Dr. Steven M. Safyer, MD
Dr. Steven M. Safyer, MD, Professor of Medicine and of Epidemiology & Population Health and President and CEO of Montefiore Health System, received the Alumni Association Lifetime Achievement Award given at at Einstein’s medical school graduation Tuesday, May 26th.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes Einstein alumni who have attained distinction in their fields and who have made major contributions to the health and welfare of underserved communities.
Dr. Safyer began his career in 1982 as an intern and resident in social medicine at Montefiore, and since has served in numerous leadership roles, including senior vice president and chief medical officer. Throughout his career at Montefiore, he has been a leader in advancing Montefiore as a preeminent, innovative and equitable healthcare system. He also has been a dedicated advocate for delivering a single standard of excellent care for all patients, regardless of their social or economic circumstances.
As a young physician, Dr. Safyer helped forge a city-wide effort to stem the epidemics of HIV and tuberculosis, which were taking the greatest toll on the economically disadvantaged and incarcerated communities. At Montefiore, his achievements include helping the organization grow into a comprehensive, integrated regional health system; strengthening its relationship with Einstein, an initiative that resulted in the creation of Centers of Excellence for research and treatment in numerous specialties; leading the expansion of ambulatory services; championing the adoption of computerized physician order-entry systems; and creating nationally recognized quality and safety programs.
Dr. Safyer earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell University in 1971, after which he served for a number of years as a community activist. He then entered Einstein, receiving his medical degree in 1982. He and his wife, fellow Einstein classmate Paula Marcus, MD, have two children.