Get to Know Your Hospital Board Members - David Rama

By Matthew Avitabile

MARGARETVILLE — David Rama has been on the Margaretville Hospital Board for the previous three years. He was asked by a friend, a retired orthopedic surgeon. Rama believed that serving on the board was a chance to give back to the community.

He operates two farms and lives in Delhi.

He described himself as a person of little patience and wanted to make sure that the hospital ran efficiently. This included potential concern about friction between management and the board, and that such relations are smooth. WMC staff have been fantastic to work with and making great strides on improving every aspect of the facilities.

The board is “an amazing group of people,” he said. Rama had previously served as vice chair of the board and has assisted with financial data.

Hospitals have to survive by “being financially stable while offering great care.

He cited a number of improvements, including expansion of primary care, cancer treatment, expanded pharmacy hours, the helipad which is about to be built and so much more!

After “putting the pedal down,” the board worked hard to raise funds for operations, and he praised the board members’ “concern for the citizens.”

“I can’t say enough about the people on the board and hospital staff. Rama added.

Rama said that he had several friends who went to Mountainside Residential Center in “terrible shape” and that “Mountainside saved their life.” He and his friends cited the doctors, nurses, and staff, which he describes as “meaningful.”

“That’s what we’re looking for,” he said.

Rama added that the hospital and its operations need donors. He’s seen the donations at other hospitals and hopes to be able to bring in funds, including from new residents,

“We have to support the hospital and Mountainside,” he added.

Rama gave the example of one donor that donated $20,000 and credited the hospital and the staff for saving their life after a head-on collision. There was an appreciation event for nurses involved in the call.

“That’s what it’s all about.”

He is currently in a 10 year term on the board at 72 years old and encourages young people to get on the board.