RECOGNIZING THE CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS AND IMPACTFUL LEADERSHIP OF DR. DAVID J. SKORTON

On 2026-10-01, Representative John Joyce (R-PA-13) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS AND IMPACTFUL LEADERSHIP OF DR. DAVID J. SKORTON" in the House.

RECOGNIZING THE CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS AND IMPACTFUL LEADERSHIP OF DR. DAVID J. SKORTON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 156 (Thursday, October 1, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 156 (Thursday, October 1, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1002] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS AND IMPACTFUL LEADERSHIP OF DR. DAVID J. SKORTON ______ HON. JOHN JOYCE of pennsylvania in the house of representatives Thursday, October 1, 2026 Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Dr. David J. Skorton, who has announced his retirement as President and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges effective in June 2027. Since his appointment in 2019, Dr. Skorton's leadership at the AAMC has been marked by a deep commitment to advancing academic medicine, strengthening the physician workforce, training the next generation of caregivers, and improving the health of patients and communities across the country. Dr. Skorton believes that the best path forward for medical practitioners is to possess a clear-eyed view of existing challenges and recognize that more must be done to improve the health of people everywhere. Early during his tenure, Dr. Skorton guided AAMC through the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to bring attention to shortages of personal protective equipment in hospitals and testing shortages in academic laboratories. Prior to joining AAMC, Dr. Skorton was the 13th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and president of both Cornell University and the University of Iowa. As Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Dr. Skorton oversaw 19 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, numerous research centers, and several education units and centers. Dr. Skorton's background as a physician and researcher provided the foundation for his career as an academician and university administrator. As a leader in higher education, Dr. Skorton set a tone of accessibility, consultation, and compassion. An avid musician who plays the flute and saxophone, Dr. Skorton is an ardent and nationally recognized supporter of the arts and humanities. On behalf of constituents throughout the 13th Congressional District, I express gratitude to Dr. Skorton for his distinguished and impactful contributions to society and extend to him best wishes for a wonderful retirement. ____________________