Celebrating a Great Team and Their Patients

This past weekend, we hosted our largest-ever Annual Pizza Party for the Randolph B. Capone Cleft Lip and Palate Program. This event, a longstanding tradition at GBMC, brings together patients, families, and care teams in a setting of joy, support, and celebration. From the tiniest babies to thriving adults, our cleft community came together for a fun-filled afternoon featuring pizza, BINGO, crafts, balloon animals, and a photo booth. This year, our Patient Family Advisory Committee (PFAC), in conjunction with Stephanie Boblooch, clinical program manager, took the lead in planning
and securing an impressive selection of BINGO prizes from local businesses. It was an inspiring example of how our patient families not only receive care here—but also give back and strengthen our community.

I always look forward to seeing so many familiar faces, reconnecting with families, and watching the joy this event brings to our patients. This year, I enjoyed getting to call a round of BINGO, and I was truly touched when the team surprised me with a gift to mark my upcoming retirement and to thank me for my support of the Cleft Program over the years. It has been an honor to witness the dedication of this team and the strength of the families we serve. This program represents what healthcare should be—compassionate, community-centered, and focused on the whole person.

The Randolph B. Capone Cleft Lip and Palate Program is a critical resource, offering specialized, multidisciplinary care that is not commonly found in community hospital settings. It was founded in 2006 by Dr. Tonie Kline, Dr. Patrick Byrne, and Dr. Randy Capone, and it was renamed in Dr. Capone’s honor in 2022. Our program is committed not just to surgical and medical care but to fostering a true support system for our patients and their families, ensuring that no one feels alone in their journey.

We also want to take a moment to congratulate Dr. Patrick Byrne and Dr. John Caccamese, our Cleft Program’s co-medical directors, on their national leadership roles. Dr. Byrne now serves as President of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Dr. Caccamese as President of the American Academy of Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons. Their expertise and dedication continue to elevate the care we provide at GBMC.

Addressing Our Emergency and Inpatient Capacity Challenges

Like all healthcare providers across Maryland, GBMC is experiencing unprecedented demands on its facilities and staff resources due to a significant increase in flu, RSV, and COVID-19 cases. Please only come to the Emergency Department (ED) if you are experiencing a true medical emergency. MASKING IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

For non-life-threatening concerns, please contact your primary care provider or if you don’t have one, go to an urgent care center to help alleviate ED congestion. If you have a GBMC Health Partners primary care provider, you can access same-day acute care at Padonia Plus via MyChart. 

What to Expect if You Come to the ED: 

• Expect longer wait times as we prioritize patients based on medical urgency. 
• Please bring a mask to protect yourself and others from possible infection. 
• Seating in the ED waiting room is limited. Patients may have one adult support person to accompany them in the waiting area. When that capacity is reached, visitors may be asked to temporarily relocate for safety reasons. Our alternate waiting area is the nearby ED Corridor. 

GBMC is committed to serving the community to the very best of its ability. While we navigate these challenges, we ask you for your patience and support. 

Please take a moment to review these “Know Before You Go” guidelines that outline when to use the emergency department.

Honoring Our Phlebotomists

This week, we also recognize National Phlebotomists Recognition Week (February 10-14). Phlebotomists play a vital role in healthcare, helping to acquire lab results that are critical to diagnosis and treatment. At GBMC, our phlebotomists are an essential part of the patient experience, providing compassionate, efficient care every day. Thank you for your dedication and expertise!

Welcoming Patients to the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion

This past week marked a transformational milestone in cancer care at GBMC as we moved into the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion, our new comprehensive, multidisciplinary home for oncology services. This move is more than a change of location—it represents our commitment to providing seamless, patient-centered cancer care in a setting designed for convenience, comfort, and collaboration.

The Move: A Carefully Coordinated Effort

The transition began with Breast Imaging and Advanced Radiology, which began seeing patients last week. Patients now have the convenience of parking in the Berman Garage and taking the elevator straight up to the pavilion—making access easier than ever.

