[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 161 (Thursday, September 17, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E859-E860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING DANIEL L. ``DAN'' GROSS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 17, 2020

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I and the other members of 
the San Diego Congressional delegation, rise with admiration and 
respect to honor and recognize the tremendous legacy of Daniel L. 
``Dan'' Gross, who retired from Sharp HealthCare as Executive Vice 
President of Hospital Operations on April 3, 2020.
  Born in Independence, Kansas, Dan's early childhood experiences 
created the blueprint for his education, career and philanthropic 
contributions. He experienced hospitals as a place for healing when 
serious medical issues meant repeated hospitalization for his mother. 
He was also very interested in science. His comparison of the hearts of 
five animals ``off the farm'' led to first place in the science fair 
when he was in 4th grade.
  Like many San Diegans, in 1979 Dan came to visit but decided to stay. 
Planning further education, he was attracted by California's 
outstanding higher education system--which at that time was also 
affordable. He interviewed at all the San Diego hospitals but chose 
Sharp Memorial Hospital because of its commitment to professionalism.
  While working his way up the clinical ladder at Sharp, Dan realized 
his graduate education goals earned a Masters in Nursing Administration 
from San Diego State University and his Doctorate in Nursing Sciences 
from the University of San Diego.
  The first in his family to attend college; Dan knows the importance 
of nurturing the next generation of health care providers. He has 
advised on curriculum at San Diego's charter Health Sciences High and 
Middle College (HSHMC), and created internships at all Sharp hospitals 
for HSHMC students.
  Dan's childhood experience on a farm also had a role in leading him 
to Sharp, where he was able to contribute to cutting edge research in 
cardiac services, including Jarvik Hearts, transplants, and left 
ventricular assist devices. Dan's graduate education ensured that 
nurses played critical roles during exciting times in clinical 
innovation. Patients throughout the country have also benefited, as he 
has raised over $3 million for the American Heart/Stroke Association, 
consistently turning out the largest team for the annual fundraising 
walk for research and education.
  Dan has worked at Sharp for over four decades, moving from clinical 
care to overseeing operations for four acute-care hospitals, three 
specialty hospitals including Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & 
Newborns, the largest freestanding women's hospital west of the

[[Page E860]]

Mississippi, and Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, the largest private 
inpatient psychiatric hospital in California.
  Not content with just ensuring a range of health care services that 
span cradle to hospice, Dan has led efforts to improve health care 
policy, quality, and affordability through leadership roles with both 
the California Hospital and the American Hospital associations. He has 
advised federal, state and local elected officials, federal and state 
agencies, and business and civic organizations.
  In retirement, Dan could not step away from Sharp during a major 
public health crisis such as COVID-19, therefore he has continued to 
lend his expertise and steady leadership. Dan continues to be involved 
as an active board member for the California Health Care Foundation, an 
independent, nonprofit philanthropy that focuses on improving the 
health care system for families in California.
  Dan has been a champion for access to high quality health care in San 
Diego, California and the nation. He has worked tirelessly to expand 
San Diego's health care infrastructure, provide opportunities for the 
next generation of health care providers, promote excellence in 
nursing, and support science education, research and advances in the 
treatment of chronic diseases. Madam Speaker, we ask that you please 
join us in recognizing Daniel L. Gross.

                          ____________________