
Working with communities, organizations, and individuals to improve health & health equity, and create a brighter future
Supporting education and innovation.
For over four decades, I have dedicated my career to improving the health and well-being of communities and individuals. As a physician, public health leader, addiction psychiatrist, researcher, and educator, I bring a deep commitment to advancing health equity and fostering meaningful change. My work is rooted in a belief that innovation and education are the cornerstones of creating sustainable solutions to the challenges we face in healthcare, from addressing disparities to embracing the transformative potential of emerging technologies like AI and digital health.
Through my initiatives and collaborations, I strive to bridge the gap between vision and action. Whether developing cutting-edge health innovations, consulting on impactful public health strategies, or sharing reflections through poetry and creative expression, my goal is to inspire and empower others to create lasting change. Let’s work together to turn challenges into opportunities, harnessing the power of collaboration, innovation, and education to shape a healthier, more equitable world.
Catalyst for Health & Health Equity System Change
Throughout my career, I have been a driving force behind transformative changes in healthcare systems, public health, and education. My work focuses on addressing systemic inequities by integrating innovative strategies, collaborative leadership, and evidence-based solutions. By fostering partnerships across academic institutions, health organizations, and communities, I aim to dismantle barriers to care and create inclusive systems that prioritize equitable access, better outcomes, and sustainable change for all. Together, we can reimagine and build systems that serve everyone, ensuring health equity becomes the standard, not the exception.
Discovery and Innovation: Behavioral Health Interventions and Technology
Advancing behavioral health requires a commitment to discovery and innovation that bridges science, technology, and compassionate care. My work focuses on developing and implementing interventions that address mental health and addiction challenges, leveraging emerging technologies like AI, digital therapeutics, and telehealth. By combining evidence-based practices with innovative tools, I strive to enhance access, personalize care, and improve outcomes for individuals and communities. Through collaboration with researchers, clinicians, and technologists, I aim to transform behavioral health systems, making them more responsive, equitable, and effective for those in need.
Mentoring, Coaching, and Support for Communities and Individuals
Mentorship and coaching are at the heart of empowering individuals and communities to achieve their full potential. I am dedicated to guiding future leaders, healthcare professionals, and changemakers by sharing insights, fostering growth, and nurturing resilience. Whether through one-on-one coaching, group mentorship, or community initiatives, my approach focuses on building skills, confidence, and a shared vision for creating meaningful change. By providing personalized support and fostering collaborative learning, I aim to inspire individuals and communities to take bold steps toward healthier, more equitable futures. Together, we can cultivate leadership, innovation, and a lasting impact.
Lots of gratitude to so many for our work together in making a difference. To all the organizations and individuals in the community, including the many faculty, staff, and students across many Academic Health Centers - Thank You!

CONFRONTING ADDICTION: FROM PREVENTION TO RECOVERY
Addressing addiction requires a comprehensive approach that spans prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery. My work is dedicated to combating the stigma surrounding addiction while advancing strategies that prioritize evidence-based care and community-centered solutions. From developing prevention programs that target root causes to implementing innovative treatment models, I strive to support individuals and families on their journey to recovery. By collaborating with healthcare systems, policymakers, and community leaders, I aim to create pathways that ensure access to care, promote resilience, and foster hope. Together, we can build a future where prevention and recovery are not just possibilities but realities for all.
Contact
Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Email
dmziedonis@gmail.com
Photo Credit: Jett Loe - first image on home page