Book On Bassett's History In The Works

Cooperstown, N.Y. – Dr. John Davis, Bassett Medical Center’s director of Medical Education emeritus, is putting together a book on the history of The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital. Founded in 1922, Bassett has evolved into a network of six hospitals, 26 health centers and 18 school-based health centers. Bassett Medical Center, located in Cooperstown, is the foundation for Bassett Healthcare Network and is a 180-bed acute care hospital with missions of patient care, teaching and research. The book will feature many pictures and interwoven text, and will begin with the Bassett family in the mid-nineteenth century. Dr. Davis has given a number of talks on the subject over the past few years, and the book was requested by Bassett CEO Dr. William Streck and the Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network. 

“I hope the book will appeal to our now widespread Bassett community and that it will increase the awareness and understanding of our extraordinary organization,” noted Dr. Davis. “It should also project Bassett’s history as the evolution of an original and effective model for health care delivery in rural America.”

The project has been underway for several months, and its completion is expected by the end of the year. Anyone who can provide interesting historical notes, vignettes, newspaper articles and photos will greatly aid Dr. Davis’s work. He may be reached at (607) 547-9688 or davi7js4@hughes.net.