Some “40 under 40” honorees, from left: Aiden Feng, Peter Chai, Sarah Collins, Jayender Jagadeesan and Jeff Greenberg. See the complete list of BWHers at the end of this article.

Recently, 13 rising stars in science, medicine and innovation at the Brigham were named on two separate “40 under 40” lists for their work to improve health care. The lists were compiled by Medtech Boston, an online publication highlighting medical innovation, and the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF), a research and educational organization that strives to prepare the U.S. health system to provide optimal care for a diverse society.

Ten health care innovators from the Brigham were highlighted on Medtech Boston’s “40 Under 40 Health Care Innovators” list, which is made up of physicians, entrepreneurs, policy makers, students and others. Honorees were chosen for their commitment and contributions to improving health care.

Three BWHers received the NMQF’s 40 Under 40 Leaders in Health Awards, which honor influential, young minority leaders making a difference in health care.

Success comes in many forms, and the right career path isn’t always obvious at first, noted honorees. They advised up-and-coming health care professionals to pursue roles or areas of focus that align with their passions.

Internal Medicine resident Bradford Diephuis, MD, MBA, didn’t set out to become a physician; he started his career on Wall Street. It wasn’t until he became ill that he realized he wanted to help others heal. After graduating from Harvard Medical School last year, he joined the Brigham in July. Diephuis – who was recognized on the Medtech Boston list for his work here and for co-founding a digital health startup called Herald Health – knows he made the right decision to step into health care.

For Sarbattama (Rimi) Sen, MD, a neonatologist and researcher in the Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, being named to the “40 under 40” list by Medtech Boston was a great honor. At the Brigham, Sen’s research is focused on children of obese mothers and understanding why they face health and developmental challenges throughout their lives. She encourages her colleagues to find fields they are passionate about and roles that make them want to come to work every day.

“Once you find it, stick with it,” Sen says. “You might face a lot of challenges along your path, but never give up.”

‘This Is a Family’

Early-career BWHers honored on the two lists said the culture at the Brigham makes it the ideal place to follow their dreams. Sasha DuBois, MSN, RN, a nurse administrator who was among those recognized by the NMQF, says she’s grateful to be part of an institution that encourages professional growth.

Ever since walking through the doors of the Brigham 15 years ago as a high school junior in the Student Success Jobs Program, DuBois has felt empowered to carry out her dream of becoming a nurse. Whether she was interested in going back to school to earn her master’s degree or looking for new opportunities within the Brigham, DuBois said her colleagues have always been willing to lend an ear and offer advice.

“The support and encouragement I’ve received has been life-changing,” DuBois said. “This is more than just a job; this is a family.”

Health care innovator Aiden Feng, MD, MBA, an Internal Medicine intern and resident in the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, noted how he tremendously values the opportunities and support he has received at BWH. Feng, who was named on the Medtech Boston list, is also the co-founder Pillo Health, a startup company that has developed a personal home health robot.

“As a physician, I’m here to make others’ lives simpler, happier and healthier,” he said. “In medicine, this goal can often get lost in the midst of making intricate diagnoses or building lengthy treatment plans. But I’ve found that the Brigham values a humanistic approach to health care and cares for the person in the patient.”

Vin Gupta, MD, MSc, a fellow in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, whose primary research interests surround pandemic preparedness and responses to global health events, was included on the NMQF list. Also a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps, Gupta said his favorite part about working at the Brigham is the culture – one that fosters growth through an emphasis on creativity and provides fertile terrain for those interested in alternative career paths, such as health policy.

“To be a part of a community that recognizes that this type of path is encouraged and celebrated means so much to me,” Gupta said. “You can be a doctor anywhere, but it’s rare that an institution such as the Brigham will provide the intellectual and logistical space to perform multidisciplinary work.”