Putting People First: A Path Forward for Healthcare

In a 2023 JAMA article, Dr. Don Berwick – a national leader in healthcare improvement – issued a heartfelt call to action. He warned of the growing influence of profit motives in American healthcare, suggesting that the system risks losing its moral compass when financial gain overshadows the mission to heal. His insights serve as a timely reminder: healthcare must be more than a business. It must be a public trust. 

At GBMC HealthCare, we are driven by a clear and simple vision: to provide the care we’d want for our own loved ones. That principle reminds us that good healthcare is built not just on clinical excellence but on compassion, accessibility, and accountability. 

Today, we see the consequences when people lose health insurance or access to preventive services. Chronic diseases go unmanaged. Children fall behind on vaccines. Emergency departments fill up with patients who could have been treated earlier, more affordably, and more effectively in the community. These challenges are largely preventable. But only if we align our healthcare system with the long-term health of the population, not just short-term revenue streams. These are symptoms of a broader challenge: how we prioritize and invest in our collective well-being. 

In Maryland, we are fortunate to operate under a model that encourages preventive care and system-wide accountability. The Maryland Model and new AHEAD initiative promote value over volume, rewarding organizations for keeping people as healthy as they can be and not just waiting until they must be hospitalized. At GBMC, we’ve embraced this model fully, investing in advanced primary care, behavioral health integration, and services that address the root causes of poor health like food insecurity and housing. 

Transformation isn’t easy, but it’s necessary, and we’re still waiting for reimbursement models to catch up. We must ensure that health systems are not only financially viable but also socially responsible. This means resisting the status quo and instead designing care that is equitable, accessible, and driven by what our communities truly need. 

We believe the true measure of a health system’s success is not how full its hospitals are, but how many people it can keep healthy and out of the hospital in the first place. Let’s continue to move toward a future where every person, regardless of income or background, has access to the care they need, when they need it. 

Because every preventable illness is a missed opportunity. And every life saved through timely, compassionate care is a reminder of what matters most. 

Passing the Torch

Dr. Paari Gopalakrishnan

After 15 years as President and CEO of GBMC HealthCare, I’m preparing to hand the baton to a new leader. It’s a significant moment for me personally and for our entire health system. 

I’m pleased to share that Paari Gopalakrishnan, MD, MBA, will step into the role this September. I had the opportunity to meet him during the search process, and I left our conversation confident that he understands what leadership in healthcare should look like today. 

Dr. Gopalakrishnan comes to GBMC after serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of Kent Hospital, a 359-bed community teaching hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island, within Care New England Health System. He’s also worked as a hospitalist and as a Chief Medical Officer, so he knows firsthand what it means to care for patients and to lead teams that do. 

He also brings deep operational expertise. In his current role, he’s responsible for several systemwide functions that align closely with GBMC HealthCare’s integrated structure. He’s led innovative programs, taken on complex challenges, and brought teams together around shared goals. Colleagues describe him as a highly engaged and accessible leader. 

Most importantly, I believe he’s someone who truly gets it. He listens and leads with purpose – I’m confident our staff and community are in good hands. 

I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together, and I believe Dr. Gopalakrishnan is the right person to carry that work forward. I look forward to continuing alongside you until he arrives in September and ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition. 

Click here to learn more about Dr. Gopalakrishnan. 

Celebrating a Culture of Safety: CAUTI-Free for One Full Year

We’re proud to share that GBMC HealthCare is among just eight hospitals in Maryland – and one of only 514 nationwide – to achieve a zero rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) over the past year. 

This recognition, based on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data from July 2023 to June 2024, reflects the intentional, sustained efforts of our clinical teams to challenge assumptions and create a safer environment for our patients. 

In the past, I’ve shared the efforts of CAUTI reduction in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) and Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), where our teams questioned routine catheter use, modified order sets, educated staff, and embedded safety checks into daily workflows. This work is an example of the kind of critical thinking and collaboration that defines our culture of safety at GBMC. 

Thanks to every member of our team who played a role in this success. It’s a milestone aligned with our commitment to improving health outcomes and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. It’s proof that when we prioritize patient safety, everyone benefits. That’s the care we would want for our own loved ones! 

Click here to read more about our CAUTI recognition. 

Happy 4th! 

As we head into the holiday weekend, I’d like to take a moment to wish everyone a safe, happy, and fun 4th of July with their loved ones! 

Celebrating the Future of Leadership at GBMC: EMERGE Cohort 1 Graduation

Last week, we gathered to celebrate a remarkable milestone in GBMC’s journey of leadership development and continuous improvement: the graduation of our very first EMERGE cohort. 

EMERGE, which stands for "Emerging Leaders," was launched as a leadership development program for high-performing employees not currently in formal leadership roles. The aim was to connect, equip, and empower staff through a competency-based, skill-building experience. It is designed to identify leadership potential, enhance capabilities, and prepare participants for future opportunities within our health system. 

