and medtech, I specialize in translating regulatory complexity into practical, actionable frameworks. I’ve spent 7+ years navigating the gray areas of compliance—from training physicians on industry expectations to building startup programs from the ground up. I believe compliance should be ethical, functional, and human-centered—and that culture is built through clarity, storytelling, and respect, not fear. Outside of policy and audits, I speak regularly on startup compliance and love turning “boring” topics into memorable moments. I'm here to connect, create, and contribute.

Experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in the health IT industry. Strong community and social services professional skilled in U.S. Department of Defense, Information Technology Solutions, Customer Service, Consulting, Digital/Print Marketing, and Strategic Planning.

PhD in behavioral science (London School of Economics). Passionate about understanding decisions and behavior, specifically in the context of health and healthcare.

Aaron Blight, Ed.D., is an international speaker and consultant on caregiving, aging, and healthcare. He is the Founder of Caregiving Kinetics and has been recognized as a “Top 100 Healthcare Leader” by the International Forum on Advancements in Healthcare. Dr. Blight works with providers that serve aging and disabled populations to deliver workforce consulting, training for front-line caregivers, focus group research, and leadership advisory services. He also serves general employers that wish to support their employees with caregiving responsibilities at home. His career leading healthcare organizations spans more than two decades and includes the successful creation, development, and sale of a large home care company; a series of policy leadership positions at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; and the study of caregiving as a phenomenon of social science. Dr. Blight speaks with groups all over the world about caregiving. In workshops and conference talks, he invites participants to think deeply about the meaning and significance of their individual caregiving experiences. His book, When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative, received a Best Indie Book Award, an IPPY Award, and a Mom’s Choice Award. Dr. Blight holds a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, a master’s degree from the University of Baltimore, and a doctorate degree from The George Washington University. He serves as an Assistant Professor of Public Health at Shenandoah University, an honorary board member of the Well Spouse Association, an advisory board member of the Duet Meaning & Hope Institute, and an advisory board member of Seniors First.

PhD in behavioral science (London School of Economics). Passionate about understanding decisions and behavior, specifically in the context of health and healthcare.

Dr. Enad is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, trauma, and joint replacement. He has authored multiple publications and is regularly cited in the media for his clinical knowledge. He also has clinical interest in exercise physiology and obesity medicine.

Dr. Natasha John is an academic writer based in London, UK, with a PhD and a deep passion for education and research. She is currently affiliated with NursingAssignmentHelpers.co.uk, where she dedicates her expertise to supporting students in their academic journeys. With a talent for simplifying complex ideas, Natasha strives to make learning more accessible and engaging for all. When she’s not working on academic projects, she enjoys exploring London’s vibrant streets, discovering new cafés, and spending time immersed in books and good coffee.

Darrion Phelps, Sr. leads with a rare blend of strategy and street-level insight. As Chief Marketing Officer of Roxford Digital, he’s built a model that bridges the gap between online visibility and local credibility. His approach aligns marketing with business development — two sides of the same growth engine. Through marketing, his team strengthens a brand’s online presence, optimizing search, content, and communication so patients can find, trust, and select a preferred provider. Through business development, he mobilizes Brand Growth Partners — professionals who serve as local ambassadors developing referral relationships, building community awareness, and turning trust into measurable growth. It’s a system designed to make healthcare brands seen online and chosen in person — blending modern marketing precision with relationship-driven connections.