New York, NY: NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue welcomed Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson today for a Women’s History Month program titled “Leading the Change,” bringing together healthcare leaders, public officials, and community partners to highlight the role of women in advancing leadership, equity, and access to care across New York City. The program featured a panel discussion with Borough President Gibson, Bellevue Hospital CEO Dr. Eric Wei, and Bellevue Hospital Chief Cultural Officer Channing Thomas, who reflected on the role of women leaders in shaping healthcare systems, strengthening communities, and expanding opportunity across the city.
“We were honored to welcome Borough President Gibson to Bellevue to celebrate the resilience, contributions, and leadership of women in health care and beyond,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue CEO Eric Wei, MD, MBA. “As a city hospital, Bellevue cares for patients from communities across New York City. Partnerships between public leadership, healthcare institutions, and community organizations are essential to advancing equitable care and improving the health of our communities.”
While at Bellevue, Borough President Gibson also toured the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and met with hospital leadership and staff. Bellevue established the nation’s first maternity ward in 1799. Bellevue doctors also performed the first cesarean section in a US hospital in 1867.
Borough President Gibson meets with members of Bellevue Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit clinical leadership team (Photo courtesy: NYC Health+Hospitals)
“Our public hospitals play a critical role in caring for the residents and families of our borough and city,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “I was proud to visit Bellevue and see firsthand the dedication of the healthcare professionals providing around-the-clock patient-centered care. When we invest in our public healthcare institutions and community partnerships, we are strengthening our communities’ health infrastructure and ensuring they have the support they need to live healthy lives.”
As the nation’s oldest public hospital, Bellevue serves patients from all five boroughs, reflecting its longstanding mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care to all New Yorkers.
During the discussion, speakers reflected on the historic and ongoing role women have played in shaping Bellevue’s legacy.
“Women have long been central to Bellevue's story, from the early pioneers of the Bellevue Training School for Nurses to the physicians, nurses, researchers, and leaders who guide our work today,” said Channing Thomas, Chief Cultural Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. “Their contributions reflect the values that define Bellevue: excellence in care, commitment to our patients, and a deep sense of purpose in serving our communities.”
The Women’s History Month program concluded with a community outreach concert presented in partnership with EnoB, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing live music and cultural performances to individuals who face physical or socio-economic barriers to accessing the arts. As part of the event, EnoB musicians performed a free concert for Bellevue patients, staff, and community members, reinforcing the shared belief that arts and culture play an important role in healing, connection, and well-being.
