Brian L. Pratt has been named clinical operations officer at Upstate University Hospital. He had served as interim clinical operations officer since August 2022.
As clinical operations officer, Pratt leads strategic, data-driven initiatives to improve patient flow, reduce length of stay and enhance operational efficiency. He collaborates across departments to implement evidence-based protocols, streamline care progression and support financial planning through targeted budget analysis, as well as working to eliminate inefficiencies, accelerate patient throughput, and advance patient satisfaction and hospital performance.
Since joining Upstate University Hospital in 2006, Pratt has held multiple key positions, including advanced practice resource nurse, sepsis coordinator, and director of value analysis in materials management. He also has served as a SWAT (Supplemental Workforce and Training) nurse, and in such patient care areas as medical-surgical intensive care unit and transplant unit.
His leadership extended beyond the hospital walls during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he served as operations lead for the Central New York Regional Vaccine Hub, overseeing vaccine distribution for five counties and more than 360 organizations. He also played a key role in managing logistics during the staffing crisis through the hospital’s Incident Command structure, especially coordinating the February 2022 visit of 40-member U.S. Air Force Reserve medical team to support Upstate’s medical staff during COVID-19.
“Brian’s combination of operational acumen, clinical expertise, and dedication to innovation makes him an ideal fit to continue to lead Upstate’s efforts in improving the delivery of care across the system,” said physician Amy Tucker, Upstate’s chief medical officer. “His impact has already been deeply felt across the institution.”
In addition to his civilian healthcare career, Pratt serves as a major in the U.S. Army Reserve Nurse Corps, currently holding the role of executive officer of the 912th Field Hospital, in Niagara Falls, where he ensures operational readiness and continuity of care in military medical operations.
Pratt holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing (clinical nurse specialist) from Upstate Medical University College of Nursing.
Among his special certifications are acute care clinical nurse specialist adult-gerontology (ACCNS-AG) and acute critical care nursing (CCRN).