Dr. Arinayo O. Apara
BHC 40 Under 40 | Class of 2026 | At the Bench
Director of Research Compliance & Global Health Advisor | Northwell Health and Feinstein Institute for Medical Research | New York, NY
Dr. Arinayo Apara operates at the intersection of translational research, global health, and clinical medicine—driving how discovery moves from bench to bedside. At Northwell Health and the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, he serves as Director of Research Compliance and Global Health Advisor, and holds an Assistant Adjunct Professor appointment in Population Health at Hofstra University and the Zucker School of Medicine.
His work is defined by a systems-level approach to healthcare, with a particular focus on bridging scientific discovery and real-world application. He is also a leading advocate for individuals living with what he calls “silent disorders,” elevating visibility for conditions too often overlooked by traditional healthcare systems.
The Journey
Dr. Apara’s path was shaped by early, first-hand exposure to gaps in care growing up. Those experiences led him to recognize that meaningful change in healthcare requires more than observation—it requires strategy, research, and action.
“I quickly realized that true leverage for systemic improvement lay in the strategic integration of robust research and a comprehensive public health perspective.”
That insight became the foundation of his career, guiding his work in translating research into clinical impact while advocating for communities that have historically been underserved.
What This Recognition Means
Being named a BHC 40 Under 40 honoree represents both validation and responsibility. For Dr. Apara, it affirms that his work in translational research, global health, and advocacy is resonating and contributing to meaningful change.
At the same time, it reinforces his commitment to mentorship, representation, and building pathways that ensure innovation reaches the communities that need it most.
What’s Next
Dr. Apara’s current work focuses on developing novel pain management approaches for individuals living with sickle cell disease. A key area of emphasis is improving the transition from pediatric to adult care—a critical moment where patients often face significant barriers that impact long-term outcomes.
“Become truly excellent at finding solutions, not just pointing out problems.”
Dr. Apara represents a new generation of healthcare leaders—those working to ensure that innovation is not only advanced, but accessible, equitable, and grounded in real-world impact.
Connect
Instagram: @dr.tos
LinkedIn: Dr. Arinayo O. Apara
The BHC 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 honors the next generation of healthcare leaders reshaping how care is built, delivered, and experienced. Honorees will be celebrated at the Black Health Ball on June 27, 2026.