The presidents of Howard University and Paladin Healthcare Capital emphasized the importance of Howard University Hospital’s historic mission to serve the underserved in a conference call with Diverse on Monday.
Howard University and Paladin plan to take over management of United Medical Center, a hospital located in southeast Washington, D.C., that has been buffeted by multiple years of financial turbulence. Civic leaders; the president of Howard University; and Joel Freedman, president of Paladin, signed a letter of agreement last Tuesday to let the two entities assume management of UMC.
The District will maintain ownership of the hospital.
President Wayne A.I. Frederick of Howard University said that the agreement could benefit the citizens of Ward 7 and Ward 8, who now only have limited access to quality health care.
“It’s not so much about impacting Howard University Hospital specifically but more enhancing Howard’s relationship and making sure that we fulfill our mission, which is to serve the underserved and to provide medical education for those who otherwise wouldn’t have an opportunity,” Frederick said.
Frederick, who earned three degrees—including his M.D.—at Howard, said that the relationship will allow Howard University Hospital doctors to bring their expertise to UMC.
