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.

From Penalties to Performance: Navigating the MHAC Program with Purpose

At GBMC HealthCare, we believe that every patient, every time, deserves the care we’d want for our own loved ones. This core principle is what drives us, even when the playing field shifts and the rules are complex. One recent area of both achievement and challenge is our work around Maryland’s Hospital-Acquired Conditions (MHAC) program.

Turning the Tide on MHACs

Seven years ago, GBMC was in the red zone for MHAC performance, meaning we were among the hospitals being penalized for patient safety concerns. But instead of accepting the status quo, our team rolled up their sleeves. While most of the problem was not truly about patient harm but rather documentation problems, we dove deep into the data, forming condition-specific committees and working closely with physicians and coders to understand and improve how we documented patient conditions like sepsis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure.

Under the leadership of Dr. Jack Flowers, the team moving this work forward includes Dr. Joseph Fuscaldo, data guru Ryan Curran, Director of Quality Laura Wieber, and clinical documentation expert Denise Kosmas. This group has helped develop a system to review each case thoroughly. They began asking critical questions: Was the condition truly hospital-acquired? Was it present on admission but documented too late? This attention to detail, along with physician education, allowed us to not only improve care but also ensure that our performance was accurately reflected in the state's metrics.

Our efforts paid off! Last year, for the first time in recent memory, GBMC found itself in the MHAC reward zone.

New Rules, New Risks

However, just as we were beginning to see the fruits of our labor, the rules changed. In April, the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) retroactively adjusted how scores for the 2025 calendar year would be calculated, altering the formula in a way that removed the neutral zone, gave equal weight to all potentially preventable complications (PPCs), and shifted hospitals’ targets based on volume and case mix.

These changes have major implications. Without the buffer of a neutral zone, even a small increase in MHACs can lead to financial penalties. Meanwhile, lower-volume hospitals may find themselves with disproportionate leeway, while systems like ours must now work harder to justify each case, ensure every illness is accurately documented, and improve the severity scores that determine our benchmarks.

Despite these hurdles, we remain focused on what matters most: quality care. Our mission hasn’t changed, even if the metrics have. And while it's frustrating to lose ground due to a change in scoring methodology, it doesn’t take away from the meaningful improvements we've made to safeguard our patients.

Excellence in Care, Not Just in Coding

It’s true that accurate documentation and coding are essential. But they are not our goal; they are tools to help us measure and showcase the real goal: improving patient outcomes. By continuing to focus on reducing hospital-acquired conditions, educating our teams, and refining our clinical protocols, we are keeping our promise to the community.

This is one of the many ways we make sure our patients are safer, healthier, and treated with the dignity and compassion we would expect for our own family members.

Let’s stay the course and keep striving for better care, even when the rules get harder to navigate.

From Lone Cowboys/Cowgirls to System Designers: Reflections on Our 2025 Improvement, Innovation, and Research Summit

Last Wednesday’s Improvement, Innovation, and Research Summit at GBMC HealthCare was an inspiring testament to the exceptional work being done across our health system. It was a day where our colleagues from GBMC Hospital, GBMC Health Partners, and Gilchrist showcased the innovation and continuous improvement that define our commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care. 

I had the honor of delivering the keynote address, and I chose to frame our progress through a simple, powerful narrative: the journey from “lone cowboys and cowgirls” to “designers of care.” Years ago, healthcare often depended on individual heroism – providers doing whatever it took, often outside of defined systems, to care for their patients. But as we’ve learned, good people working in broken systems can’t consistently deliver the outcomes our patients deserve. As W. Edwards Deming, brilliant statistician and business consultant, wisely said: “A bad system will beat a good person every time.” 

The Power of a System 

Our transformation has come from embracing system thinking, a way of working that ensures processes are standardized, outcomes are measured, and every team member understands how their work contributes to the whole. During the keynote, I walked through the history and power of the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model (which was developed by Deming and Walter Shewhart) and highlighted the influence of the Malcolm Baldrige Framework, including how our Leadership System helps us drive alignment and accelerate improvement across all departments. 

The true highlight of the day, however, was witnessing the incredible work presented by our teams. From reducing fall rates through zoning assignments to developing nurse-led initiatives to lower cesarean deliveries, and from partnering to improve diabetes outcomes to advancing palliative care education, the presentations demonstrated our relentless focus on better health, better care, less waste, and more joy. 

