[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 118 (Friday, August 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO DR. PATRICIA GABOW

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DEGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2012

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the tireless work 
and exceptional accomplishments of Dr. Patricia Gabow, Chief Executive 
Officer of Denver Health and Hospital Authority. After a remarkable 20 
year career at the helm of Denver Health, Dr. Gabow is retiring and 
leaving behind national models for institutions and aspiring leaders in 
the field.
   Dr. Gabow's commitment to Colorado's health care safety net has been 
recognized in many areas. She has been elected to the Colorado Women's 
Hall of Fame for her generosity in mentoring others, her innovation in 
going outside health care in search of new management ideas, and her 
commitment to best practices. In addition, Dr. Gabow is the recipient 
of numerous awards including the American Medical Association's Nathan 
Davis Award, the Florence Rena Sabin Award, and the 2008 National 
Healthcare Leadership Award. She has been named as one of the top 25 
women in health care, one of the top 50 physician executives, and one 
of the 100 most powerful people in American health care. Of note, Dr. 
Gabow was one of only four women named to this list in 2006, and I want 
to acknowledge my pride in the path she creates for future generations 
to find their own way in the business of quality health care delivery.
   Knowing Dr. Gabow was hard at work in Denver was a comfort and a 
source of pride as I worked in Congress to improve the health and 
potential of people in my home state of Colorado. Like many Members of 
Congress, I have often turned to Dr. Gabow for her expertise in health 
care policy. For example, during the process of crafting the Affordable 
Care Act, Dr. Gabow testified before the Energy and Commerce Committee 
on the role of safety net providers in providing coordinated care, 
Medicaid's vital function in health reform, and the importance of 
protecting Medicaid and Medicare funding that helps hospitals treat the 
uninsured and underinsured. Her influence helped to expand the Medicaid 
program under health reform, which will help millions of children and 
their families across the nation. We share so many priorities and it is 
with a deep appreciation of and affection for Dr. Gabow that I 
recognize her invaluable service to our community and country.
   Dr. Gabow has proved that a researcher can run a hospital and run it 
well. In an era when many hospitals are operating in the red, Dr. Gabow 
has taken a hospital that, even while treating thousands of uninsured 
patients, maintains a viable, successful business model. Dr. Gabow has 
led this success by looking to other industries, like the auto 
industry, and translating their business efficiencies into the health 
care sector by developing integrated care models. Hospital 
administrators, doctors, and researchers have looked to and will 
continue to turn to Dr. Gabow for ways to re-imagine heath care in 
America.
   I do not know what is next for Patty Gabow. But I do know that 
whatever she does, we will be inspired, impressed, and indebted to her 
for all she will continue to do to strengthen the rights and the 
outcomes for those among us who are sick and in need of quality health 
care. Thank you, Patty, for your friendship and work on behalf of the 
people of the First District of Colorado.

                          ____________________