Sending My Appreciation to UHD and the Downstate Community
By University Hospital at Downstate | Mar 5, 2026
Dear Members of the Downstate Community:
As I complete my service as Interim Chief Executive Officer of University Hospital at Downstate, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to serve this extraordinary community.
These past years have required resilience and courage, particularly as we navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We showed up for each another and for the patients and families who depend on us with professionalism, compassion, and heart. I am proud of what we accomplished together.
My two terms as Interim CEO reinforced what I learned everyday: Downstate’s greatest strength is its people. I thank our physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and residents for their expertise, which defines our care. I am grateful to our senior leaders, chairs, and department heads for their steady guidance and commitment to strong, patient-centered operations. I also thank our support staff and administrative teams, whose dedication sustains this institution, and all members of Downstate Health Sciences University, including those at University Hospital, who advance our mission to serve Central Brooklyn with dignity and respect.
Together, we made meaningful progress. We improved quality and safety performance, earned strong Leapfrog ratings, and continued investments in our facilities and services. The certification of our adult and pediatric Transplant Program ensures patients can receive specialized care right here in Brooklyn. The opening of our Postpartum and Surgical Intensive Care Units expands our ability to provide comprehensive care in the borough. These accomplishments belong to all of us.
I am pleased to welcome Dr. Balavenkatesh Kanna as Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Hospital Affairs. Dr. Kanna is an accomplished physician executive who brings extensive experience leading complex academic and safety-net institutions along with deep expertise in patient safety, operational excellence and community-centered care. I am confident Downstate will continue to move forward under his leadership at this critical time of growth and renewal.
I extend special thanks to President Wayne J. Riley for his leadership and for his continued confidence in my leadership. His partnership has been invaluable. I also thank SUNY administration for their commitment to our mission and to the community we serve.
Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve this remarkable community. It has been an honor and a deeply meaningful experience to work alongside all of you. I am excited to continue my service in Downstate’s School of Nursing.
With respect and appreciation,
Patricia A. Winston, DNP, MS, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE
Interim Chief Executive Officer
University Hospital at Downstate