Dr. Lewis Britton, III, a leading cardiothoracic surgeon and respected mentor within the Albany Med Health System, has been honored with the 2025 Pillars Award. This accolade represents the system’s highest honor and acknowledges Dr. Britton’s commitment to his patients, students, and the wider community.
“Dr. Britton is a dedicated physician who has helped shape cardiothoracic surgery in the System and region, training the next generation of surgeons and serving as a beloved mentor for so many,” stated Dennis P. McKenna, MD, president and CEO of the Albany Med Health System. He further emphasized Dr. Britton’s dedication to mentorship by saying that he instills “the importance of both the work and the connection to patients” while teaching advanced technical skills with compassion.
Dr. Britton’s journey with Albany Medical Center began in 1978 when he joined as a resident in general surgery. He later completed fellowships in cardiothoracic surgery at Albany Medical College and congenital cardiac surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital. By 1986, he became an attending cardiac surgeon at Albany Medical College and held positions such as Sheridan-Alley Chair of Cardiothoracic Surgery until 2021.
Reflecting on receiving this prestigious award, Dr. Britton remarked: “It is an incredible honor—and quite humbling— to be recognized by the System that means so much to me, my career, and my family.” He shared how his career unexpectedly unfolded from Texas to Washington D.C., ultimately becoming deeply intertwined with upstate New York.
The Pillars Award was established in 1997 to honor individuals who exemplify the institution’s mission through significant contributions impacting their community. It is presented annually during the Arnold Cogswell Dinner—a tribute named after a former president of Albany Medical Center known for his public service and philanthropy.
