Beyond Clinical Care: Holistic Support for Our Cancer Patients

Cancer is more than a physical diagnosis—it touches every aspect of a person’s life. We understand that while medical excellence is critical, a patient’s overall well-being also depends on compassionate, comprehensive support. Our Oncology Support Services team has always placed an emphasis on providing practical and emotional resources. From counseling to integrative medicine, our services are designed to support the whole person, enhancing the quality of life for both patients and their families. Integrative wellness and palliative care have been longtime components of our program, as we recognize that these evidence-based holistic approaches complement our treatments for cancer. 

One of the many special offerings we have for patients and their families is The Boutique, which is more than just a store—it’s a sanctuary where cancer patients and their families can find comfort, healing, and even a little joy. It stocks a thoughtful selection of items to address specific needs, from mastectomy pillows and post-surgical bras to medical adaptive clothing for those undergoing chemotherapy. There are also supportive products like creams for radiation burns and cozy items that make infusion appointments a bit more bearable. 

Our Boutique team, led by Carmen Baeza, Volunteer Services Director; Jessica Schlee, Assistant Director of Volunteer Services; Lisa Palmer, Boutique Manager; and newly joined cosmetologist Karen White, understands that restoring self-confidence can be as healing as any medication. This is why we offer personalized hair services and carry beauty products that make patients feel like themselves again. 

In the coming week, from November 4-8, The Boutique is hosting a Fall Promotion, featuring 10% off fall clothing, jewelry, and gifts, and even salon services. I hope that if you’re on campus, you’ll take a moment to stop by and see what is offered. Although we tailor many products and services to cancer patients, there’s something for everyone, and ANYONE can take advantage of our low-cost salon services. 

As an aside, next year, The Boutique will fittingly be moved into a new home in the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion, where it will become known as The Marion G. Thompson Boutique. Marion Thompson has been a dedicated board member and supporter, and we are pleased to honor her in the naming of The Boutique’s new location. In line with our philosophy to cancer care, the Berman Pavilion has been designed with the whole patient in mind as well. We look forward to welcoming patients and visitors into this new space. It is truly a privilege to provide this level of care to those with cancer.

Continuing Our Work Toward Health Equity

In May 2024, GBMC HealthCare received a $3.5 million grant from the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC) to become a Health Equity Resource Community (HERC) and continue our work to expand healthcare access and address health disparities in Baltimore City. The grant allows us to partner with community organizations to tackle social drivers of health and ensure residents receive equitable, comprehensive care. 

Today, I’m excited to announce the next phase of this initiative, which includes the introduction of community health workers, who will become invaluable resources in the neighborhoods we serve. 

Meet Our Community Health Workers

Our community health workers are trusted liaisons between GBMC and Baltimore’s underserved
neighborhoods, representing the communities they serve. They’re our “boots on the ground,” breaking down barriers that prevent people from accessing care. 

Windell Saunders, Lakesha Roberts, and Ethel Wyman, MS, RN, bring diverse experiences and strong community ties to their roles, enabling them to make lasting, meaningful connections. Working closely with Wayman Scott, MS, MTS, LGPC, Associate Director of DEI and Community Relations, and Healthcare Made Easy Outreach Manager, and Karen Thompkins, Director of Community Partnerships, these community health workers help residents navigate healthcare with empathy and support. 

Their work includes scheduling primary care appointments, conducting health assessments, connecting residents to critical social services, and attending local events to raise awareness about our programs. Windell, Lakesha, and Ethel are essential to building trust, especially in communities with historical distrust of the healthcare system. Their steady, caring presence reflects our long-term commitment to Baltimore—showing up consistently to listen and provide real support. 

Celebrating Success with the Taste of Howard County 

Last week, I had the privilege of participating in the Taste of Howard County fundraiser. More than
$230,000 was raised to benefit the Gilchrist Center Howard County—the county’s only inpatient hospice center—thanks to the generosity of attendees and sponsors. Special thanks to our Premier Presenting sponsor, Maryland Oncology Hematology, and presenting sponsors, Harry H. Witzke's Family Funeral Home and William “Sonny” Richardson, who also served as event chair. It was inspiring to see the community come together to support compassionate end-of-life care. 

