Vice President Cain Receives Value Award for Inclusion
Vice President and Dean Michael E. Cain, MD, is recognized as a visionary leader and key player working to create an integrated health care system for Western New York.
Published May 2, 2013 This content is archived.
Story by Suzanne Kashuba
Michael E. Cain, MD, vice president for health sciences and dean of the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, has been honored with a Leadership Buffalo Value Award for inclusion.
These annual awards honor community leaders who embody one of Leadership Buffalo's four core values: inclusion, service, diversity and openness to change. The 2013 awards were presented May 2 during a luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo.
Visionary Leadership
The “inclusion” designation reflects a leader who seeks multiple perspectives on issues and considers the interests of various stakeholders. The awardee fosters open discussion, acknowledges diverse voices and supports community decision-making.
Broadcaster and former Buffalo Sabre Michael Robitaille and his wife, Isabel, CEO of Robitaille Relocation and Real Estate in Williamsville, nominated Cain for the award.
In their nomination essay, the couple laud Cain for “his strong leadership and vision during an exciting, transformative time for UB and our community,” citing two innovative projects:
- the UB Clinical and Translational Science Institute, which they refer to as “an unprecedented model for a public-private collaboration”
- plans for the new medical school in downtown Buffalo, which they describe as “a daring endeavor” and “a once-in-a lifetime opportunity.”
Fosters Community Dialogue
The Robitailles also praise Cain for involving key constituents: “Michael has also been a key player in a coalition of stakeholders … that is committed to creating a more efficiently integrated health care system for Western New York.”
They note that, in addressing complex concerns and changes in the community's health care environment, “Michael has worked thoughtfully and collaboratively with his colleagues to consider these issues and to maintain respectful, open dialogues that support consensus.”
Diverse, Inclusive Medical School
The couple praises Cain’s general commitment to inclusion and diversity, citing several examples, including:
- creating an Office of Inclusion and Cultural Enhancement in the medical school
- involving the medical school in community outreach, such as the Lighthouse Free Medical Clinic
- appointing distinguished women physicians to leadership roles within the expanding school.
Nonprofit Develops Community Leaders
The nonprofit Leadership Buffalo is dedicated to leadership development and service programs in Western New York. Funds raised through this year’s 10th annual Values Award event support these programs.