In a tribute to the generosity of physician and philanthropist Prime Healthcare founder Dr. Prem Reddy, California State University San Bernardino named its nursing simulation lab in his honor during a ceremony on Feb. 3, 2014, and declared it Dr. Prem Reddy Day on campus.
“It is a distinct honor for Cal State San Bernardino, and for me personally, to dedicate this laboratory in recognition of Dr. Prem Reddy’s immeasurable contributions to the medical profession, higher education, area communities, and the health of patients from throughout the Inland Empire and beyond,” said university President Tomás D. Morales.
The dedication was to celebrate Dr. Reddy’s gift of $500,000 to the university and its department of nursing. The gift will allow the nursing lab to keep its equipment – 30 computer stations and a 10-bed lab as well as advanced simulation technology and mannequins – up to date, ensuring that students will be working with state-of-the-art equipment, said Kirsten Fleming, dean of the CSUSB College of Natural Sciences, which houses the nursing department.
“Without qualified nurses, health care delivery would be dysfunctional. Without dedicated and committed nurses, hospitals and clinics would all be totally useless,” Dr. Reddy said. “So I have a special appreciation for nursing programs and nursing schools.”
He also urged the nursing students to give back to their communities.
Born in India, Dr. Reddy immigrated to the United States in 1976 with his wife, Venkamma, who is also a physician. He is double board-certified in internal medicine and cardiology. He was awarded the honor of Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians. During his 25 years of practice in the High Desert, he has committed himself to the service of his patients.
Dr. Reddy founded Prime Healthcare Services in 2001, starting with Desert Valley Hospital in Victorville. Since then, Prime Healthcare has expanded to own and operate 25 hospitals across the nation. The health system has been recognized as one of the “15 Top Health Systems” in the nation three times in the last five years, including in 2013, and its hospitals have earned the “100 Top Hospitals” recognition 21 times.