I’d also like to thank Cathy Hamel, President of Gilchrist and Executive Vice President of Continuing Care at GBMC, for her leadership in expanding hospice and palliative services, as well as our Gilchrist philanthropy team—especially Shannon Wollman, Chief Philanthropy and Marketing Officer, and Diane Daniels, Director of Development Gilchrist Howard County, and Julie Kolankiewicz, Associate Director of Special Events and Annual Giving—for making this event such a success.

Click here to view more pictures from the event.

Recognizing Our Healthcare Teams 

October brings several healthcare worker recognition weeks, highlighting the diverse specialties that are crucial to our mission. I want to recognize our medical assistants for their patient care skills, versatility, and compassion; our respiratory therapists for their life-saving work; our facilities and engineering teams for maintaining a safe and welcoming environment; and our spiritual care team for offering solace and support to patients and families. I’d also like to acknowledge our dedicated inpatient and retail/specialty pharmacy teams, who provide personalized service and work to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. 

Congratulations to Our “Top Docs” 

Baltimore magazine recently released its annual Top Docs listing, and I’m proud to share that 68 members of our medical staff, across 33 specialties, have been recognized this year. Congratulations to our incredible physicians for this well-deserved honor! Click here to view the listing. 

In additional Baltimore magazine news: the publication is now accepting nominations for its 11th annual Excellence in Nursing honor. We all know our GBMC nurses stand out—they are essential members of the care team, problem solvers, and compassionate mentors. Please take a moment to nominate one of our outstanding nurses by November 15. 

A Community United in Care and Compassion

At GBMC, we are continually reminded of the incredible support we receive from our community, and this fall has been no exception. A prime example of this is the annual golf tournament hosted by Jerry’s Toyota. This year, Jerry’s Toyota chose to support GBMC’s Sexual Assault Forensic Examination and Domestic Violence (SAFE & DV) Program once again, raising an outstanding $160,000 to benefit victims of abuse. This generosity allows our SAFE & DV program to keep providing compassionate care to victims at no cost, supporting survivors as they heal physically and emotionally. Thank you to James Stautberg, President of Jerry’s Toyota, and Bill Bolander, Chief Communications Officer for Jerry’s Toyota for your continued support. From GBMC’s side, I’d also like to thank Morgan Varley, Director of Annual Funding; Kim Davenport, Senior Director of Community Engagement; and Celeste Morrissey, Executive Assistant, for their leadership and support in making this event a success. 

While on the topic of community engagement, the GBMC Volunteer Auxiliary is gearing up for their upcoming Fall Nearly New Sale, another event that truly highlights our collective commitment to patient care. This sale is not just about finding great bargains—it’s about channeling all proceeds directly into improving patient care across our health system. The dedication of our volunteers, coupled with the enthusiasm of shoppers, makes a real difference to everyone we serve. The Nearly New Sale begins next week, and you can see all the sale dates and times by visiting gbmc.org/nearlynew. 

Recognizing Our Teams 

October also marks a time of celebration for our exceptional healthcare professionals. Over the past two weeks, in line with several national observances, we thank our healthcare supply chain workers, physician assistants, pediatric and emergency nurses, care management team, and sterile processing professionals. Some of these team members provide care on the front line, while others work diligently behind the scenes so we can deliver on our vision. These national observance weeks are a powerful reminder that every role at GBMC is critical to ensuring we provide every patient with the care we would want for our own loved ones. 

Infection Prevention Week is another important observance in October and is a great reminder of the vital work our infection prevention team does year-round to protect our patients. It's also a perfect time to encourage everyone to help stop the spread of germs by practicing proper hand hygiene and by getting immunized against harmful viruses. 

