SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Appoints David H. Berger, M.D. as Chief Executive Officer of the University Hospital of Brooklyn

BROOKLYN, NY—State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University president Wayne J. Riley, M.D., MPH, MBA, MACP, announced the appointment of David H. Berger, M.D., MHCM, FACS, as Chief Executive Officer of the University Hospital of Brooklyn (UHB). With more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience at several academic institutions, Dr. Berger will lead UHB’s inpatient and outpatient services and new patient services initiatives He will also provide operational and fiscal oversight for UHB and oversee the development and implementation of hospital-wide policies and procedures that promote quality patient care and patient satisfaction.

Dr. Berger currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of UF Central Florida Health where he manages the development of high-quality, cost-effective, and clinically integrated patient care services. He has held several key roles including Vice-Chair of Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, and Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Baylor College of Medicine Medical Center.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Berger back to SUNY, Downstate, and University Hospital at Brooklyn. Having completed his medical and residency training here, his familiarity with the institution will be an incredible asset and we are confident in his ability to build on the remarkable accomplishments of our institution,” said SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University president Wayne J. Riley, M.D. “As our nation continues to grapple with the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Berger’s expertise will help us address the needs of our patients, staff, and the community while giving the strategic guidance we need to operate a sustainable healthcare institution.”

“It is an honor to return to Downstate, a unique institution with strong community ties that has been critical to my career development,” said incoming UHB CEO Dr. Berger. “I look forward to collaborating with the faculty, staff, and partners in our mission to enhance the quality of patient care in the communities we serve.”

Dr. Berger was born in Brooklyn and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Harpur College at SUNY Binghamton, and a Master of Science in Healthcare Management from the Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He returns to Downstate where he earned his medical degree and completed a general surgery residency at Downstate Health Sciences University. Dr. Berger also completed a fellowship in surgical oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.