Celebrating 50 years of leadership, all of Upstate University Hospital’s former CEO’s returned to be recognized for their work that helped the hospital become what it is today. The six leaders in attendance date back to when the hospital was originally founded in 1964.
This was the year Jim Abbott was CEO of what was then a new hospital. Even with the many expansions over the years, he feels the hospital’s mission has remained the same.
“Well of course the demographics have changed and the economy has changed. Fundamentally though, I think the people really aren’t that much different. And so the things that they need in healthcare still remain important and the things that are important then are still important now”
Abbott helped open the $22 million hospital on East Adams Street, where it still stands today. He also oversaw the transfer of patients from Syracuse University’s Good Shepherd Hospital to Upstate, which is owned by New York State. He says being part of Upstate’s past leadership is an honor.
“I would also submit to you that there aren’t many institutions around that celebrate a 50th anniversary and have all of the Chief Executive Officers of the past participate in the ceremony. That’s not something that occurs very often but I want you to know I’m delighted to be a part of it”
Upstate Hospital’s main lobby was also named after Abbott today.