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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E859-E860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING DANIEL L. ``DAN'' GROSS
______
HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, September 17, 2020
Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I and the other members of
the San Diego Congressional delegation, rise with admiration and
respect to honor and recognize the tremendous legacy of Daniel L.
``Dan'' Gross, who retired from Sharp HealthCare as Executive Vice
President of Hospital Operations on April 3, 2020.
Born in Independence, Kansas, Dan's early childhood experiences
created the blueprint for his education, career and philanthropic
contributions. He experienced hospitals as a place for healing when
serious medical issues meant repeated hospitalization for his mother.
He was also very interested in science. His comparison of the hearts of
five animals ``off the farm'' led to first place in the science fair
when he was in 4th grade.
Like many San Diegans, in 1979 Dan came to visit but decided to stay.
Planning further education, he was attracted by California's
outstanding higher education system--which at that time was also
affordable. He interviewed at all the San Diego hospitals but chose
Sharp Memorial Hospital because of its commitment to professionalism.
While working his way up the clinical ladder at Sharp, Dan realized
his graduate education goals earned a Masters in Nursing Administration
from San Diego State University and his Doctorate in Nursing Sciences
from the University of San Diego.
The first in his family to attend college; Dan knows the importance
of nurturing the next generation of health care providers. He has
advised on curriculum at San Diego's charter Health Sciences High and
Middle College (HSHMC), and created internships at all Sharp hospitals
for HSHMC students.
Dan's childhood experience on a farm also had a role in leading him
to Sharp, where he was able to contribute to cutting edge research in
cardiac services, including Jarvik Hearts, transplants, and left
ventricular assist devices. Dan's graduate education ensured that
nurses played critical roles during exciting times in clinical
innovation. Patients throughout the country have also benefited, as he
has raised over $3 million for the American Heart/Stroke Association,
consistently turning out the largest team for the annual fundraising
walk for research and education.
Dan has worked at Sharp for over four decades, moving from clinical
care to overseeing operations for four acute-care hospitals, three
specialty hospitals including Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women &
Newborns, the largest freestanding women's hospital west of the
[[Page E860]]
Mississippi, and Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, the largest private
inpatient psychiatric hospital in California.
Not content with just ensuring a range of health care services that
span cradle to hospice, Dan has led efforts to improve health care
policy, quality, and affordability through leadership roles with both
the California Hospital and the American Hospital associations. He has
advised federal, state and local elected officials, federal and state
agencies, and business and civic organizations.
In retirement, Dan could not step away from Sharp during a major
public health crisis such as COVID-19, therefore he has continued to
lend his expertise and steady leadership. Dan continues to be involved
as an active board member for the California Health Care Foundation, an
independent, nonprofit philanthropy that focuses on improving the
health care system for families in California.
Dan has been a champion for access to high quality health care in San
Diego, California and the nation. He has worked tirelessly to expand
San Diego's health care infrastructure, provide opportunities for the
next generation of health care providers, promote excellence in
nursing, and support science education, research and advances in the
treatment of chronic diseases. Madam Speaker, we ask that you please
join us in recognizing Daniel L. Gross.
____________________