Filipino American History Month Celebration 

GBMC's Filipino American History Month celebration was filled with entertainment and education. In addition to delicious cuisine catered by James Fiesta Grill in Parkville, the event featured guest speaker Ray Gervacio Blanco, MD, MBA, FACS, Medical Director, Milton J. Dance Head and Neck Center; an employee story from Katherine Gimotea, BSN, RN; special dance performances by the Royal International Christian Academy students and GBMC International Nurses; and a fashion show highlighting traditional Filipino attire. Thanks to all who attended as well as all those who made the event possible! 

National Coming Out Day 

GBMC's Greater Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG) hosted a National Coming Out Day celebration on October 11, featuring the screening of a TED Talk followed by a thoughtful discussion. In addition, they developed a video that shared stories from members of our GBMC Community in an effort to strengthen our community and support one another with the experience. Thank you to our Greater Pride ERG and all those who shared stories in recognition of National Coming Out Day. 

Reflecting on 15 Years of Service to the GBMC Community

After 15 years as the President and CEO of the GBMC HealthCare System, the time has come for me to share my decision to retire from this role on June 30, 2025. While this choice comes with mixed emotions, it feels like the right time for me to take the next step.

I will still happily be at GBMC HealthCare for another 9 months, but as I look to the future, I can’t help but reflect on the past. When I think about my time at GBMC and my time in Baltimore, I am overwhelmed with pride by what we have accomplished together. For those of you who were here when I started, you might remember me asking regularly, “What if it were your daughter?” After our Board visioning retreat in late 2010, that question evolved into our guiding vision phrase: To every patient, every time, we will provide the care we would want for our own loved ones. This has become the foundation of everything we do at GBMC, shaping not only our internal culture but also the way we serve the community.

It has been an honor to serve the community over the years. I’ve seen firsthand how GBMC has grown as a resource for our neighbors, especially during the most trying times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing accurate, timely information and offering reassurance during that period was a meaningful challenge in my career. I’m proud that we’ve worked to make healthcare more accessible, reducing barriers for everyone, from building advanced primary care practices throughout our market and in underserved areas, to offering comprehensive specialty care, while maintaining excellence in our hospital and witnessing the incredible growth of Gilchrist as a complete eldercare organization.

Together, we have not only built a better hospital but also strengthened the bond between our health system and the community. We’ve committed to making chronic disease management, preventive care, and behavioral health more accessible to our patients. We’ve improved population health and reduced hospital-acquired conditions, all while staying true to the principle of providing care as if every patient were a member of our own family.

I stand ready to assist the Board as they choose my successor and I will continue to work to make our health system even stronger over the next 9 months, and as I prepare to retire from this role, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside. Your passion and dedication have fueled our success. We have achieved so much because of your commitment to GBMC’s vision and mission, and I know that this organization will continue to do great things for the people we serve.

To the community, thank you for trusting us with your care and for your outstanding support of our work! I’m proud of the role GBMC plays in your lives, and I look forward to watching the next chapter unfold as this remarkable health system continues its journey as the only community-based true system of care in our region.

Celebrating Resilience with Rally Caps and a Commitment to Community

Last Saturday, I had the honor of joining Towson University for the inspiring Rally Caps event at the Kahlert Foundation Auditorium. More than 80 community members—patients, doctoral students, Towson University faculty, and healthcare professionals—came together for a morning dedicated to resilience, friendship, and learning. 

The event featured Jodi Cutler, author of the book-turned-movie Rally Caps. She shared her personal journey of navigating her son's hearing loss and the process of cochlear implantation—a journey that resonates deeply with us at GBMC, given our work at the Presbyterian Board of Governors Cochlear Implant Center of Excellence. Jodi’s story and her connection with attendees sparked thoughtful and engaging questions, highlighting our community's commitment to understanding and improving hearing health. 

One aspect that makes GBMC so unique is our ability to offer advanced specialty programs—like our
Cochlear Implant Program—right here at a community hospital. Such specialized services are often only found in major academic medical centers, but at GBMC, we provide these programs in an environment that blends advanced care with the close-knit, personal experience typical of a community hospital. This is part of our promise to deliver the kind of care that we would want for our own loved ones. 

