Dear Colleagues:History is on our side as we look to the future. Why do I make such an audacious claim? Because, based on my first 100 days at Duke, I believe we have all the elements that history dictates are essential for achieving new, higher levels of excellence and impact.Since arriving on April 1, I have had the great pleasure of meeting many of you in various settings, from ice cream socials to hallway encounters to grand receptions to small group meetings. I have also had the privilege to engage with many of our most supportive leaders in venues across the Durham, greater Triangle, and North Carolina communities. My immersion in all-things-Duke has deepened my appreciation of our extraordinary advantages, thanks to our exceptional people, programs, partners, and collaborative environment.Today, I am more convinced than ever that we are uniquely positioned among academic health institutions to create the future of science, education, healthcare and health. Better than any other institution, we are primed to define tomorrow's model of highest-quality, patient-centered care and to harness the power of population health. Better than any other institution, we are poised to crack the code for expeditiously translating today's discoveries into health benefit. Better than any other institution, we are positioned to forge the diverse partnerships necessary to measurably improve health in the communities we serve and ensure that they rank among the healthiest in the State. Better than any other institution, we are prepared to train the world how best to educate the health leaders needed for the future.Realizing this vision requires that we act anew to capitalize on our enormous promise. For me, this means working within and outside Duke to advance initiatives that will help us achieve our goals. Over the next academic year, we will complete a strategic planning process designed to delineate our shared aspirations, to yield bold, high-impact pursuits in each of our mission areas, and to identify the priority investments that best nurture our people and foster a supportive environment. At the same time, we will enhance our organizational performance, expand fund raising, and promote Duke-wide health initiatives.Each of you plays a critical role in the ultimate success of our endeavors. And I will continually seek ways to engage you, listen and learn. I believe our job as leaders is to bring focus and energy to our strategic priorities, to marshal necessary resources, and to unleash your tremendous talent. I assure you I am fully committed to this vital task.Before I close, I want to thank you for the wonderfully warm and gracious manner in which you have welcomed my wife, Marie, and me. We are delighted and proud to be a part of the incredible Duke family, and we look forward with excitement to continuing to work with you. As we pursue that next level of excellence and impact together, do remember that because of you history is on our side.Sincerely,A. Eugene Washington, M.D.Chancellor for Health AffairsCEO Duke University Health System