Meet Patrick Burke III
With a background perfectly aligned with CUIMC’s mission, Patrick Burke thrives on daily interactions and collaboration with his talented team. As vice president of Facilities Operations, Management, and Planning, he is dedicated to enhancing the medical center for future generations and brings a rare skill in hand-drawn architectural drawings. When not focused on enhancing the medical center’s physical landscape, Pat enjoys the outdoors, particularly skiing and being on the water, and surprises people with his laid-back fashion style.
What drew you to CUIMC, and what do you enjoy most about your current role?
My background in designing research and healthcare facilities aligned perfectly with CUIMC's mission, providing a strong foundation to work on the buildings here. I love working with the Facilities team; the best parts of the job are the daily interactions, engagement, and collaboration with everyone.
My architectural skills, particularly in creating detailed hand-drawn architectural drawings, have been a significant asset. This rare talent, honed during graduate school alongside learning Computer Assisted Design (CAD), allows me to bring a unique and valuable perspective to our projects.
Who are your role models?
My mom and dad are both architects. My dad worked for the Port Authority [of New York and New Jersey] and inspired my passion for public service and creativity. My dad specialized in aviation planning and contributed to designing the people mover systems at [John F.] Kennedy and Newark [Liberty] International Airports, which replaced the earlier bus-only transit. He also worked at the World Trade Center until he retired in 1993. As a child, I spent a lot of time in city buildings, often finding them more exciting than school. I was fortunate to tag along on some of his projects, which left a lasting impression on me.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Growing up, I wanted to be either a pilot, an architect, or a builder. As things progressed, I knew I would work in construction or within the real estate industry. The only jobs I’ve had were in construction.
What brings you joy?
Being on the water or skiing. I spent a lot of time skiing in southern Austria near the Italian border when I was a kid, and it gave me a deep love for the mountains. The scenery there is breathtaking—one mountain range seamlessly blends into the next.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to remain patient and persistent, as perseverance will eventually lead to success. It's essential to stay committed to your path and continuously build and nurture relationships every day. Understanding your long-term goals and seeking advice from others is crucial. Surround yourself with supportive people and always be open to their input and guidance.
How would you describe yourself in one word? Why?
Caring. Our shared goal is to enhance the medical center, making it a better place for students, researchers, patients, and faculty. We aim to create the best environment possible, not just for today, but to establish a lasting legacy that ensures continued improvement into the future as well.
What has been your favorite project you’ve worked on to date?
It's difficult to choose just one, but I would say it's a three-way tie between Alumni Auditorium/Schaefer Awards Gallery, Haven Plaza, and ColumbiaDoctors Midtown at 51st Street. The Alumni Auditorium/Schaefer Awards Gallery renovation was particularly impactful; we transformed a 1960s brick block into a vibrant, glowing center of the campus, all while staying within budget. Haven Plaza provided a central gathering space for the campus, and ColumbiaDoctors Midtown became a welcoming home for healing. Each of these projects has been transformative in its own way, significantly enhancing the campus and community.
What’s something that people would be surprised to learn about you?
I don’t wear a suit every day. I do pretty well in shorts and a T-shirt.