Dr. Steven L. Strongwater, CEO, Stony Brook University Medical Center, with his mother, Florence Strongwater, and his wife, Elaine Strongwater, at the 2010 David Awards. He was among eight Long Island men honored by Networking® magazine at the January event.

Steven L. Strongwater, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Stony Brook University Medical Center, was among eight Long Island men honored by Networking® magazine at the 2010 David Awards breakfast. The award is named after Michelangelo’s statue of David, representing the ideal Renaissance man. The 9th annual event took place at the Crest Hollow Country Club, in Woodbury, N.Y., on January 14.

Networking magazine, which reaches leaders in business, the professions, and networking associations on Long Island, supports women’s business interests and publicizes their achievements. Each January the magazine honors men at the David Awards, recognizing each recipient’s professional achievements, giving, and service to the Long Island community.

Dr. Strongwater, appointed CEO of SBUMC in 2006, was recognized for his role and commitment to expanding services, improving patient safety and care, and incorporating the latest medical innovations and additional expertise to the academic medical center. Networking specifically cited his work to improve patient safety over his 25-year career, which helped SBUMC to receive the Healthcare Association of New York’s (HANYS) Pinnacle Award for Quality and Patient Safety and the Nassau Suffolk Hospital Council’s inaugural Excellence in Patient Safety Award.

The magazine also heralded Dr. Strongwater for adding new staff to implement services previously not available at SBUMC, such as interventional stroke treatment and non-invasive cardiac imaging. Additionally, under his watch SBUMC opened a new outpatient cancer center, phase one of a major modernization project which has included the expansion of the Emergency Department, opening of a pediatric emergency department and a women’s pavilion and operating room.

“I accept this award on behalf of Stony Brook University Medical Center and all the physicians and staff who are working hard toward making our academic medical center a world-class institution,” said Dr. Strongwater.

He also views SBUMC as a resource to the community and an essential part in helping to raise the quality of life in Suffolk County. SBUMC now organizes approximately 1,000 community-based programs annually for patients and family members, which helps provide them with new knowledge about medicine and support. Last October, Dr. Strongwater chaired SBUMC’s first American Heart Association “Heart Walk,” now among the many healthcare-related events organized by SBUMC within the Suffolk County community.

The other 2010 David Awardees included men from a variety of fields, such as business, law, education, and medicine. Previous David Award winners from Stony Brook University include Dr. Yacov Shamash, Vice President for Economic Development and Dean, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (2009); and Dr. Aldustus Jordan, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, School of Medicine (2007).

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