The passion and commitment of this group has been inspiring. 

A Showcase of Talent and Innovation

The capstone projects presented at the graduation ceremony showcased both the talent of our staff and the spirit of continuous improvement that defines GBMC. Project teams tackled topics that are deeply relevant to our organization’s goals and vision: 

Belonging at GBMC: Austin Dillon, Stephanie Amatucci, Tyler Scheff, Hilary Harrington, Gillian Junker, and Shani James explored how we can better foster a sense of belonging across our health system. 

Increasing Awareness of the Facilities Services Request Process: Alexa Oceanak, Danyel Daye, Katie Reisler, Amanda Leonard, Meg Craun, Christana Greene, and Jonathan Palardy identified opportunities to expand knowledge and improve utilization of the SRC process. 

Pathways to Mentorship at GBMC: Erin Reaves, Arielle Blahus, Chelsea Rubin, Caitlin Foarde, Lucy Keefer, and Jamora Price outlined roadblocks and mapped out strategies to better support mentorship across departments. 

Wellbeing Awareness: Lindsay Brooks, Lauren Cooper, Yu Kai Tang, Brittney Jackman, Bing Wang, Jasmine Stokes, and Danielle Clatterbuck emphasized the importance of promoting wellness resources because when employees don’t know, they can’t grow. 

These projects were not only academic exercises; they reflected real-world ideas and innovations that can elevate our patient experience, operational efficiency, and employee satisfaction. 

Our Future Leaders 

I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each graduate. From departments as varied as Quality and Patient Safety, Pharmacy, Security, IT, Finance, Nursing, and more, you’ve shown that leadership can come from anywhere in the organization. You are proof that our vision, To every patient, every time, we will provide the care we would want for our own loved ones, is brought to life not only by those with formal titles, but by every dedicated individual across GBMC. 

To our EMERGE graduates: thank you for your commitment to growth and for modeling what leadership at GBMC can look like. We’re proud of you and excited to see where your journeys take you next.

BBQ, Live Music, and Meaningful Moments

This past Tuesday, we hosted our annual Employee and Volunteer Appreciation BBQ, which is a time to pause, share a meal, and say thank you to the fabulous people who make GBMC HealthCare what it is. This year’s BBQ was especially meaningful to me. Not only was it my final one as president and CEO, but my work family chose to use the occasion to celebrate my retirement. 

Colleagues from across the system – our hospital, Gilchrist, and GBMC Health Partners practices – made time to stop by, enjoy great food, sing a little karaoke, and simply spend time together. That alone would have been more than enough. But this year came with a twist: live music from Technicolor Motorhome, a Steely Dan cover band I’ve admired for years. 

Our former chief information officer, Dave Hynson, introduced me to the band some years back, and I’ve enjoyed seeing them live ever since. Having them at the BBQ was a thrill, and being invited on stage to sing “My Old School” (a song my senior team and I have been known to karaoke at past events) was a real highlight for me!

A huge thank you to the colleagues who brought it all together: 

From Human Resources: Richelle Tighe, Executive Assistant, and Anna-Maria Palmer, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer 

From Marketing and Philanthropy: Alissa Smith, Community Relations and Events Manager; Kim Davenport, Senior Director of Community Engagement; and Jenny Coldiron, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy and Marketing

The team’s thoughtful planning and coordination brought joy not just to me, but to everyone there. 

I left the event feeling deeply humbled and grateful. Grateful for the music, yes – but even more so, for this team, this community, and the years we’ve spent working together toward our shared vision: providing every patient, every time with the care we’d want for our own loved ones. It has truly been an honor to serve alongside you. I’m extremely proud of the work you do each day to make our health system exceptional. 

Click here to view pictures from the BBQ.

And Speaking of Celebration… 

Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have been busy organizing events that build community and foster a sense of belonging across our workforce. 

Members of our Greater Pride ERG marched in the Baltimore Pride Parade on Saturday, June 14, and staffed our information table during Pride in the Park on Sunday, June 15. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this event. It was a meaningful opportunity to connect with each other and show support for the LGBTQ+ community we serve. 

And on Monday, June 16 (despite the rain), we
held our Juneteenth Jubilee, sponsored by the Black Alliance ERG. The event featured live performances by SeaDepth Entertainment, food and refreshments from Soul Smoked Catering, dance demonstrations from GBMC’s own Ronnie Goode, guest speakers and storytellers, and an array of art, music, and local vendors. It was a beautiful celebration of culture, resilience, and history – rain and all. 

Vaccines, Public Trust, and the Responsibility of Leadership

Last week, the public learned that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now U.S. Health Secretary, had dismissed all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. This committee, made up of some of the nation's leading scientific minds, has long provided guidance on when and how vaccines should be administered. Their removal raises serious concerns, not only about the politicization of science, but about the future of public health decision-making in our country. 