Why It Matters 

Every project at the summit was more than a slide deck or poster. It was a story about a patient, a family, a caregiver. Each one brought us closer to our vision: “To every patient, every time, we will provide the care we would want for our own loved ones.” I am so proud (as we all should be!) of our staff for their work and the mark they make on system improvement every day. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2025 Summit, from the planning committee to the presenters to those who cheered on their colleagues. I want to especially thank Michele Patchett, Sarah Muslim-Lefebvre, and Dr. Surendra Marur for their leadership in coordinating this great event. Let’s carry this momentum forward, knowing that when we design better systems, we create better outcomes.  

A Note about Memorial Day 

As we observe Memorial Day weekend, let us also take a moment to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage and commitment make it possible for us to pursue our mission in a free and open society. May we all find time to reflect, recharge, and return with renewed dedication to the work we do every day. 

Looking Back, Moving Forward: Gratitude, Excellence, and Innovation at GBMC

As I stood before colleagues, friends, and family during my retirement celebration this week, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and shared memories. The evening at the Accelerator Space was beautifully organized by Jenny Coldiron, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy and Marketing and her team, and it offered a moment to reflect – not just on my 15 years at GBMC HealthCare, but on what we’ve accomplished together as a system committed to our community. 

When I began my tenure at GBMC, we were united by a shared vision: To every patient, every time, we will provide the care we would want for our own loved ones. That vision has guided every strategic decision, every initiative, and every innovation. Together, we created a true community-based health system – one accountable for better health outcomes, a better care experience, lower costs, and more joy in the delivery of care. 

I extend my deepest thanks to our Board chairs who have served throughout my time with the health system – Charlie Fenwick, Harry Johnson, Bonnie Stein, PJ Mitchell, Fred Hudson, and Faith Thomas – for their guidance. To my senior team leaders; all clinicians; staff; boards, committees, and volunteers across our system: You are the heartbeat of GBMC HealthCare. Your compassion and excellence are what our patients rely on every day. Additionally, I’m forever grateful to our patients and donors for trusting in us and believing in our vision. And to my family, my wife, Tracey, and our children Michael, Matthew, Patrick, and Caroline: thank you for your love and support. 

While I am stepping away, the work continues, and I am confident it is in extraordinary hands. 

Celebrating the Art of Nursing 

This week also marked the close of Nurses Week and the announcement of our final 2025 Art of Nursing Award winners (I announced several others in last week’s blog): 

• Christine Guercio, NST, received the Clinical Assistant Support - Inpatient Award for her tireless work in the SICU. Her nominator recalled a three-hour code where Christine provided continuous chest compressions, exemplifying her strength and commitment to every patient. 
• Brian Fikes, CRNP, was honored with the Patient- and Family-Centered Care Award. Brian’s persistence in supporting a deaf patient and arranging hospice care on short notice reflects his profound compassion and dedication to preserving dignity in care. 
• Victoria Niller, BSN, RN, earned the title Nurse Clinician of the Year for her leadership in oncology, quick response in emergencies, and advocacy for equitable care. 

To Christine, Brian, Victoria, and all nominees and finalists: Thank you for modeling the best of GBMC’s nursing excellence. 

View pictures from the celebratory Art of Nursing Award cavalcades and Nurses Night.

National Recognition for Innovation in Equity 

I am also thrilled to share that the GBMC/Gilchrist Community Health Resources Commission
(CHRC) Pathways to Health Equity Team has received the CRISP Patty Brown Innovation Award. This prestigious honor, awarded at the CRISP Summit, celebrates impactful healthcare transformation across Maryland. 

Led by Co-Directors Cathy Hamel and Erlene Washington, our team (including Karen Thompkins, Martin Raffel, Cole Herbst, Martha Sylvia, and Wayman Scott) has made tangible strides in reducing disparities and increasing access to care in Baltimore’s underserved communities. 

With a $1.5 million CHRC grant, the Pathways team: 

• Reduced health disparities 
• Increased access to primary care 
• Delivered high-impact community engagement 
• Lowered healthcare costs by $10.5 million over two years 

Thanks to this success, GBMC has now been awarded an additional $3.5 million to expand this work over the next five years, a testament to our ongoing commitment to health equity and community wellness.