Jose Acevedo

Jose Acevedo

President & CEO, Finger Lakes Health

Years in current role: 11

What do you enjoy most about your role?

As a physician leader, to increase access to services in our four counties and bring superb staff to pursue our mission of preventive care and wellness is something that I most enjoy. I take so much pride in it. We have established and grown so many primary care practices and specialty care services including dermatology, cardiology, orthopedic surgery, gastroenterology, general surgery and so many others. Expanding the care and services delivered to our community by our great providers is very enjoyable and satisfying.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve dealt with over the past year?

Without a doubt, the uncertainty of finding a cure for the coronavirus, then getting a vaccine that works and procuring enough vaccines for our entire community has been the biggest professional challenge. In addition, not being able to have families visit patients and residents for such a prolonged period of time.

What do you see as the biggest changes in the health care industry in the next 3-5 years?

The biggest changes in health care, in the near term future, involve the entry of large, private, for-profit corporations (such as Amazon and others) into the health care industry competing for limited health care resources and dollars with hospitals.

What community organizations do you support as a volunteer and why?

For several years, I have advocated to increase the graduation rates at our local high schools. I believe that so many social determinants of health could be solved if we provide more education. We know the first step is to complete high school.

What are you most looking forward to doing as COVID restrictions ease?

As COVID-19 restrictions ease, I am most looking forward to visiting family and friends, not only in the United States, but also in Puerto Rico and Spain. The pandemic provided the opportunity to refocus our priorities and appreciate these most meaningful relationships.