As the current Chairman and CEO of Bausch + Lomb and former Chairman and CEO of Allergan, Brent Saunders has a wealth of experience in the healthcare industry. He and his wife Daniela, both active members of the Mount Sinai Medical Center board, are dedicated to ensuring access to vital high quality health care. During his time with Allergan, Brent supported the medical center’s behavioral health programs through Allergan’s foundation. Now, he has shifted his focus and support to a more personal cause. “My father, Charles Saunders, was a urologist,” Brent says, explaining his contribution to the medical center. “Having a world-class medical center like Mount Sinai is good for everyone.”

The Gift

The Saunders personally support Mount Sinai’s Division of Urology, directed by Dr. Alon Weizer, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Akshay Bhandari, Co-Chief, and Dr. Alan M. Nieder, Co-Chief, due to Brent’s family history with the specialty. Daniela is committed to educational engagement and community activation, with the goal of providing support to those going through difficult medical circumstances. “The contribution we made will help ensure the medical center continues to have a high quality Urology department for everyone; the best physicians, training, care, and equipment,” Brent says. Daniela adds, “It’s about being able to support the community and strengthen the services and medical expertise that South Florida has access to.”

Motivating Mission

The Saunders believe that preventative health care is one of the most important aspects of health care. “The best time to be thinking about your health is now. We’re trying to send the message that you need to maintain your health and live a healthy lifestyle. I think my history in healthcare, launching new drugs, helped with this perspective – health is the great equalizer,” Brent says. “A strong hospital is critical for our community. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in healthcare and wanted to support a non-profit like Mount Sinai, because I believe in their mission. It’s not just about giving money — it’s about giving hope to our community.”