William A. Wertheim, MD, MBA, Executive Vice President, Stony Brook Medicine

As the leader of Stony Brook Medicine, I'm focused on strengthening our academic health system and moving forward as one connected, collaborative enterprise. Building on our nearly 50-year legacy of excellence, we're investing in digital health, operational excellence and most importantly, the people who power our mission every day. I'm proud to say that over the past two years, we've made meaningful progress toward our strategic goals by strengthening quality and patient outcomes, expanding ambulatory and emergency services, and continuing to invest in the digital tools and operational capabilities that help our teams deliver the best possible care. We're advancing clinical research and making great strides in enhancing educational opportunities to support our future healthcare workforce. 

Leadership Insights

Federal science funding: NIH critical to LI Medical research

Recent reductions in NIH funding could have devastating consequences for medical research and innovation. In this guest essay, experts from Stony Brook Medicine warn that slashing research budgets jeopardizes breakthroughs in treatments and cures, undermines U.S. leadership in science, and impacts patient care. Read the full commentary to understand what’s at stake and why sustained investment in research matters. 

America, our health care workforce training isn’t evolving alongside our needs 

America’s health care workforce training is falling out of step with the nation’s changing needs. Outdated training models, limited residency capacity and misaligned incentives are fueling shortages, particularly in primary care, geriatrics, and rural communities, even as demand continues to grow. While technology can help extend care, it cannot replace a well-prepared workforce. Read the full commentary to explore why modernizing medical education and training pipelines is essential to sustaining access, quality, and equity in U.S. health care.

AI will accelerate vaccine development and medical breakthroughs 

Artificial intelligence promises to fast-track vaccine and drug research in ways traditional methods can’t match. AI can analyze complex biological data, predict immune responses, and streamline discovery so therapies reach patients faster, all while supporting clinicians rather than replacing them. Read the full commentary to learn how AI-driven innovation could accelerate medical breakthroughs, transform research pipelines and help address urgent public health needs.

William A. Wertheim, MD, MBA, serves as Executive Vice President for Stony Brook Medicine and Health Sciences, where he leads one of New York’s premier academic health systems with a focus on access, integration, and long-term sustainability. A practicing physician and experienced academic leader, Dr. Wertheim is known for his collaborative approach and his commitment to aligning clinical care, education and research to better serve patients, students and communities across Long Island and beyond.

Since assuming the EVP role in June 2024, following his service as Interim Executive Vice President from October 2023, Dr Wertheim has guided Stony Brook Medicine through a period of organizational alignment and strategic momentum. His priorities include expanding access to care through community-based and digital models, strengthening operational excellence, advancing research and innovation and investing in the healthcare workforce of the future. Across these efforts, he emphasizes transparency, trust and shared accountability as essential to building a unified academic health system.

Dr. Wertheim also serves as the Endowed Chair in Graduate Medical Education at the Renaissance School of Medicine, reflecting his longstanding commitment to physician training and academic excellence. His career has been shaped by a deep belief that strong educational foundations and clinical rigor are central to delivering high-quality, equitable care.

A graduate of Harvard University and New York University School of Medicine, Dr. Wertheim completed his internal medicine residency at University of Michigan Hospitals, where he also served as chief resident. He worked as a clinical faculty member at the University of Michigan’s Veterans Administration Hospital, then moved to New York, where he worked at The Brooklyn Hospital Center.

Dr. Wertheim began his Stony Brook career by leading the Medical Consult Service. He later served as associate program director and director of the primary care track of the Internal Medicine residency, then Internal Medicine residency program director, followed by executive vice chair of the Department of Medicine and associate dean for clinical outreach. He has also served as president of the medical staff of Stony Brook University Hospital.

Bringing his collaborative leadership style to each role, Dr Wertheim has been a consistent advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, patient-centered care and the development of future physician leaders.

Mike Arens, Chief of Staff,
Office of the Executive Vice President

Marie Brito
Chief Executive Assistant to Dr. Wertheim

Caroline McCann, Senior Director,
Internal and Executive Communications

Barbara Miller
Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Staff