At GBMC HealthCare, our vision is to treat every patient, every time, with the care we would want for our own loved ones. That principle compels us to speak out when evidence-based medicine is sidelined, especially when it jeopardizes the health of vulnerable people in our communities. 

Science Must Remain the Foundation 

The CDC's immunization advisory group exists to ensure that vaccine recommendations are grounded in the latest clinical research. These recommendations are not handed down lightly. They are the result of careful analysis, debate among experts, and a commitment to public safety. 

To abruptly remove all of its members sends a chilling message. It suggests that science can be replaced with ideology. That’s not just unfortunate; it’s dangerous. As I shared during the COVID-19 pandemic, GBMC is a place where clinical practice is shaped by data, not political winds. We do not cling to outdated methods, nor do we chase fads. We respond to the best available evidence and revise our approaches when the facts demand it. 

Protecting the Vulnerable Is Our Responsibility 

Consider a young child undergoing cancer treatment. After receiving chemotherapy, their immune system is fragile. If that child contracts a preventable illness from someone who chose not to vaccinate, we’ve failed them. It’s not just a matter of personal choice. It's about public responsibility.

Vaccines have allowed us to dramatically reduce childhood mortality, protect pregnant women and newborns, and shield seniors from severe illness. That progress was hard-won and must not be reversed. At GBMC, we implemented vaccination mandates during the pandemic because we understood what was at stake: patient safety and community health. 

Standing Firm in a Time of Uncertainty 

Sound public health policy depends on honest communication and informed decision-making. It’s not always easy to stand up for science, especially when misinformation is so widespread. 

Vaccines are not perfect, but the overwhelming evidence shows they are safe and effective. Dismissing the experts who interpret that evidence invites confusion and further erodes the trust that patients place in our health system. 

This is a critical moment for healthcare leaders, scientists, and the public alike. We must commit to policies that reflect scientific consensus and resist efforts to politicize health decisions. At GBMC, we will continue to support vaccination as a vital tool to protect our patients and communities. 

We urge federal officials to clarify how they will ensure future vaccine guidance remains rigorous, independent, and transparent. The well-being of millions depends on it. 

When science is cast aside, lives are put at risk. We owe our communities something better. 

Remembering Bob Kowal 

I'd like to take a moment to pause and honor Robert (Bob) P. Kowal, GBMC’s former President and CEO, who passed away last week. Bob led GBMC for 15 years during a pivotal time in our history, transforming us from a community hospital that was, as he once put it, “a diamond in the rough,” into a premier healthcare institution widely recognized across the region. 

Under Bob’s leadership, GBMC expanded complex services like neurosurgery, cancer care, and genetic research, and pioneered the integration of laparoscopic surgery. These innovations not only elevated the caliber of our clinical offerings but also positioned us among the top hospitals in Maryland by revenue and surgical volume. His strategic foresight was evident in the creation of on-campus physician offices and a commitment to remaining independent, even amid pressures to merge. That “declaration of independence” set the stage for our current ability to innovate freely and stay focused on what is best for the community we serve. 

Bob’s legacy is one of transformation, and he set the foundation for our ongoing journey to provide all patients with the care we would want for our own loved ones. We are grateful for his vision and leadership, and we extend our condolences to his family during this time of loss. His contributions to GBMC and to healthcare in Maryland will not be forgotten. 

Running with Purpose: Join Us This Father’s Day Weekend

As a pediatrician, I know firsthand the vulnerability and strength of the tiniest patients – and the immense courage of their families. It’s one reason why Father’s Day – next Sunday, June 15, means so much to me: It marks GBMC’s 37th Annual Father’s Day 5K & 1-Mile Fun Walk, a beloved tradition that directly supports the most vulnerable among us: the babies in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). 

The NICU is a place of hope. It’s where science and compassion come together to help premature and critically ill newborns thrive. This will be my last Father’s Day 5k as President and CEO at GBMC HealthCare – this fact, coupled with my work as a pediatrician, gives this year's event a very a special place in my heart. 

By registering to walk, run, or donate, you’re helping families breathe a little easier in the most uncertain moments of their lives. 

There’s still time to sign up and show your support. Whether you participate in person on our scenic campus or virtually from wherever you are, you’ll be making a difference. 

And yes – there’s a little extra magic this year! All registrants and donors are entered into a drawing for a Disney World Family Adventure. Register (or simply make a donation) by Wednesday, June 12 at 11:59 a.m. to be eligible. 

Click here to register or donate. 

Let’s turn compassion into motion and make this Father’s Day one to remember. 

Marching Toward Equity at Baltimore Pride 

That same weekend, on Saturday, June 14, our Greater Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG) will represent GBMC in the Baltimore Pride Parade. I encourage you to walk with us. It’s more than a parade; it’s a declaration of our values. 

We care for people from every background, identity, and walk of life. Showing up for our LGBTQ+ community, both as healthcare providers and allies, is part of our vision to treat every patient the way we’d want our own loved ones treated.