SUNY Upstate Medical University: Making a Difference STAFF REPORTER- RODNEY BROWN
In a period when economic hardships are being felt by many people throughout the nation; SUNY Upstate has continued to prosper and maintain a renowned presence as Central New York's largest employer. "We are pleased to be a part of this community," said Dr. Wanda M. Thompson, associate senior vice president. "We consider ourselves to be an economic driver and will continue to employ, educate and provide service in the region." In addition, Thompson noted the institution has hired more than 400 people this past year. "We strive to be relevant in the community," she said. Thompson will oversee a variety of integrative operations including library services, public relations and communications. In addition, she will work closely with agencies in Albany, NY and Washington D.C. representing SUNY Upstate on Medicare and Medicaid issues as well as on public health policy. "I particularly like what this university stands for- and that it brings such an important mission to the community," said Thompson. SUNY Upstate includes four colleges- College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Health Related Professions and School of Graduate Studies. SUNY Upstate offers a Graduate Program in Public Health and also operates a 350 bed hospital. In 2007, Thompson joined the Office of the President to launch the institutions strategic plan. She noted, in order for SUNY Upstate to continue to make a difference in research, medicine and the community; continuous planning and change is paramount and requisite. Thompson will supervise the plan led by Deb Staley who is in charge of the day-to-day operations and implementing the changes over a period of 5 years. "Our initiative begins with engaging excellence to become the leading academic regional medical center in the nation," said Thompson. The
strategic plan covers five initiatives: (2)
Assure our clinical mission is of the highest quality (3)
Research (4)
Commitment to community-world outreach and programs for the homeless (5)
Sustain SUNY Upstate Medical University "Our strategic plan has helped to lead us to realize our goal to become more relevant in the community," said Thompson. Statistics in regards to health care have shown minorities, particularly African Americans, are disproportionately affected with serious illnesses and diseases that are commonly fatal. With Knowledge of those facts, SUNY Upstate has taken the initiative to engage in outreach efforts in communities populated predominately by minorities. Dr. David Lehmann of SUNY Upstate in partnership with the New York City Department of Health is set to begin prevention and treatment seminars with a focus on hypertension in African American communities. In the month of June seminars will be held in various locations throughout Syracuse and Central New York. The seminars will provide information about prevention techniques, treatment and offer FREE screening of illnesses and diseases that affect African Americans. Vascular disease is one of the many illnesses that will be of focus. Vascular disease can cause stroke, aneurysm rupture and poor circulation. People with diabetes are especially at risk. For seminar details, directions and to register (required) call Upstate Connect at 464-8668. "We want to make a difference," Thompson said. "That's the mission of our institution. We apply our talent and services through a combination of training, research and getting out into the community." SUNY Upstate has been widely recognized and has received awards for its commitment to public service throughout communities in Central New York. The institution is credited for creating a program that adopts schools and allow its students to tutor and mentor the kids. Thompson stated that, because of SUNY Upstate willingness to make a difference in the lives of others is why she enjoys working for the institution. "I get to work with some of the best and brightest," she said. "It's exciting and there's always something new." In addition, she stated Dr. David Smith, SUNY Upstate President is a visionary and the people involved with the institution day-to-day operation is committed to his vision. Giving an example of Dr. Smith's inspirational commitment to a vision geared to make a difference in the lives of others, she repeated a common quote by him: [we save life through health care and treatment and create hope through our research.] "It's
great to be a part of- and work for a dynamic institution whose main objective
is to make a difference," said Thompson. |
The
State University of New York Upstate Medical University is an institution to marvel.