[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 136 (Tuesday, September 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1923-E1924]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO DR. MORTON I. RAPOPORT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN L. CARDIN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 2003

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Dr. 
Morton I. Rapoport, former President and CEO of the University of 
Maryland Medical System. Dr. Rapoport has been recognized nationally 
and internationally as one of the world's top hospital administrators. 
Under his leadership, the Medical System

[[Page E1924]]

has made substantial improvements in the quality of patient care and 
services. He also has been a close friend and adviser to me for many 
years on health care issues, and I have great confidence in his 
judgement and insight.
  Dr. Rapoport took over stewardship of the Medical System in 1984. 
Since then, he has transformed the University of Maryland Hospital from 
a public institution with annual operating losses in the millions to a 
successful private corporation with a record of strong financial 
performance and renowned clinical programs. The Medical System now 
includes University Hospital, the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, 
the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, Maryland's Hospital 
for Children, Kernan Hospital, University Speciality Hospital, Maryland 
General Health Systems and the North Arundel Health System.
  Dr. Rapoport is a Baltimore native who attended my alma mater 
Baltimore City College and University of Maryland School of Medicine. 
He conducted research on infectious diseases and served as associate 
dean of the medical school before taking over as head of University 
Hospital in 1982. In 1984, Dr. Rapoport was appointed President and CEO 
of the newly created UM Medical System.
  Before retiring, Dr. Rapoport oversaw planning and construction of 
the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Building, a $150 million facility to 
house operating rooms of the future and a new adult and pediatric 
emergency department. On Nov. 15, 2003, at a special gala, it will be 
announced that the atrium in the new Weinberg Building will be named in 
honor of Dr. Rapoport and his wife, Rosalie.
  I hope my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives will join 
me in saluting Dr. Morton I. Rapoport for his dedication, leadership 
and vision in helping the University of Maryland Medical System become 
one of the most respected institutions in this country and in the 
world.

                          ____________________