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Mark J. Mundy, president and CEO of New York Methodist Hospital with the Honorable Thomas DiNapoli, Comptroller of the State of New York.

The Honorable Thomas DiNapoli, Comptroller of the State of New York, delivered this year's Joseph Silver, M.D., Memorial Lecture at New York Methodist Hospital on the morning of December 2nd. The annual lecture series was established five years ago, in honor of Joseph Silver, M.D., who was affiliated with the Hospital for over 40 years, and who served as chief of orthopedic surgery for 20 years.

"I am privileged to spend some time talking with you about issues affecting the State, primarily healthcare," said Mr. DiNapoli, a first time visitor to the Hospital and friend to the Silver family.

Mr. DiNapoli spoke highly of the late Dr. Silver, describing him as a physician who understood the "human dimension" of excellence. "Too often, healthcare is accused of being impersonal," he said. In addition, Mr. DiNapoli told the audience that "a lot is owed to Sheldon Silver for standing up for healthcare." Mr. Silver is the younger brother of the late Dr. Silver and the Speaker of the New York State Assembly.

The focus of this year's lecture was the nation's economic downturn and the effect it will have on not only New York State but, in particular, on the healthcare sector. Because of the crumbling economy, healthcare spending, which occupies the largest percentage of the State budget, has become a major concern in Albany and throughout New York.

"We're going through a tough time," said Mr. DiNapoli. "It's likely going to get worse before it gets better. As revenue declines and expenditures increase, healthcare dollars are very precious and in short supply."

However, Comptroller DiNapoli's lecture wasn't all doom and gloom. He assured the audience that the State will survive the current economic crisis just as it survived the 9/11 attacks. He went on to say that this crisis offers an opportunity for the State to re-examine its policies with regard to healthcare spending. "We do try to encourage good policy decisions as well as good budgeting decisions," said Mr. DiNapoli.