Message from the President
Healthcare is evolving rapidly, presenting both challenges and opportunities. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (Downstate) leads the way by providing exceptional medical care, world-class education, and groundbreaking research that improves health outcomes and shapes the future of medicine.
As Brooklyn’s only academic medical center, Downstate leads in innovation, diversity, and excellence. We are a hub for cutting-edge research, a training ground for future healthcare professionals, and a trusted provider of high-quality, compassionate care—serving the entire borough with a focus on underserved communities like Central Brooklyn.
Our commitment to excellence drives us to:
- Provide Exceptional Medical Care – Through our hospitals, clinics, and community partnerships, we provide patient-centered care that meets the diverse needs of our communities.
- Promote Outstanding Health Professions Education – Our hands-on training prepares the next generation of physicians, nurses, researchers, and other public health professionals to lead with knowledge, skill, and cultural competency.
- Inspire Innovative Research – From medical breakthroughs to translational science, our research drives discoveries that improve lives, reduce disparities, and transform patient care.
- Champion Diversity and Equity – We embrace diversity as a strength, ensuring our students, faculty, and staff reflect the communities we serve while advancing health equity for all.
- Address Health Disparities – Too many communities, particularly those of color and in lower-income areas, face preventable gaps in healthcare access and outcomes. We work to eliminate these disparities through targeted research, community engagement, and healthcare initiatives that bring high-quality care where needed most.
At Downstate, we believe healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege. That’s why we are committed to keeping care close to home, close to those who need it most, and close to the communities we serve. By training future healthcare leaders, conducting research that tackles real-world disparities, and providing care tailored to Brooklyn’s diverse population, we ensure world-class medicine remains within reach for everyone.
Whether you are a prospective student, researcher, healthcare professional, or community partner, I invite you to join us in this mission. Together, we will advance medicine, expand scientific discovery, and transform lives—starting in Central Brooklyn and setting a new standard for healthcare excellence.
Wayne J. Riley, M.D., MPH, MBA, MACP
President
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University