Most of us won’t live to be a 100. Yet organizations that are the foundation of our communities celebrate 100 year or more anniversaries. I have been fortunate to be part of 225 and 150 year anniversaries at my churches in Worcester, MA and Ann Arbor, MI. Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston was making plans for its 100th anniversary celebration when I left there in 2012 for the University of Michigan Health System, yet another institution with a long and rich history. And now as a member of the University Hospitals team in Cleveland, I am joining in celebrating our 150th or Sesquicentennial anniversary.

The UH history dates back to May 14th, 1866 when a single hospital in a two story wooden house was established. As noted on our new UH 150th website, “For 150 years, the people of Northeast Ohio have looked to University Hospitals as a trusted health care provider. Our roots date back to 1866, when civic leaders established a hospital in a small Cleveland home to care for the sick and disabled. From these humble beginnings, UH has grown into a multihospital system, serving 1 million people annually. The medical advancements made at UH touch lives worldwide, yet we remain true to our roots as a community health care provider.”

UH has a long history of care and caring. To continue that commitment to our community, during this year long 150th anniversary commemoration all employees are encouraged to volunteer 6 hours to community organizations. The UH goal is 150,000 volunteer hours, as part of the UH Days of Caring. IT teams are already organizing efforts to support various community organizations.

Although information technology was not introduced into hospitals until some decades ago, it is now part of the foundation in every hospital. The future of health care delivered in diverse settings across the continuum of care will be enabled by advanced medical and information technology.

As further noted on our website, “UH is prepared for the future of medicine, inspired by our rich history and dedicated to our mission. We look forward to continuing to serve Northeast Ohio with purpose, passion and promise for decades to come.”

I remind my IT team that we are part of the extended care team. We don’t touch patients directly but the caregivers who do depend on the systems we provide and support. We are a very critical part of that future.

I have been with University Hospitals for just 4 months. But from my first day I have seen in everyone I work with the pride in what we do and the commitment to our timeless mission: To Heal. To Teach. To Discover.

I am reminded yet again why I am passionate about health care and technology – we make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families. We are a part of the caring community.