Even Hospital Presidents Make New Year’s Resolutions

 First of all, let me take the opportunity to wish you all very happy and healthy New Year.  I hope your visits to us are limited to routine doctor visits and preventive care.  

Now about those resolutions… yes, hospital presidents make them, too.  But my resolutions for 2013 don’t have to do very much with medicine.

I resolve to have Downstate Long Island College Hospital (LICH) enter into greater partnerships with community organizations. We already have formal and close ties with the Cobble Hill Association, the Carroll Gardens Association, the Atlantic Ave. Business Improvement District and numerous houses of worship in the area.  Do you represent a local association?  We want to be part.

I resolve to have Downstate LICH enter into more creative partnerships with community businesses. Iris Café, a local establishment, wanted to thank Downstate LICH employees for keeping the hospital open and functioning throughout Hurricane Sandy.  For a period of two weeks, hospital employees enjoyed their generous offer of a free coffee and bakery item while mingling with local residents.  Do you have a local business?  We want to be part.

I resolve to strengthen our Community Advisory Board and have it meet more often, so we know what the health issues are in the community and where, as the primary health provider of the neighborhood, we need to improve.  Do you want to help represent the community, so we can continue providing superior medical care for generations to come?  I want you to be part.

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me at DrJWilliams@downstate.edu.  Once again, best wishes for a happy and healthy new year.