Founder of Ajenda; Former Chief Medical Correspondent, ABC News & Good Morning America
Dr. Jennifer Ashton: Biography at a Glance
- Dr. Jennifer Ashton is the founder of Ajenda, a women-focused wellness company backed by science.
- A four-time Emmy award-winner, Dr. Ashton previously served as Chief Medical Correspondent for ABC News and Good Morning America, becoming only the 3rd person to hold this position in the history of ABC News.
- She uses her platform to improve the lives of women and girls by increasing health literacy and busting myths that have spread through folklore, especially concerning menopause and weight loss strategies.
- One of the few practicing physicians with a national media platform, Dr. Ashton’s has held dual roles in clinical medicine and medical media keep her on the cutting edge of health news and advances.
- Dr. Ashton is the bestselling author of six books: The Body Scoop for Girls, Your Body Beautiful, Eat This, Not That! When You’re Expecting, Life After Suicide, The Self-Care Solution, and The New Normal.
- With her MD and credentials in Nutrition, along with her accomplishments as a triathlete, cyclist, and fitness enthusiast, Dr. Ashton is as comfortable discussing the latest workout or diet trend, as she is counseling on cancer screening or reproductive health issues facing women.
- A popular guest speaker and moderator, Dr. Ashton is among the leading voices in the country on health and wellness.
Media
AjendaBook: Life After Suicide: Finding Courage, Comfort & Community After Unthinkable...Book: The Self-Care Solution: A Year of Becoming Happier, Healthier, and FitterVariety: A Day in the Life: Medical Correspondent Leading Coronavirus TV Coverag...GMA: Dr. Jennifer Ashton on 'Life After SuicideOprah Daily: Dear Partner, This Is What Menopause Feels Like
Videos
Biography
Dr. Jennifer Ashton is the founder of Ajenda, a women-focused wellness company backed by science.
Dr. Ashton is Board-certified Ob-Gyn, and is also Board-Certified in Obesity Medicine. She is a graduate of Columbia College, Columbia University. She received her medical degree from Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she was elected Class President for four consecutive years. Upon graduation, she was awarded the prestigious Bartlestone Award in Pharmacology. Dr. Ashton received her post-graduate training in Ob-Gyn at St.Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center in NYC, an affiliate of Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. She served as Administrative Chief Resident and was awarded Chief Resident of the Year upon completing her residency. She received a Master’s of Science Degree in Nutrition from the Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons Institute of Human Nutrition, making Dr. Ashton the only M.D.’s with a national news media platform who also has a degree in Nutrition.
Dr. Ashton is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She has presented abstracts and posters at national clinical meetings in the fields of General Surgery, Critical Care and Gynecologic Oncology. One of the few physicians with media platforms who still sees patients, Dr. Ashton is licensed to practice medicine in New York, New Jersey, and California, and is currently expanding her clinical practice to address health and nutrition concerns of women nationwide. In addition, using her credentials in Obesity Medicine and Nutrition, Dr. Ashton treats obesity/overweight and manages weight-loss medications.
Dr. Ashton previously served as the Chief Medical Correspondent for ABC News, (only the 3rd person to hold this position in the history of ABC News), and the first OB-Gyn to ever hold this position in national network news media. Dr. Ashton was the Medical Correspondent for CBS News Network, where she received the prestigious Columbia Alfred DuPont Award for Excellence in Journalism for her work. Dr. Ashton is the author of 6 books and has written a monthly feature column, “Ask Dr. Ashton”, in Cosmopolitan Magazine.
Dr. Ashton travelled to Haiti with a medical team where she treated victims of the earthquake for 8 days. She has traveled to the NIH and the CDC headquarters to meet with and interview Dr. Anthony Fauci and the heads of various divisions of the CDC. Dr. Ashton is a 4-time Emmy award winner, winning for ABC’s Breaking News coverage of the Orlando Nightclub Shooting anchored by George Stephanopoulos, and for ABC’s Good Morning America for Best Morning News Broadcast.
Topics
Life After Tragedy
Sharing her personal experience of living through the suicide death of her ex-husband and children's father, in her latest book, Life After Suicide, Dr. Ashton relates her own story of courage and recovery after tragedy struck her family. By facing her own vulnerabilities, and leaning on her co-workers and colleagues, Dr. Ashton returned to a very public and demanding life and job while struggling to care for her grieving children. She shares how it is possible to find strength and comfort even in what seems like an insurmountable crisis.
Challenges in Healthcare Today
Explained by someone with a unique 'macro' and 'micro' view of modern medicine, as a Chief Medical correspondent who reports the nation's top medical news and a practicing physician who sees patients in her medical office. From communication issues, to health care literacy problems that cross socio-economic demographics, Dr. Ashton provides thought-provoking insights into the problems facing us in healthcare, as well as suggests some solutions that can be implemented by both professionals and laypeople alike.
Teamwork in Medicine and Media
There is some controversy today as to which type of individual functions better in the workplace- the person who works solo, or the 'team player.' Dr. Ashton shares examples from her careers in Medicine and Media that can be extrapolated to any profession. She offers motivational guidance on how to work outside of one's comfort zone, try new things, work well with others (be a team player), and how to take advantage of both professional and personal obstacles and opportunities.
