#United States #Bronx #Health Leadership #Montefiore Einstein #Michelle Gong

Dr. Michelle Gong Takes the Helm at Montefiore Einstein's Department of Medicine

On March 18, 2026, Dr. Michelle Ng Gong was appointed chair of the Montefiore Einstein Department of Medicine. Her selection follows her tenure as interim chair starting in May 2025 and comes after a nationwide search for this pivotal leadership position.

Dr. Gong, who has been affiliated with Albert Einstein College of Medicine since 2009, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. As a professor of medicine and epidemiology, she has played a crucial role in enhancing clinical care and research within the department. "It's a privilege to lead this department and its outstanding community of clinicians, researchers, educators, trainees, and staff," Dr. Gong stated upon her appointment. She aims to further the department's mission to advance health in the community through exceptional clinical care and groundbreaking research initiatives.

Having begun her journey at Einstein as the director of research for the critical care division, Dr. Gong was later appointed chief of that division in 2019, showing a continuous trajectory of leadership and dedication. Within a year of taking on her chief role, she also led the pulmonary medicine division. Under her leadership, the department has significantly increased its research capacity, securing $30 million in funding from various federal agencies and foundations, which led to a fourfold increase in peer-reviewed publications from faculty.

A national leader in the field, Dr. Gong is recognized for her groundbreaking work on acute respiratory failure and sepsis, contributing to the field through numerous publications in highly esteemed journals including The New England Journal of Medicine and JAMA. Her critical research efforts have not only garnered multiple awards but have also had a profound impact on managing critical illnesses.

Dr. Gong's commitment extends to strengthening clinical services as well. Notably, she expanded the neuroscience ICU that supported Montefiore Einstein's accreditation as a comprehensive stroke center. She also spearheaded innovative quality improvement initiatives and developed advanced programs in interventional pulmonary care, including a pioneering Robotic Bronchoscopy Program. Her efforts led to a substantial increase in lung cancer screenings and diagnoses.

Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly noteworthy, earning her the Gotham Icon Award from the Museum of the City of New York. This accolade distinguished her strategic role in the critical care response during a pivotal time for public health.

In addition to her contributions at Montefiore Einstein, Dr. Gong has held esteemed positions in various national and international healthcare networks. Most recently, she was elected president of the American Thoracic Society, a prestigious organization dedicated to advancing respiratory health worldwide, representing over 30,000 members in 133 countries.

Dr. Gong's educational background is impressive; she holds a Bachelor of Science in bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania and a medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine. After completing her residency in internal medicine at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, she furthered her qualifications with a fellowship in Harvard's joint program in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Her academic tenure includes an instructional role at Harvard Medical School, where she also earned her Master of Science degree in epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health. Before joining Montefiore Einstein, she was part of the faculty at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Albert Einstein College of Medicine has distinguished itself as a leading institution in biomedical education and research, closely collaborating with Montefiore to bring about impactful clinical advancements. Together, they emphasize the importance of translating research into the treatment pathways that benefit patients.

As the Montefiore Health System approaches its mission to deliver top-notch healthcare to communities across the Bronx and surrounding areas, Dr. Gong's leadership is poised to help steer the organization toward remarkable achievements in patient care and medical research in the years to come.