On February 3, we welcomed Clinical Trials, Oncology Support Services, and the Boutique & Salon into their new homes. And in a truly monumental effort, on February 6, we completed the move by transitioning the rest of our oncology services, including:

• Infusion
• Infusion Pharmacy
• Gynecologic Oncology
• Medical Oncology/Hematology
• Thoracic Oncology

These services are now under one roof, creating a centralized hub where patients can receive coordinated, world-class cancer care with fewer barriers.

A Team Effort

A move of this magnitude would not be possible without incredible teamwork. Our volunteers and security teams have been working tirelessly at the front desk to ensure a smooth transition for patients and families. The Marketing, Environmental Services, Epic, PM Operations, and Information Technology teams have gone above and beyond. These groups have provided onsite wayfinding assistance, kept the building clean for inspections, provided clear communication through MyChart, and set up computers and phones in this truly collaborative effort.

The team’s morning strategy meetings and afternoon check-ins have helped us stay ahead of any challenges—this is a true example of closed-loop communication and the Baldrige framework in action, ensuring that we continuously assess, adapt, and improve throughout the process.

A special thank you is in order for the entire Oncology crew and Oncology leadership team, led by Michael Stein, Senior Vice President of Clinical and Support Operations; Walter Benton, Executive Director of Oncology Services; and Connie Herbold, Ambulatory Practice Administrator. Thank you also to Stacey McGreevy, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; Rebecca Stover, MSN, RN, PMP, Director of Project Management; Russ Sadler, Senior Director of Facility Planning, Design, & Energy Management, and so many more.

A Fitting Opening on World Cancer Day

As fate would have it, coinciding with our move, February 4 was World Cancer Day. While advancements in screening and prevention have made a significant impact, cancer rates continue to rise in our aging population. This makes our new facility and our commitment to delivering exceptional cancer care more important than ever.

The Sandra R. Berman Pavilion was designed with patients in mind, offering an environment that fosters healing, collaboration, and innovation. We are incredibly proud to take this next step in our journey to provide the care we would want for our own loved ones.

Celebrating Our Women Physicians & Perianesthesia Nurses

As we mark this milestone, we also want to take a moment to recognize two important celebrations:

February 3 was National Women Physicians Day – Join us in honoring the incredible contributions of female physicians at GBMC and beyond! Visit our social media pages to hear from some of our inspiring physicians about what drives their passion for medicine.

February 3-9 is Perianesthesia Nurse Awareness Week – A huge thank you to our pre-anesthesia and post-anesthesia care nurses, ambulatory surgery nurses, and pain management teams for the expert and compassionate care they provide to our patients every day.

GBMC’s Response to Immigration Enforcement

In the GBMC HealthCare System, we commit to treating every patient, every time the way we want our own loved ones treated. We welcome anyone who will commit to working toward our vision, anyone who treats all colleagues with respect, and everyone who needs our help as a patient. 

The new administration in Washington has begun to take action to remove undocumented immigrants from the country. Therefore, it is important you know what to do if outside authorities confront you regarding a patient or a colleague. We want to ensure all team members are equipped with the proper guidance to respond effectively. 

 The steps outlined below are designed to protect both our patients and staff, to empower you so you understand your rights and your patient’s rights, and to safeguard the integrity of the care we provide. We are also respectful of all federal and state laws so, should any of these guidelines change, we will inform you. 

Per Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, here is guidance for healthcare providers should an immigration officer appear at any of our facilities: 

• Staff should contact hospital legal counsel immediately
• Staff should request and record the officer’s credentials and contact counsel immediately
• Staff and patients may choose not to answer questions
• Staff should not disclose patient information unless presented with a judicial warrant, subpoena, or summons
• ICE has no right to access restricted spaces without a warrant or under narrow emergency circumstances
• Staff should not attempt to bar the officer from public spaces, conceal patients, or take other action to thwart the investigation.

Our collective responsibility is to ensure every patient feels supported and cared for, regardless of their background. Again, GBMC’s vision phrase makes clear that to every patient, every time, we will provide the care we would want for our own loved ones. This statement does not include exceptions on purpose. We trust in your professionalism and discretion, as well as in your commitment to the values that make GBMC a trusted healthcare provider for all. 

