Dr. L. Toni Lewis Brings Experience as Voice for Resident Physician Rights and Improved Patient Care to New Role

Denver, CO -- Dr. L. Toni Lewis, Immediate Past President of the Committee of Interns and Residents, was named chair of the union's healthcare division today by SEIU President Mary Kay Henry. In her new role, Dr. Lewis will lead efforts of SEIU's 1.2 million nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers to deliver the benefits of the nation's historic healthcare reform law to their patients and consumers.

George Gresham, president of 1199SEIU, nominated Dr. Lewis for the position, stating, "Toni Lewis is committed to workers at all levels; and in Toni's eyes, no one is invisible. She brings her mind and her heart to this work, and she is the right person to lead SEIU Healthcare."

"I had the privilege of working with Toni on national healthcare reform and watched as day in and day out, she used her voice to advocate for patients who feared their medical bills more than illnesses," said RN Cathy Stoddart of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania. "Her courage and her compassion make her the kind of leader who inspires everyone around her."

"Dr. Lewis brings an incredible passion to every challenge she undertakes. As a doctor, her perspective will be invaluable as the new healthcare law becomes reality for working families throughout this country. As a leader, her personal experiences in trying to improve the quality of patient care will bring a powerful and authentic voice for equal rights and fairness in the workplace," said SEIU President Mary Kay Henry.

From the very beginning of her family practice residency at the New York Medical College, Dr. Lewis advocated for resident physician rights and improving access to affordable, quality health care for all. In 2008, she played a central role in building Healthcare United, a national grassroots movement of union and non-union nurses, doctors and healthcare workers that placed the issue of national healthcare reform at the forefront of in the presidential campaign. In 2009, Dr. Lewis led SEIU's initiative to unite medical residents and doctors during the national healthcare debate, meeting with physicians to build consensus on details of the legislation, as well as mobilizing and educating voters.

Dr. Lewis earned her B.A. in Sociology from Georgetown University and her M.D. from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. She completed her residency training in Family Practice and fellowship in Geriatric Medicine in Jamaica (Queens), NY at the New York Medical College/Brooklyn-Queens program.

"I am humbled, honored and thrilled to be part of this fantastic leadership team, especially as this moment challenges us to excel and move forward," said Dr. Lewis of the honor. "You have my waking-up-everyday commitment that I will use this honor to make our members and other healthcare workers feel strong and empowered."

With 2.2 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in the Americas. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare and more secure jobs for our communities, while uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers--not just corporations and CEOs--benefit from today's global economy.

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