Frances L. Wong L.C.S.W., A.D.S.
Director of the Asian Health Institute, New York Methodist Hospital
Frances L. Wong is currently the Director of the Asian Health
Institute (AHI) of New York Methodist Hospital. As its Director,
Frances passionately leads the developing AHI program whose goal
is to serve the Asian-American community. The mission of AHI is to
provide the complete range of healthcare services offered by New
York Methodist to patients who would not otherwise be able to
navigate the healthcare system. With her programs, Frances has
touched the lives of Chinese-Americans who are welcomed by the
AHI team and cared for like family from the moment they reach the hospital doors.
The Asian Health Institute grants each patient access to a team of patient navigators. For many of
the patients who do not speak English, AHI is invaluable in offering language interpretation and
complete medical care coordination from arranging transportation to scheduling all
appointments. By stressing continuity of care, Frances ensures that each patient receives
individualized care and that they continue to receive excellent medical services even after they
leave the hospital.
She linked NYM’s cardiologists to external Chinese private practices and in doing so, she
successfully brought cardiology services to more than 140,000 patients in the Brooklyn Chinese
community.
Frances has devoted her entire career to providing healthcare. In the past, she was the
Administrative Director of Asian Health Institute for NYU Langone Medical Center and the
Director of Asian Services for St. Vincent Hospital Manhattan. Frances worked to open the first
inpatient Asian unit in Manhattan. The unit brought Chinese-speaking doctors and staff, an Asian
menu, and traditional Asian medical techniques to Chinese patients.
Using her ties in the Chinatown business and cultural communities, Frances worked with
community centers to offer hospital-sponsored training programs in medical interpretation, basic
paramedic training, and other healthcare occupations to empower the Chinese community to gain
employment. As a member of the Advisory Board of the United Chinese Association of
Brooklyn, she often addresses gripping social issues in the Asian-American community through
giving presentations and workshops.
Frances is a past president of the Rotary Club of Chinatown, New York and as well as Past
Assistant District Governor of the International Rotary District of New York State. She was
honored by the Organization of Chinese Americans Long Island Chapter for Outstanding
Outreach in 2006 and was also honored by the National Hip Sing Association for the Most
Dedicated Community Leader award in 2009. The Asian Health Institute in New York Methodist
was also awarded Best Hospital in 2015 by Assemblyman William Colton.
Frances holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from University of Pennsylvania and a
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies. She was also on the Board of the
New York City Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and has over 20 years of
experience serving as a licensed psychotherapist, social worker, and acupuncturist in the Asian
American community.