Robert McCann, M.D., MACP, Steps Down as Highland Hospital Chief of Department of Medicine
Robert McCann, M.D., MACP, has chosen to step down as Highland's Chief of Medicine this fall, having served as the department's leader for more than 20 years. He will continue to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Accountable Health Partners (AHP) and maintain his medical practice at Highland. His successor is Rebeca Denise Monk, M.D., FACP, a University of Rochester Professor of Medicine, who has served the health system for almost 30 years, most recently as Chief, URMC Nephrology Division at Highland Hospital and Medical Director of the Highland Hospital Inpatient Dialysis Unit.
During his tenure, Dr. McCann made impressive contributions to grow and develop the department of Medicine and enhance collaboration among Highland and URMC departments and providers. He developed inpatient and outpatient Geriatric services, an Acute Care for Elderly (ACE) Unit, and worked with Orthopaedic surgery to develop a co-managed Orthopaedic/Geriatric hip fracture service as well as an educational program that has gained international recognition.
Dr. McCann developed educational programs for medical students and residents at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry which have consistently achieved the highest ranking. He also enhanced academic ties between the hospitalist service and subspecialty units of Highland and the University of Rochester Medical Center and significantly increased the number of University of Rochester faculty providing care at Highland. In 2012, Dr. McCann helped form AHP, a network of more than 2,500 physicians and eight hospitals, including Highland and its employed physicians, with a focus on delivering superior patient care, improving provider experience, and aligning incentives to make health care more affordable.
His outstanding service to Highland and its patients has been honored multiple times during his tenure as chief. In 2019, he was the recipient of the Highland Hospital Foundation Heritage Award for his philanthropic stewardship of the hospital. In 2018, he received the University of Rochester Division of Geriatrics Mentorship Award. He was awarded Mastership in the American College of Physicians and Fellowship in the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh. Additionally, he has written numerous articles published in national medical journals.
Dr. McCann is board certified in Internal Medicine, Palliative Care, and Geriatrics, and is a leader in the Geriatrics field. His compassion and respect for the elderly led him to help develop the Independent Living for Seniors program at Rochester General Hospital where he served as Medical Director prior to joining Highland. This program of All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE) has received international recognition as an effective method of delivering care to frail elderly persons who wish to avoid institutionalization.
Dr. McCann received his undergraduate degree from Concordia University (Loyola of Montreal) and his medical degree from the State University of New York Health Science Center in Syracuse. He completed an Internal Medicine residency at Rochester General Hospital where he then served as Medical Director of Independent Living for Seniors as well as Geriatric Unit Chief. He joined the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry as Faculty and Chief of Internal Medicine at Highland in 1999.
“Bob McCann’s impact on Highland, the Department of Medicine, and Geriatric care has been groundbreaking,” said Steve Goldstein, President/CEO Strong Memorial Hospital and Highland Hospital. “His accomplishments will continue to impact those faculty and residents who have worked with him, those he has cared for, and future generations to come. In particular, he has had a profound impact on untold numbers of residents and students in understanding the complexities of medicine and opportunities within the medical field. We are delighted he will remain in the health care system in this pivotal role at AHP where he can continue to enhance the delivery of health care.”
Dr. McCann is looking forward to the next chapter in his career. “I have always regarded Highland as the best of both worlds – with the patient-family centered culture of a community hospital and the resources of a world class medical center. Highland has grown so much over the years and I am proud that I have been able to recruit over 70 wonderful faculty members who are known as excellent clinicians, educators, researchers, and mentors. The Department of Medicine will continue to thrive and deliver outstanding care to our community.”
2/3/2022
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