Thank you to Dean Lisa Plowfield of Towson University and Regina Presley, Au.D., CCC/A, Director of Audiology at GBMC, for their leadership and partnership in making this event such a success, and to everyone who came together to support this day of learning and connection. 

Observing Rosh Hashanah with Community 

Earlier this week, our GBMC community observed Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, with the ceremonial blowing of the shofar. Rosh Hashanah, a time of reflection and renewal, serves as an opportunity for us to honor our diverse community and celebrate our shared values. We are grateful to those who joined us to mark this important holiday, and we extend our best wishes for a good year ahead—L’Shanah Tovah! 

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration 

On October 1, we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with an interactive event that featured a merengue dance lesson, a food demonstration, and a keynote address by Dr. Valerie Cabrera Leon. This celebration provided an opportunity to learn about and honor the rich culture and contributions of the Hispanic community. Events like these are important in strengthening our understanding of each other and in making our healthcare environment inclusive and supportive for all. 

Recognizing Our Vascular Access Specialists 

October 5 marks Vascular Access Specialty Day, and we are proud to recognize our Vascular Access Specialist (VAS) Team for their critical contributions to patient care. Reliable intravenous access is essential for many patients, whether during surgery, long-term treatments, or emergency situations. Our VAS Team plays an integral role in ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes, working diligently to preserve vasculature, improve clinical effectiveness, and enhance patient satisfaction. 

Get Your Flu Shot!

As we move into flu season, it is essential to prioritize preventive health. I got my flu shot last Friday as part of our employee walk-in clinic, and I encourage all of you to do the same. Getting vaccinated helps protect not only yourself but also your family, colleagues, and patients. Let’s do our part to keep our community healthy this season! Also, as a reminder to employees, Employee Health Services has scheduled flu shot clinics for staff and volunteers to make it easier to get vaccinated. Be sure to check the Infoweb and your work email to see a listing of dates.

Expanding Hospice Access: A Milestone for Gilchrist in Washington County and Franklin County, PA

This week, I’m pleased to share information about Gilchrist’s acquisition of Hospice of Washington County and Franklin County, PA. By combining their resources and expertise, Gilchrist and Hospice of Washington County and Franklin County, PA will build upon each other’s capabilities, enhancing access to care through geographic expansion and scope of services for patients, their families, and communities across Maryland and Pennsylvania. This will strengthen their ability to offer compassionate care to more patients and families throughout Central and Southern Maryland, as well as Washington and Frederick counties, and South-Central Pennsylvania.

This effort is part of a broader vision we've been advancing in recent years. With each partnership—whether it’s our affiliation with Luminis Health Gilchrist Lifecare Institute or this new collaboration—we are working to reshape the way end-of-life care is understood and delivered, ensuring more people receive the care they truly want as they approach the end of life. But why do we put such a strong emphasis on hospice care?

Why Hospice Care Matters

In today’s healthcare system, many patients spend their final days in hospitals, often undergoing treatments that don’t align with their wishes. This happens not because families want it that way, but due to a lack of information and conversations about hospice care. Studies show that most Americans prefer to die at home, surrounded by loved ones. Yet many still end up in hospitals, undergoing treatments that might not improve their quality of life.

Hospice care offers an alternative—a patient-centered, compassionate approach that focuses on comfort, dignity, and respecting the wishes of the individual, while also offering support to the family throughout the process. However, there are still misconceptions surrounding hospice, with some viewing it as “giving up.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Hospice is about living as fully as possible, for as long as possible, with the support of a team dedicated to managing pain and symptoms, and providing emotional and spiritual care. Research even suggests that patients in hospice sometimes live longer than those continuing aggressive treatments.

Educating Our Communities

The key to changing perceptions about hospice care lies in education. Conversations about end-of-life care need to start long before they become urgent. Advance care planning allows patients and families to make informed choices about how they want to live their final days. These discussions lift the burden from loved ones who might otherwise have to make difficult decisions in stressful situations.