If you have any questions or concerns about this procedure, the Administrator on Call is authorized to manage the situation. Contact them directly or go through your immediate supervisor. If you need immediate assistance or guidance, please call HR directly at 443-849-2033, legal directly at 443-849-2514 or security at 443-849-2222. 

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to providing compassionate care to those who need it most.

Building a More Inclusive Future at GBMC

Over the past week, I’ve reflected deeply on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within GBMC HealthCare. On Monday, we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day—a reminder of Dr. King’s passion for equality and justice. This followed our annual MLK celebration, which highlighted the progress we’ve made as an organization and the ongoing journey ahead.

A recent conversation with a team member from the LGBTQIA+ community underscored why this work matters. They shared how welcomed and valued they felt from their very first day at GBMC. They then continued about their work, and it was apparent to me that this colleague was doing an excellent job and that their feeling included had clearly increased their commitment to helping GBMC improve every day. Hearing this filled me with pride because it aligns with the environment we are striving to create—a workplace and healthcare system where everyone feels they belong and are respected.

At GBMC, we know that fostering inclusivity isn’t just the right thing to do; it also strengthens us as an organization. When everyone can bring their authentic selves to the table, we benefit from diverse experiences and perspectives, which lead to better decisions, stronger relationships, and innovative solutions. A community thrives when all voices are heard.

GBMC’s vision—providing the care we would want for our own loved ones—guides us to build an environment where patients, families, and staff feel supported and included. By living this vision, we continue to work toward becoming a true community health system that celebrates differences while uniting behind a common purpose.

Recognizing Our Nurses

As we focus on inclusivity, let’s not forget the importance of recognizing those who exemplify our values. I encourage all staff to submit nominations for the 10th Annual Art of Nursing Awards. This is a special opportunity to honor the dedication, compassion, and skill of our nursing staff across GBMC, GBMC Health Partners, and Gilchrist.

Visit www.gbmc.org/artofnursing to learn more about the award categories and submit nominations. These awards remind us of the profound impact our nurses have on patient care and the lives they touch daily.

Transforming the Dream: Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through Action

On January 16, GBMC HealthCare celebrated our annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration with the theme, Transforming the Dream: Time for Reflection, Celebration, and Action. This event was a poignant reminder of Dr. King’s enduring legacy and the continued work required to honor his vision of equity, justice, and community. 

A Fireside Chat with Calvin Butler: Leading with Purpose 

Our celebration featured a keynote address and fireside chat with Calvin Butler, President and CEO of Exelon. Calvin, a remarkable community leader and a dear friend, embodies the values at the core of this year’s theme – specifically, transformation and action. It was a privilege to welcome him to this special commemoration. 

In a “fireside chat” style conversation with Lisa Walker, GBMC’s Vice President and Chief Diversity & Learning Officer, Calvin shared his inspiring journey. From modest beginnings to becoming the first Black CEO of the nation’s largest utility company, he highlighted the importance of embracing opportunities, finding mentors, and creating environments where others can succeed. 

Calvin’s message was rooted in knowing your “why” and taking decisive action. As he put it: “Be bold enough to ask and committed enough to move.” He also spoke of his responsibility as an African American leader to inspire and open doors for others, emphasizing that helping just one person advance is his “why.” 

Recognizing Those Who Embody Dr. King’s Spirit 

This year, we honored members of the GBMC HealthCare team who embody Dr. King’s values of equity, service, and justice: 

• Martine Bell, DNP, CRNP, Clinical Manager of Advanced Practitioners and co-chair of the Black Alliance ERG, was celebrated for advancing health equity through initiatives like the Pathways Project and fostering inclusivity within GBMC. 
• Jodie Bell, MSN, RN, IBCLC, Assistant Director of Nursing in Maternal Newborn Health, was recognized for her leadership in maternal health equity, helping reduce disparities in severe maternal morbidity. 
• Jenora Parker BS, PharmD, Manager of Specialty and Outpatient Pharmacy Services, was acknowledged for her commitment to diversity in the pharmacy department, mentoring students, and ensuring culturally competent care. 

