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 We do not cling to outdated methods, nor do we chase fads.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.