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[Pages S985-S986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO DR. LARRY GOODMAN
Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, the Chicago area is blessed to have some
of the top hospitals and academic centers in the country. Rush
University Medical Center and College in Chicago, in particular, has
advanced into a comprehensive and leading health care institution. Rush
continues to deliver high-quality care to its patients, driving the
field of innovative medical research and training the next generation
of healthcare practitioners. I would like to celebrate the tenure and
accomplishments of the hospital's president and CEO and the leader in
the program at Rush, my friend, Dr. Larry Goodman.
In 1976, Larry earned his medical degree from the University of
Michigan's Medical School. He completed his residency at the Rush
University Medical Center, where he served as the chief medical
resident before joining the faculty.
At Rush, Larry served as an infectious disease specialist, working to
improve the lives of people affected by HIV and AIDS. He also served as
the senior vice president of medical affairs and the dean of the Rush
Medical College before the hospital appointed him as it's president and
CEO in 2002.
Under Larry's leadership, Rush has prospered. The hospital doubled
its student enrollment in the last 20 years, training future physicians
who will provide top-notch healthcare services in communities around
the Nation. The hospital also collaborated to increase its employment
of local community members. These efforts, in part through West Side
United, have helped to reduce the health inequities that exist between
the residents of low-income communities and those in affluent
communities. In fact, it was Dr. Goodman who first told me about the
alarming 16-year gap in life expectancy between people living in the
Loop and in West Garfield Park--just two ``L'' stops, or 6 miles, apart
from each other on the Blue.
More than a year ago, I joined several community leaders to announce
the Chicago Hospital Engagement, Action, and Leadership, or HEAL,
Initiative to help address many of the root
[[Page S986]]
causes of gun violence, such as economic hardship and spare mental
health services. Under this initiative, each hospital made 16
commitments to address these issues. Larry was the inspiration for this
undertaking and instrumental in getting it off the ground. It is a
testament to his lifelong dedication to those in need.
After decades of service dedicated to improving lives and helping
others, Larry has retired with an amazing legacy. He has been key to
thinking about the transformative role of hospitals in uplifting
communities and through his hard work, vision, and commitment to make
it possible. I am especially grateful for our partnership over the
years, from his leadership on the Cook County Hospital transition to
the Chicago HEAL Initiative.
I am proud to call Larry my friend, and I wish him the very best in
retirement.
____________________