Dr. William J. Higgins Named Vice President of Medical Affairs at Hudson Valley Hospital Center

The following was provided by the Peekskill Police Department:

Respected physician to head hospital physician relations

Cortlandt Manor, NY - (February 15, 2012) – William Higgins, M.D., a respected local internist and former President of the Hospital’s Medical Staff, has been named Vice President of Medical Affairs at Hudson Valley Hospital Center.

Dr. Higgins of Peekskill will oversee the medical operations of the Hospital and its more than 350 physicians. His appointment takes effect March 1.

“Dr. Higgins has served our community and the Hospital for 20 plus years in an exemplary manner and is extremely qualified for the position,’’ said John C. Federspiel, President of Hudson Valley Hospital Center. “Bill is well known in the community for his calm and thoughtful demeanor as well as lifelong commitment to quality health care. He is the right physician to lead us into the future as the Hospital grows and offers more services to the community.’’

Most recently, Dr. Higgins served as President of the Medical Staff at HVHC and is the Medical Director of Westchester Medical Practice, a multi-specialty practice serving upper Westchester. Dr. Higgins is completing an MBA this semester at UMASS-Amherst.

 “I am very excited about my new role as Vice President of Medical Affairs here at Hudson Valley Hospital Center, particularly at a time when the Hospital is seeing so many positive changes,’” said Dr. Higgins. “Being associated with this Hospital for so many years, I know the quality of care patients receive here. It is really an honor to work with such dedicated physicians and medical professionals.”

Before serving as President of the Medical Staff at Hudson Valley Hospital Center, Dr. Higgins maintained a thriving medical practice with his wife, Ellen a nurse practitioner, and was a Clinical Preceptor at New York Medical College in Valhalla. Dr. Higgins is well respected in the senior community and was appointed by the Governor of the State of New York to sit on the Council for Alzheimer’s Disease and Age Related Dementias. He is a past Director of the Hudson Valley Region of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Dr. Higgins obtained his Medical Degree from The George Washington University School of Medicine and did his residency and fellowship training at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.  He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine.  He has been in local practice for 21 years. Dr. Higgins lives in Peekskill with his wife Ellen, and their son, Liam.

Hudson Valley Hospital Center is dedicated to serving the health care needs of the community and to providing quality, comprehensive medical care in a compassionate, professional, respectful manner, without regard to race, religion, national origin or disease category. Offering state-of-the-art diagnostic treatment, education and preventive services, the Hospital is committed to improving the quality of life in the community.  In fulfilling this mission, the Hospital will strive to continuously improve the care provided and develop and offer programs, facilities, systems and alliances that most effectively respond to community health care needs.  Hudson Valley Hospital Center is located on Route 202 (1980 Crompond Road) in Cortlandt Manor, New York. For physician directory assistance please call 800-482-HVHC or visit www.hvhc.org.