American Shared Hospital Services announced that Company Founder, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Board Director, Ernest A. Bates, M.D, passed away on March 19th at the age of 87. Dr. Ernest Bates was a highly respected board-certified neurosurgeon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Regarded as a pioneer in his field for bringing ?state-of-the-art medical equipment into the mainstream?, he was considered by many to be a trailblazer and champion of equitable medical care for those in underserved communities.

In addition to his pioneering efforts in healthcare, Dr. Bates was also a pioneer in breaking new ground for the Black community. He was the first African American graduate from Johns Hopkins University School of Arts and Sciences in 1958. He earned his MD degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1962; completed his internship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx Municipal Hospital Center; and then entered the U.S. Air Force, serving for three years in Japan.

He completed his neurosurgery residency at the University California, San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center and became one of the nation?s first Black board-certified neurosurgeons in 1973. Dr. Bates was a member of several professional medical societies and held leadership roles on several corporate boards. He was Emeritus member of the Board of Trustees at both of his alma maters, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Rochester.

In 2021, Dr. Bates was recognized at Johns Hopkins?s Commencement ceremony with an honorary degree, the university's honor. Also in 2021, John Hopkins named an undergraduate residential tower in his honor on the university campus. This honor was in recognition and gratitude for the kindness he showed as a student when Dr. Bates created a safe haven in his dormitory for his fellow black students on campus during segregated times.