URMC CEO Appointed to Governor’s Commission for Disaster Readiness

University of Rochester Medical Center CEO Bradford C. Berk, M.D., Ph.D., will help the state improve its response to weather-related disasters. Gov. Andrew Cuomo appointed Berk to the NYS Respond Commission, one of three bodies created to broaden emergency preparedness in the wake of Super Storm Sandy.

Berk joins a 27-member group to study the response to the November storm and make recommendations to ensure systems are in place for adequate training of emergency responders, protection of hospitalized patients’ health and safety, timely communication with the public, and effective coordination across all levels of government for a rapid response. A report is expected Jan. 3.

Berk leads the Finger Lakes region’s academic medical center and largest hospital. As home to the region’s trauma center, URMC faculty and staff participate in readiness drills with responders across Monroe County and understand the challenges that come with local disasters.