FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Experienced Physiatrist to Lead Medical Staff in Advancing Patient-Centered Rehabilitation
WEST HAVERSTRAW, NY (January 23, 2026) – The New York State Department of Health’s Helen Hayes Hospital announced the appointment of George F. Gombas, MD, MBA to the position of Chief Medical Officer effective January 8, 2026. Dr. Gombas will lead the Medical Staff of the nationally renowned physical rehabilitation hospital in the provision of rehabilitative medicine to patients recovering from debilitating injuries and illnesses.
A double-board-certified physiatrist with more than 35 years of clinical and leadership experience across inpatient and outpatient settings, Dr. Gombas brings extensive expertise in rehabilitation medicine and a longstanding commitment to advancing community health. His wealth of experience and clinical excellence and history of confident, compassionate care position him ideally to lead the hospital’s Medical Staff and help shape the future of care at Helen Hayes Hospital.
Dr. Gombas is board-certified in both Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Spinal Cord Injury Medicine and previously held certification in Internal Medicine. He served the community through working through the Veterans Health Administration for 13 years initially as a physician working in Spinal Cord Injury Services and most recently as Associate Chief of Staff.
In addition, Dr. Gombas previously served as Medical Director of Holy Name Hospital’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, as Residency Program Director for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Albany Medical Center, and in private practice—most recently at Garnet Health Doctors’ Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialty practice. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from New Jersey Medical School and his Master of Business Administration from Ramapo College.
“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Gombas to the esteemed Helen Hayes Hospital as Chief Medical Officer. I am confident Dr. Gombas will be an asset to the team at Helen Hayes and will work diligently to carry on its reputation of exceptional patient care,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.
“Dr. Gombas brings an invaluable combination of clinical expertise, leadership experience, and a deeply patient-centered approach to care,” said Scott Guevin, Chief Executive Officer of Helen Hayes Hospital. “We are confident that his experience and perspective will further strengthen our distinguished medical team and advance our mission of helping patients achieve their highest level of independence. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on our Hospital and on the patients and families we serve.”
About Helen Hayes Hospital:
Helen Hayes Hospital is a national leader in physical rehabilitation, providing a full continuum of inpatient, outpatient, and specialty services for individuals recovering from brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, amputation, and other disabling conditions, including orthopedic, cardiopulmonary, and neurological disorders. Founded in 1900, the Hospital celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2025, marking more than a century of innovation, compassion, and leadership in rehabilitation medicine. Operated by the New York State Department of Health and affiliated with the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System, Helen Hayes Hospital continues its longstanding mission to help every patient rebuild ability, independence, and quality of life. For more information, visit www.helenhayeshospital.org.
Lisa Fielack
Public Relations Director
Helen Hayes Hospital
51-55 N Route 9W, West Haverstraw, NY 10993
w: (845) 786-4221 | lisa.fielack@helenhayeshosp.org