Health That Meets Men Where They Are: Dr. David Little on Changing the Way We Deliver Care

In recognition of International Self-Care Day, we’re sharing this perspective on what self-care means—and what it requires—for many men in our communities.

Self-care isn’t always about solo routines or personal time. Sometimes, it’s about being willing—and able—to ask for help. To take the first step. To show up. But for many men, especially in underserved communities, that step is far from simple.

“Many men, particularly in underserved communities, face barriers to seeking care and managing chronic conditions,” says David Little, MD, Medical Director of Adult Primary Care and Geriatrics at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County and a Physician Affiliate Group of New York, P.C. (PAGNY) provider. “Those challenges can lead to serious outcomes like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.”

At Kings County, Dr. Little and his team are working to change that by designing systems that are accessible, affirming, and responsive to the realities men face—delivering high-quality care directly to the communities that need it most.

Why Men’s Health Needs Focused Attention

Dr. Little’s motivation for entering medicine was simple but profound: to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. After a career in information systems, he shifted to healthcare and found a calling in serving historically underserved populations. That mission eventually brought him to Kings County, where he now leads with a focus on access, advocacy, and equity.

While excellent care should be available to everyone, Dr. Little notes that gender-related disparities are real and persistent.

“We often see men delay care until their symptoms are severe, leading to more emergency visits,” he says. “Factors like stigma, limited time, and historical mistrust of the healthcare system can contribute to this pattern.”

This pattern doesn’t just delay treatment—it can drastically increase the risk of preventable, life-threatening complications.While this work focuses on men, gender-related disparities affect all communities in unique ways and require tailored approaches.

Creating a Path from Emergency Care to Primary Care

Recognizing this gap, Dr. Little and his team have developed a proactive approach to connect men to primary care before a crisis happens again.
“We know many men first enter the healthcare system through the emergency room,” says Dr. Little. “That’s why we’ve built a strong collaboration with our ER colleagues to connect those patients with primary care. Before they leave, we offer the opportunity to schedule a follow-up appointment, so they don’t lose momentum in their care.”
This collaboration ensures that patients don’t just receive treatment in the moment—they are offered a clear, supportive path to preventive care and long-term wellness.

Care Rooted in Community

Serving the community of Brooklyn, Dr. Little emphasizes that care must be culturally competent and grounded in trust. He credits the team at Kings County for not only delivering top-tier medical services, but doing so in a way that is compassionate, human, and aligned with patients’ values.

“My patients have taught me a lot about how to live,” he says. “We don’t just aim to treat disease—we strive to support people in living well, in ways that reflect their goals and cultural values.”

The Bigger Vision: Durable Systems, Healthier Communities

For Dr. Little, improving men’s health isn’t about one initiative, it’s about building systems that last. That means supporting primary care providers, advocating for patient-centered care models, and continuing to challenge inequities in who gets care and when.

“My hope is to design durable systems that help every member of our community live a healthier life,” he says. “And to support our providers so they can go home each day knowing they’ve truly made a difference.”

Self-care may look different for everyone, but at its core, it’s about making your health a priority. At Kings County, Dr. Little and his team are working to make that choice easier for the men who need it most.

Because showing up for your health shouldn’t be the hardest part.