 |
| Dinah Surh, North Brooklyn Health Network |
YUMMO for Dinah Surh! The Network Director for Ambulatory Care for the North Brooklyn Health Network was the national winner of the Rachael Ray Show "10 Ingredient Challenge." Dinah wowed Rachael and the studio audience with her recipes for Korean Skirt Steak with Blueberry Glaze, Korean String Bean Pancakes and her Blueberry & Apricot Cannoli Puffs. As the national winner she was sent off to deluxe hotel accommodations in Cancun.
"I like surprising people," says Dinah Surh, MPH, who has responsibility for 16 health center sites including the Cumberland Diagnostic and Treatment Center. "Most people think of hospital administrators as conservative and not a lot of fun. I like challenging that perception."
 |
| Dinah Surh and Rachael Ray |
Although her colleagues and family know about her many talents, Surh won a whole new legion of fans as the winner of the Rachael Ray Show's "10 Ingredient Challenge." She appeared on the TV program as one of three finalists, chosen by Rachael Ray and her staff, from over 500 people who entered the contest.
"I love to cook and it is a huge part of my life," said Surh. She won her finalist spot with recipes she based on her Korean heritage.
"One of the best things about working at HHC is the chance to work with diverse ethnic communities," Surh says. "Although being a cook is not in my job description, I know that what we eat has a direct impact on our health both in the short and the long term. It is important to offer culturally appropriate nutrition counseling to all of our patients and I am glad that we offer it to the communities we serve in North Brooklyn."
Before assuming her present position, Surh worked at various HHC facilities and the voluntary sector for over twenty years developing and running ambulatory care networks throughout NYC. In addition, she is President of the New York Ambulatory Care Association (NYAAC) which, on October 24th, will be honoring LaRay Brown, Senior Vice President, Corporate Planning, Community Health and Intergovernmental Relations for her outstanding leadership in primary care expansion and redesign of hospital and health center operations.
As a contest finalist, Surh was invited to appear on the show and was given just 30 minutes to prepare a recipe with tomatoes, corn on the cob and apple cider at its base. Her prize-winning recipe was Korean Grilled Pork Chops with Tomato, Corn and Fig Glaze.
"Obviously it is a lot of pressure to make a meal in 30 minutes, on a national show while being judged by three of New York City's best chefs," Surh said. "But I did it!"
The show aired on September 12. She plans to enter more contests and dreams about writing a cookbook one day based on recipes from her Korean heritage.
|
