Parul Shukla, MD, regional chief of colon and rectal surgery for Northwell’s Westchester region, was recently honored with the prestigious Westchester County Health Commissioner’s Public Health Award for his outstanding leadership in improving public awareness of colorectal cancer.
The award was presented to Dr. Shukla by Westchester Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, and County Executive Ken Jenkins at the 2025 Public Health Awards ceremony. Dr. Amler commended Dr. Shukla for driving collaboration with the health department to increase screening rates and reduce colorectal cancer deaths. The ceremony, which took place during National Public Health Week, also recognized three other individuals and organizations for their contributions to the Westchester community.
“My passion for raising colorectal cancer awareness stems from a deep belief that prevention and early detection are the most powerful tools we have,” said Dr. Shukla. “This collaboration is about more than just educating the public — it’s about creating a culture of prevention that will ultimately save lives, and I’m committed to continuing this critical work alongside our incredible partners in the community.”
After thanking and acknowledging his supporters, Dr. Shukla emphasized the critical need for public awareness around the rising rate of colorectal cancer in adults under age 50. He stressed that many of those diagnosed are unaware that early detection through screening can significantly improve health outcomes.
Dr. Amler praised Dr. Shukla’s persistence in advocating for colorectal cancer prevention, highlighting the success of their efforts in bringing together hospitals across the region to prioritize public awareness. Over the past year, Dr. Shukla has built a close partnership with the Westchester County’s Department of Health to bring his message to the community, reaching a wider audience and encouraging timely screenings.
“It is due to Dr. Shukla’s passion and persistence that we are expanding our community’s presentations and messaging about cancer prevention and early detection to include colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Amler. “I am grateful to Dr. Shukla for his dedication not only to compassionate care, but to sparking a collaboration with the county health department.” A renowned colorectal surgeon, Dr. Shukla joined Northwell in 2022 to lead and grow its colorectal surgery program in Westchester. He is an accomplished researcher and lecturer, with more than 120 articles in peer-reviewed medical journals and 17 book chapters. Dr. Shukla also serves as a professor of surgery at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