Congratulations to Tochi Ezeonu, RN, from Unit 42 – Medicine, Telemetry, Oncology, who received the Spirit of King Award for her work with the Chinyere-Florence Emmanuel Foundation, offering resources and hope to marginalized communities. I’d like to also recognize Halle Sheehan, Medical Assistant Lead for Medical Oncology, for being nominated for the award. 

Gratitude to Our Planning Committee 

This impactful event was made possible by the dedication of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Planning Committee. A special thank you to Lisa Walker, Angela Wu, and everyone else who contributed to this meaningful celebration. 

Together, let's reflect, celebrate, and most importantly, act. We can continue to honor Dr. King’s dream through bold action and a commitment to equity.

Leveraging Leadership and Data to Guide Our Mission

With the start of 2025, we have an opportunity to reflect on our mission, renew our focus, and explore how we can better serve our community. At GBMC HealthCare, our vision to provide the care we would want for our own loved ones continues to guide our work. Achieving this vision, however, requires more than good intentions—it depends on thoughtful leadership and informed decision-making.

Defining the "Why" and Engaging Stakeholders

Every decision we make should begin with asking, “Why are we doing this?” For GBMC, the answer lies in our commitment to meet the needs of our community while ensuring the sustainability of our organization.

Our leadership system helps us answer this question by encouraging us to consider the perspectives of our key stakeholders—patients, families, other members of the GBMC team, and community partners. By understanding their needs, we can better prioritize initiatives and align our efforts with both care quality and financial responsibility.

Using Data to Make Better Decisions

Data is an invaluable resource that helps us move from purpose to action. Through tools and reports available to us in Epic (our electronic health record system), we can access critical insights to inform decisions. For example, physician referral reports allow practice managers to identify stakeholders such as their top referral sources, better understand their business, foster collaboration, and improve continuity of care.

We also recognize that not everyone has access to the same reports or knows how to use them effectively. The Analytics Catalog in Epic is a good place to start, allowing users to find available reports relevant to their role. Leaders and staff are encouraged to reach out to their Epic reporting contacts for guidance. Whether through department analysts or Epic’s training resources, there are many ways to access support. These tools are here to help us work smarter and to ultimately improve outcomes and experience for the people we serve.

Integrating data into our leadership practices is key to driving progress. When leaders use these insights to set goals, cascade information to their teams, and connect their work to our broader vision, we create a culture of improvement that benefits everyone. Whether we’re improving access to care, managing chronic conditions, or making care more convenient and equitable, the intersection of leadership and data drives better decisions.

To our GBMC leaders and staff: As we enter this new year, I encourage you to focus on the "why" behind your work and on the resources available to help you achieve it. Together, we can make 2025 a year of growth, collaboration, and impact!

Reflecting on a Year of Achievements and Looking Forward to the Year Ahead

As we step into a new year, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the accomplishments that shaped 2024 and the milestones that have brought us closer to our vision of providing every patient, every time with the care we would want for our own loved ones. 

To celebrate these achievements, we’ve created four special videos, each spotlighting impactful moments within Gilchrist, GBMC Health Partners, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, and GBMC HealthCare. I invite you to watch these videos as they not only showcase the past year but also set the stage for the bright future ahead. 

A Year in Review: Key Highlights from 2024 

• Gilchrist 
• GBMC Health Partners 
• Greater Baltimore Medical Center  
• GBMC HealthCare 

Looking Ahead: Celebrating 60 Years of GBMC 

As we embark on 2025, we also prepare to celebrate yet another momentous occasion: our 60th anniversary on October 2, 2025. This important milestone for our staff, volunteers, and community gives us a chance to honor our history and renew our commitment to innovation, equity, and excellence in care. 

Stay tuned for upcoming events and initiatives as we mark this incredible journey together. Let’s continue to build on our successes, guided by our vision and our shared mission to improve health and well-being for all. 

Thank you for being a vital part of our story. Here’s to an impactful year ahead!