Francis Afram-Gyening learned early in life about the importance of caring for others, and that basic lesson continues to guide his myriad humanitarian efforts today.
“When we were growing up, my mother instilled in us the importance of helping the frail, the poor and the sick the sick, among us,” said Afram-Gyening, Director of Operations for Primary Care Services at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, FL and an active volunteer with numerous non-for-profit organizations in the Miami area.
As a result of that maternal lesson, Afram-Gyening has become involved with numerous organizations that share the same philosophy give of ones self in every way possible to improve the life, health and well being of others.
A prime example of Afram-Gyenings commitment to that mission of service is his affiliation with Camillus Health Concern (CHC), Inc. in Miami. Sponsored by the Brothers of the Good Shepherd, CHC is a not-for-profit organization providing comprehensive primary health care services to the homeless and low-income populations of Miami-Dade County. These include medical, dental, podiatry, mental health and case management services for adults and children. The programs also include physical therapy, confidential HIV testing, counseling and treatment and clinical psychology.
“Our board works very closely with Alina Perez-Stable, President and CEO of CHC, and the medical staff to set and carry out policies, which strengthen all clinical, operational and programmatic process to benefit the homeless,” said Afram-Gyening, who currently serves as vice-chairman of the CHC Board of Directors and chairman of its Finance Committee.
Also benefiting from Afram-Gyenings time, talents and commitment is the Camillus House, where he volunteers on the Finance Committee and the South Florida Healthcare Executive Forum (SFHEF), Inc., where hes been an active member since 2001. The SFHEF is a fully chartered chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), organized to provide opportunities for professional development through educational and social services. Afram-Gyening has held numerous leadership positions with the SFHEF, including that of president for the organization in 2005.
The fundamental tenets which guide Afram-Gyenings volunteer efforts also apply in his current position as the Director of Operations for the Primary Care Services at Memorial Regional Hospital. Memorial Regional Hospital is part of the Memorial Healthcare System, a public, tax assisted not-for-profit health care provider serving South Broward County. The health care systems mission is to provide safe, quality, cost-effective, customer-focused services to its patients regardless of their ability to pay.
In addition to his professional and philanthropic work, Afram-Gyening has received a few accolades in his career. In 2002, he was among 50 South Florida healthcare executives that were selected by the Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners as part of the Mayors Health Care Access Task Force, which has its primary responsibility finding suitable solutions to the uninsured and underinsured challenges in the County. In 2004, Afram-Gyening was honored by the American College of Healthcare Executives with its Early Career Healthcare Executive Award.
In looking ahead to extending his volunteer efforts, Afram-Gyenings goals include:
- Camillus Health Concern Seek funding to expand dental services for the homeless.
- SFHEF Develop strong relationships with seasoned health care executives in South Florida to help mentor students and young professionals.
Because of his commitment to mentorship, Afram-Gyening mentors one graduate student every year at St. Thomas, Barry and Florida International universities.
“I firmly believe its important that we make time to mentor and guide young people and help them develop their careers,” Afram-Gyening said. “I have been fortunate to have had outstanding mentors in my life, and Im deeply grateful to all of them. I feel a deep responsibility to share what I have learned with others and provide opportunities for others.”
Given his track record of success, its obvious those qualities, and a firm commitment to give in a selfless manner, will continue to guide Afram-Gyening in his career and his avocation of service to those who benefit from all that he does.
| Francis Afram-Gyening At A Glance
Education Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, Magna Cum Laude, York College (City University of New York), Jamaica, NY; Master of Public Health degree in health policy and management, Columbia University School of Public Health, New York City. He also is board certified in healthcare management, a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and a certified public purchasing officer.
Career Prior to assuming his present position at Memorial Regional Hospital in October 2003, Afram-Gyening worked in administrative positions, including vice president of corporate affairs, at Economic Opportunity Family Health Center in Miami and in administrative positions with the New York City Department of Health.
Recognition In November 2004, he was the recipient of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Early Healthcare Career Regents Award. He also was a Columbia University Public Health scholarship recipient and has been featured in several publications including ACHE Healthcare Executive Magazine and Healthcare Professional Journal.
Community Involvement Camillus Health Concern, Inc., vice chairman, Board of Directors; South Florida Healthcare Executive Forum, Inc., serving as president in 2005; Regents Advisory Council, ACHE Southern Florida Division; Advisory Board Member, Barry University School of Natural & Health Sciences;American College of Healthcare Executives.
Teaching Experience Adjunct faculty for Barry University and St. Thomas University.
All in the Family Afram-Gyening has a brother, Dr. Albert Gyening, who is a dermatologist and a sister, Vida Gyening, who is a certified nurse midwife. |
