Statement from SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher on Comptroller DiNapolis Audit of Downstate Medical Center

“The State University of New York takes seriously its commitment to Brooklyn, where Downstate Medical Center is the only academic medical center serving the borough’s 2.5 million people. The tremendous financial hardships at Downstate are well documented and reflect the systemic challenges facing health care facilities across the country.

“Many of the Comptroller’s findings – none of which we dispute or consider to be a surprise – are issues already remedied or currently being addressed at Downstate. SUNY System Administration has recruited a strong new leadership team at Downstate that is developing a comprehensive, fiscally responsible plan to ensure medical education and quality healthcare continues for the people of Brooklyn.

“This process, combined with the broader long-term planning that is underway, will make Downstate a stronger institution. With the support of our partners across state and local government, and the community, Downstate’s tradition of excellence will continue.”

About SUNY Downstate Medical Center
There are 140 medical schools in the country, but only one serving Brooklyn – a population that is among the most diverse in the world. Downstate is one of the largest medical schools in the State, and the largest within SUNY. One in three physicians practicing in Brooklyn, and one in nine in New York City, was trained at Downstate. In addition, Downstate educates and trains nurses and other healthcare practitioners.

About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States, educating approximately 468,000 students in more than 7,500 degree and certificate programs, and nearly 2 million in workforce and professional development programs, on 64 campuses. There are nearly 3 million SUNY alumni worldwide. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunity, visit www.suny.edu.

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