Coming Soon
Be sure to look for my new book Endless Opportunity - The Code Of Extraordinary Lives. Set to publish in late 2026!
Builder Of Enduring Things
PHYSICIAN · STEWARD · FARMER
PHILANTHROPIST · AUTHOR
MUSICIAN · ELDER
PRACTITIONER
- PRESIDENT & CEO – AMERICAN HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION
- FOUNDER – STONEBRIDGE OASIS CINEMA PRODUCTIONS
- MANAGING PRINCIPAL – STONEBRIDGE LLAMA AND ALPACA RANCH
- CHAIRMAN – INSTITUTE FOR LEADERSHIP AND HUMAN ACHIEVEMENT
This Site Exists As A Personal Record
Forged In Philadelphia: A Foundation Of Discipline And Resilience
Dr. Alan LeSabintino Bess was born in North Philadelphia and raised in a diverse urban neighborhood. Over time he developed a natural
ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
During his early years, Al was raised by his grandparents and two
devoted uncles who provided discipline and stability. His grandfather was a decorated United States Army Lieutenant. His uncles served in
World War II and instilled in him a lasting respect for courage and duty.
His father was a United States Navy captain and physician who spent seven years in Japan during and after World War II. His example of discipline and service helped shape Al’s resilience and work ethic.
His family later moved to Levittown, Pennsylvania. The strength and perspective formed in the city remained with him, shaping a life guided
by perseverance and integrity.
Where Champions Are Forged...And Principles Are Learned
As a boy, then later as a teenager and young man, Al spent countless evening hours training at the Cloverlay Gym, a small Philadelphia boxing gym that would later become forever intertwined with the
legacy of heavyweight champion Joe Frazier.
Long before achieving national recognition, the gym embodied discipline, humility, and hard work, values that deeply shaped his character and outlook on life.
Al eventually came to know Joe Frazier while training at the gym. Frazier often repeated the same message to him: ‘Remember, never give up. Never ever give up.” Those words became a lifelong principle.
In 2011, he joined the boxing community at Enon Tabernacle Baptist
Church to pay his respects as Philadelphia honored one of its greatest
champions.
Strength, Discipline, And The Power Of Restraint
Al immersed himself in martial arts, training intensely throughout his
teenage and college years. He earned black belts in Tae Kwon Do
and Chinese Kempo. He compiled a competitive record of 52 wins and
4 losses, and taught martial arts for many years. Though highly
skilled, he believed true strength came from discipline, restraint, and self-control.
A graduate of Neshaminy High School, his youth was energetic and
driven. Days were filled with weightlifting, running, martial arts training,
and long bike rides. Weekends brought trips to Philadelphia for sports
events and concerts. Through those experiences, he learned that
discipline and resilience shape character.
Leadership In Medicine: Advancing Science, Safeguarding Patients
Over more than four decades, Doc built a distinguished career spanning medicine, clinical research, and executive leadership. Since 2009 he has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Health Systems Corporation, directing global safety initiatives across major disease areas. Earlier senior leadership roles at Novartis, Hoffmann-La Roche, and Abbott Laboratories placed him at the forefront of drug research and development. He is recognized as an authority in Drug Safety. He became an FDA- recognized expert, published author, and developed advancements in clinical research and patient protection. Throughout his career, he believed scientific progress must always be guided by ethics and the protection of human life.
Where a Way of Life Became a World-Class Stage
Beyond medicine, Doc remains deeply connected to stewardship of
the land. On his 55-acre Pennsylvania estate, he cultivates crops,
raises llamas, alpacas, horses, and guinea hens, and trains mastiffs and kangals as livestock guardians. The property reflects a life shaped
by discipline, conservation, responsibility, and respect for nature.
That landscape evolved into StoneBridge Oasis Cinema
Productions, a cinematic estate created as an authentic extension of
real life. Once a private sanctuary, it now welcomes filmmakers and
photographers seeking natural beauty, architectural character, and
genuine atmosphere. More information can be found at
https://StoneBridgeOasis.com.
Doc also authored Endless Opportunity: Secrets of Success In A
Secular World, a reflection on the principles that shaped his life. His
upcoming book, Endless Opportunity: The Code of Extraordinary
Lives, draws upon decades of experience in medicine, corporate
leadership, professional athletics, and faith to explore the principles
that shape meaningful and enduring success. Through lessons
centered on mindset, discipline, resilience, and purposeful living, the
book challenges readers to pursue excellence with integrity and live
lives of lasting impact.
Anchored In Faith, Driven By Purpose
Not long ago, a serious medical emergency following a surgical procedure abruptly interrupted the physical disciplines that have shaped Doc’s life for decades, testing his strength in unfamiliar ways. Through faith and resilience, he discovered that true endurance is revealed quietly through adversity.
Faith has never been an accessory in Doc’s life, but its foundation. A
born-again Evangelical Christian, he serves as an Elder and Worship
Team Leader, mentors young men and women, founded the StoneBridge Christian Youth Ministry, supports missions, and embraces philanthropy as an expression of stewardship and purpose.
Together with his wife Kay, his partner for more than forty years, Doc has built a legacy grounded in faith, discipline, generosity, and unwavering loyalty. Family remains at the center of that legacy. Their
son, James, reflects the perseverance, work ethic, and moral clarity
instilled from childhood. Recruited by legendary coach Joe Paterno,
James played five years of football at Penn State University as a
defensive back before ascending to become President of CBRE’s
Capital Markets Business. His wife Julie also built a distinguished
executive career at Novartis where she and her team launched the
first ever Personalized CAR-T Therapy. Together, they are raising
three children shaped by faith, education, and discipline.
Surrounded by Kay, their children, and grandchildren, Doc continues
to live with purpose. Whether in healthcare leadership, ministry, or
family life, his guiding commitment remains unchanged: to walk
faithfully with God, to love deeply, to lead courageously, and to leave
every person and every place better than he found it.
Coming Soon
Be sure to look for my new book Endless Opportunity – The Code Of Extraordinary Lives. Set to publish in late 2026!
