Jose Acevedo, MD, MBA

Rochester Business Journal Staff//August 22, 2025//

Rochester Business Journal Staff//August 22, 2025//

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President & CEO, UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health

Years in current role: 15

What’s one lesson the past few years have taught you about resilience or innovation in health care?

Being adaptable, resilient, and staying positive are vital — especially in health care, where things are always changing. To truly support our patients, I believe it’s essential to keep an open mind and be ready for new opportunities and technologies. By being adaptable and demonstrating a positive attitude, I can help my team manage stress and approach change in a smarter, more thoughtful way. It also pushes us to think differently about how we work, which often leads to better, more effective solutions.

What skills or qualities do you think are essential for the next generation of health care leaders?

Embracing change and leading with kindness are essential traits for future health care leaders. As the health care landscape evolves rapidly, leaders must go beyond accepting change — they should actively engage with it, viewing each change as a chance to grow, learn, and improve care. While many future leaders will have similar education and credentials, what will truly set them apart is how they care for their patients. Patients have options when it comes to where they receive care. They’re looking for more than just qualifications; they want providers who genuinely listen, show compassion, and treat them with respect.

How do you stay motivated and inspired in such a demanding and evolving field?

I stay motivated by walking through the Emergency Departments and acute care units in our two hospitals, visiting staff and residents in our four long-term care facilities, and connecting with employees across all our locations. Seeing the dedication and care our team provides to community members every single day — 24/7, 365 — is what truly motivates me.

This profile is part of our Power List for Health Care for 2025. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.