President's Message

To: The Downstate Community and our Friends,

Once again it's time to Celebrate Downstate! For a century and a half, we've been building our legacy, expanding our mission, and embracing new challenges. Now we look forward to new beginnings and exciting new research challenges.

Since its inception, Downstate has been a leader in health care, medical research, education and community outreach. Our world-class faculty, and our advances in clinical and basic research keep us in the forefront of clinical practice and scientific innovation. Our graduates fill the ranks of healthcare providers, academic leaders, policymakers, biotechnicians, scientists, and entrepreneurs all over the country and beyond.

Two new endeavors are especially exciting. Our new School of Public Health is training future policymakers to understand and influence the dynamics of our challenged healthcare system. And BioBAT, the innovative bio-research and manufacturing facility established in partnership with New York City, is now under construction. Located at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, BioBAT will be a center for commercial bioscience in Brooklyn, creating jobs and research and commercial opportunities that will strengthen both the borough and New York City's economies.

So, we have much to celebrate. Join us at the Plaza on April 2, 2011, for a memorable evening of dining and dancing. It will be a wonderful opportunity to meet our scientists and clinicians, and to show your support for Downstate.

John C. LaRosa, MD, President