Ensuring our health care system works for you and your family for years to come.

By William "Bill" Nicholson, M.D.

We must factor future needs into today's planning; having knowlegable effective leadership is essential.

I have been Chief of Cardiology At Washington Hospital for the past two years and in 1999, our Interventional Cardiology service was ranked as one of the nation's top 100 programs. I do daily rounds at Washington Hospital providing care to patients in the ICU, CCU, and medical floors. I work closely with our fine employees, nurses and physicians who provide the excellent care at Washington. I know what we do well, but I see where we can improve and I will work hard to make sure those improvements are made.

Many challenges are ahead: I will work to keep Washington a financially stable and independent hospital. I firmly support the development of a comprehensive Mental Health program. I believe we must be open to more health plans and find ways to help our seniors who have been abandoned by their senior HMO's.

I will continue to provide strong and steady physician leadership on the Washington Hospital Board and continue to work toward these goals.