Montefiore News Releases

Dr. Steven M. Safyer, President & CEO of Montefiore Medical Center (center), was presented with the Healthcare Leadership Award by Jim Stiles, MHHC Board Treasurer.  Also pictured is Verona Greenland, President & CEO of MHHC.

Healthcare Leadership Award Signifies Efforts to Advance Quality Healthcare

New York City, NY (May 24, 2012) – Steven M. Safyer, MD, President & CEO of Montefiore Medical Center, received the Healthcare Leadership Award from the Morris Heights Health Center (MHHC) Foundation at its Annual Impact Awards Gala on May 23. The award recognizes Dr. Safyer’s leadership in advancing quality healthcare in the community.

Other honorees were Dr. Geneive Brown Metzger, former Jamaican Consul General to New York, recipient of the Service Excellence Award, and the Honorable Fernando Cabrera, New York City Council Member, District 14, recipient of the Community Advocacy Award.

“I am honored to be recognized by such an outstanding organization,” said Dr. Safyer. “Morris Heights is a model of truly excellent community-based and comprehensive health care responding dynamically to the needs of the Bronx. Montefiore’s longstanding partnership with Morris Heights is a source of great personal pride and is essential to achieving our shared vision—providing innovative care that transforms health and enriches lives.”

The gala’s purpose was to raise funds and awareness in support of the programs and initiatives of Morris Heights University (MHU), which was created to answer the call for increasing numbers of diverse, highly educated, and qualified healthcare professionals. MHU is a comprehensive learning center, which focuses on developing clinical capabilities and knowledge, information technology, management development, and work skills enhancement.

The Mistress of Ceremony for the evening was Lynda Baquero of WNBC 4 New York. The event was held at Marina del Rey in the Bronx. An accomplished physician leader and highly respected healthcare executive, Dr. Safyer has been at Montefiore for over 30 years, previously serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. Throughout his medical career at Montefiore, Dr. Safyer has been a leader in advancing Montefiore's position as a preeminent, innovative and equitable healthcare system. He has been a strong advocate for delivering excellence to New York City's most vulnerable patient populations. Dr. Safyer was a leader in expanding Montefiore's ambulatory healthcare network; developing innovative business and clinical strategies to provide care management; commissioning cutting-edge information systems; creating nationally recognized quality and safety programs; and building a regional health information-sharing organization for the Bronx.