The Institute for Family Health Announces Retirement of Founding CEO Dr. Neil Calman and Appointment of Dr. Eric Gayle as New CEO
March 17, 2025
New York, NY (March 17, 2025) – The Institute for Family Health announced today that Dr. Neil Calman, MD, FAAFP, will be retiring after an extraordinary tenure of leadership and innovation that has significantly shaped the organization’s mission, achievements and growth. Beginning in April, Dr. Eric Gayle, MD, FAAFP, the Institute’s president for health care services and chief medical officer, will be the organization’s new CEO.
Dr. Calman has served as the CEO of the Institute for Family Health, which he helped found, since 1985. The organization currently serves over 100,000 patients annually in New York City and the Hudson Valley. Throughout his more than 50-year career, Dr. Calman’s work has consistently focused on removing barriers to health care in communities that have been neglected due to poverty and racism. He pioneered the development of health workforce training programs at Institute health centers, including programs in family medicine, nursing, administration, and behavioral health. He has also led advocacy efforts that advance the community health center model of care, most recently as chair of the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS)’s Public Policy Committee.
“It was my great fortune 50 years ago to have first set foot in a community health center in the Bronx, while still in residency. Over the past 50 years in our community health center movement, I have witnessed the profound impact that accessible, quality healthcare can have on people and communities,” said Dr. Calman in a statement to Institute staff. “Dr. Gayle is known for his thoughtful leadership, pragmatic approach, and deep dedication to health equity. I have complete confidence that under Dr. Gayle’s leadership, the Institute will continue to fulfill our mission and thrive.”
Dr. Eric Gayle first joined the Institute as a family medicine resident. Throughout his nearly 30-year career, he has held a number of progressive leadership roles at the organization. Most recently, he has served as chief medical officer since 2021 and president of health care services since 2023. Dr. Gayle has led a number of far-reaching quality improvement initiatives at the Institute, including a successful effort to eliminate disparities in patients’ health status related to diabetes and hypertension. He has also developed strong partnerships with numerous health organizations, allied health schools, and community organizations who share the Institute’s vision of accessible, affordable health care. Throughout his tenure, he has continued to practice family medicine in the Bronx, where he sees patients at the Institute’s Stevenson Family Health Center.
“We are incredibly fortunate to name Dr. Gayle as our new CEO,” said Ollie Brown-Carrington, chair of the Institute’s Board of Directors. “He has dedicated his life’s work to the Institute’s mission. We look forward to his leadership as we build on our strong foundation to continue advancing community health.”
“I am honored to carry forward Dr. Calman’s proud legacy,” said Dr. Gayle. “The Institute for Family Health improves the lives of thousands of people every day, and we will continue to devote ourselves to our patients and communities. Together with our committed staff, I am eager to expand and strengthen our work in coming years.”
As a federally qualified health center network, the Institute for Family Health serves over 100,000 patients in New York City and the Hudson Valley. Services, including primary care, dental care, mental health and social services, are available to patients of all ages regardless of ability to pay. In addition to providing direct health care, the Institute uses its expertise to provide health workforce training, undertake quality improvement and research to advance community health, and lead community outreach and advocacy efforts. In recognition of its 40th Anniversary this year, the Institute will be hosting a gala event in Manhattan on May 1, 2025. More information is available at institute.org/gala.
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The Institute for Family Health is a federally qualified health center network in New York State serving 100,000 patients annually. Services are available to people of all ages, regardless of ability to pay.