FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT: Theresa Mulkins, Director of Public Relations
OFFICE: (845) 483-6418
MOBILE: (845) 416-0377
tmulkins@health-quest.org

Poughkeepsie, NY - June 28, 2010 - Health Quest is pleased to announce the appointment of Cynthia R. Jacobs, M.P.H. as Chief Operating Officer of Health Quest Medical Practice (HQMP). Ms. Jacobs will participate in the development of strategy and be responsible for effectively implementing new initiatives as well as have overall accountability for the oversight and direction of the HQMP professional services and patient care clinics.  HQMP is currently comprised of approximately 130 physicians who provide accessible, high quality primary care, Ob/Gyn and specialty care to patients at 26 locations throughout Dutchess, Putnam, Orange and Ulster Counties.

Ms. Jacobs has an extensive background in providing strategic and operational leadership to large primary care, specialty and multispecialty system based and affiliated physician practices. Most recently, she served as Vice President of operations for Sanford Clinic at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Prior to that appointment, she was Director for Business and Clinical Services, Departments of Medical and Radiation Oncology and Cancer Center Service Line Administrator at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Executive Director, Physician Practice for Kessler Rehabilitation Corporation; Vice President Operations/COO practice management for the multispecialty practices of D*O*C*S and Physicians Affiliated with Beth Israel Medical Center; and Vice President for Ambulatory Care and Physician Services at Yonkers General Hospital and St. Johns Riverside Hospital.

Ms. Jacobs holds a Masters in Public Health, M.P.H., Health Policy and Management from New York Medical College, Graduate School of Health Sciences and a B.A., Biology and English from Hastings College, Hastings, Nebraska.

Health Quest Medical Practice (HQMP) is a multi-specialty medical group focused on delivering quality health care to the residents of the Hudson Valley. HQMP offers access to specialists in Breast Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, Perinatology as well as Family Practitioners in offices conveniently located throughout the Hudson Valley.

HQMP is unique, as part of a system of hospitals and physicians working collaboratively to provide continuity of care no matter where patients are treated. Health Quest's extensive network, which includes Northern Dutchess Hospital, Putnam Hospital Center and Vassar Brothers Medical Center, represents the region's premier health care system. This special relationship of hospitals and physicians provides physicians with access to the latest technology, and patients with the strength of our collective resources, knowledge and compassion.

Health Quest is the Hudson Valley's largest healthcare system providing the highest quality care across a broad spectrum of services. Offering the full range of hospital services, urgent care, homecare and nursing home care, the Health Quest system provides immediate and caring service to the one million people who reside in the New York counties of Columbia, Dutchess, Ulster, Orange, Putnam and northern Westchester.

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