Hospice care isn’t about doing nothing—it’s about doing everything to ensure that a person’s final days are spent with peace, comfort, and dignity. The benefits of hospice are not just for the patient; families often report feeling empowered and supported, knowing that they made the right decision for their loved one.

As healthcare leaders, it’s our responsibility to lead these conversations. I encourage primary care providers to openly talk with their patients (while they’re still healthy and well) about advance directives and urge patients to also broach the topic with their physicians. 

By expanding hospice access, we are taking a vital step toward ensuring that more people can have the end-of-life experience they desire—a peaceful, comfortable, and dignified transition in a familiar setting, often at home, surrounded by those they love.

Recognizing Cathy Hamel’s Leadership

None of this would be possible without the extraordinary leadership of Cathy Hamel, President of Gilchrist, and Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning for the GBMC HealthCare System. It is fitting that Cathy has recently been named one of Maryland’s 2024 Most Admired CEOs by The Daily Record. Her vision and commitment have driven Gilchrist’s growth and success. Cathy’s leadership has shaped an organization that not only delivers exceptional hospice and elder medical care but also educates and empowers our community to make informed choices about end-of-life care.

Please join me in congratulating Cathy on this well-deserved recognition!

Advanced Practice Provider (APP Week) and Women in Medicine Month

This week, we celebrated our Advanced Practice Providers for their critical role in elevating the fields of medicine and nursing to ensure our patients and communities receive safe, high-quality, evidence-based care. Thank you to our APPs for all you do! And, throughout September, we celebrated Women in Medicine Month by featuring our very own women in medicine at GBMC HealthCare on our social media channels. I hope you’ll take a moment to visit us on social media to honor these individuals who work to make healthcare more equitable.

Reflecting on Our Employee Recognition Dinner

This past Monday, we had the privilege of celebrating some of the most dedicated members of the GBMC HealthCare family at our Employee Recognition Dinner. It was a special evening that highlighted the essence of what makes our organization truly unique—our people. The event gave us a chance to pause and recognize the commitment, hard work, and loyalty of the nearly 500 employees who celebrated milestone years of service. These individuals are the heart of GBMC, embodying our vision of delivering the care we would want for our own loved ones.

One of the evening’s most memorable moments was honoring Carolyn Brice, who reached an incredible milestone—50 years of service with GBMC. Carolyn joined us in 1973 as an admitting officer and has spent five decades contributing to the success of our health system. Today, she serves as the executive assistant to the Chair of Gynecology, having worked with six different department chairs over the years.

Over her tenure, Carolyn has seen remarkable changes, from scheduling surgeries in handwritten logs to documenting in today’s fully electronic systems. Her humility and drive are hallmarks of her character. Click here to watch a video about Carolyn’s 50-year journey at GBMC. 

The dinner wasn’t just about celebrating long-term service, though. It was about acknowledging every individual who contributes to our success. Whether our people have been with us for 50 years or five, they make an important impact. It’s the human touch—those personal connections between colleagues, patients, and families—that truly sets us apart. 

Monday’s event also allowed us to reflect on how much we’ve grown as a team, especially after navigating the challenging years brought on by the pandemic. We’ve come through it stronger, and each of our team members has played a critical role in that progress. Click here to view pictures from the dinner. 

In addition to honoring milestone employees, this week we’re celebrating several other groups within our health system. It’s Clinical Documentation Integrity Week, and we’re recognizing the vital work our CDI specialists do to ensure patient records accurately reflect the care we provide. We’re also honoring our Surgical Technologists, whose behind-the-scenes efforts keep our operating rooms running efficiently and safely. And lastly, we’re celebrating Healthcare Simulation Week, which allows us to recognize the innovative work happening in our Simulation Innovation Learning Center—training that ensures our team is ready for any medical situation. 

As I reflect on the dinner and the recognitions noted above, I am reminded of how fortunate we are to have such a dedicated workforce. Whether you work directly with patients or support our teams behind the scenes, your contributions are invaluable. Thank you for your service, your commitment, and for making GBMC a place where we can all be proud to work.