Dr. Simon Kokkinakis, RUMC physician since 2006, named president by hospital medical professionals.
Richmond University Medical Center has announced the appointment of Dr. Simon Kokkinakis as President of the Medical Staff. His two-year term began on July 1, 2026.
In his new role, Dr. Kokkinakis will work closely with RUMC’s medical staff serving as its voice in matters of hospital policy and decision making. He will also serve as liaison between the medical staff, hospital executive administration, and the Board of Trustees to ensure the collective ideas and recommendations of the over 400 medical staff members at RUMC are represented.
“I am eager to represent the medical staff at RUMC, I want to be their biggest advocate ensuring their voices are heard,” Dr. Kokkinakis said. “When change occurs, it is important to have a positive outlook and keep morale high. A supported team delivers better care”
Dr. Kokkinakis is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and is a Fellow of both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American College of Surgeons. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from New York University, and graduated from Ross University School of Medicine, completing his internship and residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at SUNY Buffalo/Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, where he also served as Administrative Chief Resident. He obtained his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Dr. Kokkinakis has been a full-time attending physician in RUMC’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology since 2006.
Dr. Kokkinakis has also served in numerous leadership roles within the local medical community on Staten Island, including serving as President, President-Elect, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary of the Richmond County Medical Society. He also currently serves as Director of the Medical Student Clerkship in RUMC’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and holds faculty teaching appointments at New York Medical College, St. George’s University School of Medicine, and American University of Antigua College of Medicine.
Dr. Kokkinakis assumes the title of President of the Medical Staff previously held by Dr. Francesco Rotatori, chief of RUMC’s Cardiovascular Department, a role Rotatori held for the past three years.
“Leaving the role of President of the Medical Staff is bittersweet. During my tenure, my main objective and focus was on supporting our physicians and elevating the quality of care we offer to our community.” Dr. Rotatori said, “I am incredibly pleased to hand over these responsibilities to Simon, a highly respected colleague who has stood by my side for the past few years. He possesses the deep expertise needed to take over this position, and I am confident he will lead effectively through the ongoing challenges facing the healthcare industry today.”
Dr. Kokkinakis was born and raised in Queens, NY, and currently resides in Staten Island with his wife and three children.
“Simon is a highly respected physician, educator, and leader who has devoted nearly two decades to serving Richmond University Medical Center and our community,” RUMC President Dr. John C. Evanko said. “He understands the challenges facing physicians today and has always been a strong advocate for collaboration, professionalism, and excellence in patient care. I am confident he will be an outstanding president for our medical staff, and I look forward to working alongside him as we continue to strengthen our organization and serve the people of Staten Island.”
Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) is a not-for-profit healthcare provider serving the ethnically diverse community of Staten Island and its neighbors. We provide premier-quality patient care through a full spectrum of emergent, acute, primary, behavioral health and educational services. We do this in an environment that promotes the highest satisfaction among patients, families, physicians and staff. For more information call 1-718-818-1234 or visit www.rumcsi.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
