[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 10, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S898-S899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    TRIBUTE TO DR. ROBERT LASKOWSKI

 Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I 
speak on behalf of the Delaware Delegation to honor the exemplary 
service of the president and CEO of Christiana Health Care System, Dr. 
Robert ``Bob'' Laskowski. He served in this position since 2003, and 
during that time he transformed the largest not-for-profit health care 
system in Delaware into an award-winning hospital organization with a 
national reputation of patient quality and innovation. Bob is now 
retiring after more than two decades of serving Christiana Care. He is 
a tremendous leader and true advocate for the patient and health-care 
worker, as well as a devoted husband to his wife, Kathy, and loving 
father to their children and grandchildren. His hard work, leadership 
and willingness to work together on transforming the health care system 
in Delaware and the Nation will truly be missed.
  Bob used his leadership role at Christiana to cultivate philanthropic 
endeavors in the community. He lives ``The Christiana Care Way'' of 
serving our neighbors as respectful, expert, caring partners in their 
health. Under his leadership, Christiana Care has given back millions 
of dollars to the Delaware community.
  Bob is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of 
Medicine with a master's degree in business administration from the 
University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. He is a board-
certified internist specializing in geriatric medicine who understands 
the needs and priorities of health care professionals, as well as the 
business of running a health care system.
  Bob's reach extends far beyond Delaware's borders. He is nationally 
recognized for his work on health care transformation. He fearlessly 
took on the challenge of making Christiana Care Health System a model 
for other hospital systems around the country. Bob's notable 
accomplishments include expanding the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & 
Research Institute to a 200,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility 
that serves the majority of cancer patients in Delaware. This National 
Cancer Institute selected Community Cancer Center is a national model 
for care and a leader in enrolling patients in clinical trials. He also 
led Christiana Care in earning recognition by the American College of 
Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program as 1 of only 37 
hospitals in the Nation achieving ``meritorious'' outcomes for surgical 
patient care in 9 clinical areas. His expertise is sought out 
throughout the country as he serves on the board of directors of the 
Association of American Medical Colleges and on its finance and 
executive compensation committees. He serves

[[Page S899]]

on the American Medical Association Section on Medical Schools, and is 
a former member of the American Hospital Association Section for Health 
Care Systems Governing Council and the Health Management Academy Chief 
Executive Officers Forum.
  Apart from his work in the health care field, Bob is an excellent 
cook, honing his skills in his own kitchen and cooking for colleagues 
and guests. He also spends his time playing piano, violin, the 
accordion, and is currently learning Spanish.
  On behalf of Senator Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney, I 
wholeheartedly thank Dr. Bob Laskowski for his service to Christiana 
Care and our State. His model leadership and dedication has improved 
the quality of life for not only Delawareans, but patients and health 
care workers around the Nation. We offer our sincere congratulations on 
a job well done and wish him many happy, healthy, and successful years 
to come.

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