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. 

Recognizing Compassion Across Our Health System

One of the most meaningful ways we can celebrate the dedication of our staff and volunteers is by recognizing the profound impact they have on our patients and their families. That's why I'm excited to
announce that nominations for the annual Nancy J. Petrarca Compassionate Caregiver Award are officially open! This award is an opportunity for anyone—whether you're an employee, patient, or community member—to recognize a staff member or volunteer across the GBMC HealthCare system who has gone above and beyond in providing compassionate, empathetic care. 

What makes this award special is that it isn't just about clinical skills. We’re looking to honor those individuals who take the time to listen, support, and advocate for their patients—those who truly understand what patients and their caregivers are going through. It's about recognizing the humanity in care. And I want to emphasize that anyone working or volunteering within GBMC HealthCare can be nominated, whether they’re a clinician, administrative worker, or support staff. In fact, throughout the years, we have had winners and runners up spanning a broad range of roles. 

I encourage you to think about a GBMC HealthCare staff member or volunteer whose kindness and dedication have made a difference in your life or someone else’s. Being nominated is a wonderful way to lift someone’s spirits and recognize the incredible work they do, often quietly, without expectation of acknowledgment. 

To submit a nomination, click here and share your story of compassionate care by December 31, 2024. Let’s take a moment to celebrate those among us who embody GBMC’s vision—providing the care we would want for our own loved ones. 

Celebrating Our Team 

It has been a week of celebration at GBMC. On Tuesday, we held our annual Medical Staff Crab Feast
to thank our providers. Then, on Wednesday, we celebrated our hardworking employees and volunteers at the annual Appreciation BBQ. It was wonderful to spend time with team members, share a meal, express my gratitude for their year-round dedication, and of course enjoy annual karaoke traditions! Special thanks to Meredith Britcher, Director of Medical Staff Service, and Alissa Smith, Community Relations and Events Manager, for their coordination of the Crab Feast and to Richelle Tighe, Executive Assistant, and Alissa (again) for organizing successful BBQ events for our day shift and night shift teams.

Check out pictures from this year's events:

• Crab Feast
• BBQ
  
  

Honoring Environmental Services Week 

I’d also like to give a special shout-out to our Environmental Services (EVS) team as we celebrate
EVS Week from September 8-14. Our EVS team members are critical, ensuring that our facilities are clean, safe, and comfortable for our patients and visitors. They are important stewards in infection prevention, patient safety, and patient satisfaction. I am grateful to our entire EVS team for their contributions and commitment to our health system!

Honoring Our Legacy: The Founders of GBMC HealthCare

This week, I had the privilege of meeting with the Presbyterian Eye, Ear and Throat Charity Hospital Board of Governors. The discussion led me to reflect on our history, as the Presbyterian Eye, Ear and Throat Charity Hospital, along with the Hospital for the Women of Maryland, of Baltimore City, were the two founding institutions that came together to form GBMC. These organizations not only played a critical role in our founding, but they continue to support and influence the services we provide today and will offer in the future.  

The Presbyterian Eye, Ear and Throat Charity Hospital  

The Presbyterian Eye, Ear and Throat Charity Hospital was founded in 1877 by Dr. Julian J. Chisolm, a renowned Civil War surgeon. Its mission was simple yet profound: to provide charity care for patients with diseases of the eye, ear, and throat. These roots are evident in the care we provide today, with robust ophthalmology and otolaryngology services for both children and adults. 

We are grateful to the Presbyterian Eye, Ear and Throat Charity Hospital, its Board of Governors, and its Board of Lady Managers for years of faith and support, which is reflected in over $11.6 million in lifetime giving to assist numerous important programs and projects. These include the Presbyterian Board of Governors Cochlear Implant Center of Excellence, which continues to pioneer treatments for hearing loss, and an endowment for the Advanced Primary Care Center at Jonestown. The Board of Governors also made a lead gift toward the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion, the future home of cancer care at GBMC. Additionally, their generosity helped us acquire a second DaVinci robot, enhancing our surgical capabilities. 

The Women’s Hospital Foundation 

It is fitting that one of our founding institutions was dedicated to women's healthcare, as GBMC has earned a reputation as “the baby hospital” for our exceptional maternal newborn health services. Our offerings for women extend far beyond obstetrics and include general gynecology, urogynecology, gynecologic oncology, and more. 

The Women’s Hospital Foundation, with its commitment to "always putting the patient first," has made contributions totaling more than $20 million to GBMC. The Foundation was instrumental in establishing and supporting our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) milk bank, which provides essential nutrition to our tiniest and most vulnerable patients. Their support also extended to the development of the Louis and Phyllis Friedman Building (which houses the Women's Hospital Foundation Conference Center) and the Simulation Innovation Learning Center—a state-of-the-art facility where our clinicians, as well as those from other institutions, refine their skills to deliver exceptional care. 

In addition, the Women’s Hospital Foundation established the Baetjer Fund for Nursing, which funds the continuing education and professional development of our nursing staff, ensuring that our patients receive care from highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals.  

A Legacy of Generosity and Vision 

Together, the Presbyterian Eye, Ear and Throat Charity Hospital and The Women’s Hospital Foundation represent the beginnings of GBMC HealthCare’s legacy. With more than $30 million in combined lifetime giving, they have fueled critical advancements in patient care and enhanced the overall patient experience. 

As I reflect on our founders, I am reminded that their legacy of generosity and dedication to patient care is alive in everything we do today. Their vision continues to guide us as we strive to provide excellent, compassionate care and continually improve our services for the community. The impact of these institutions is not only felt within the walls of our hospital but also in the countless lives of patients who have received transformative care because of their support. 

As we look ahead to GBMC’s 60th anniversary on October 2, 2025, we are excited to honor this remarkable legacy in a special way. 

Behind the Scenes at the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion: Preparing for a New Era in Cancer Care

As we approach the opening of the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion, GBMC’s new home for cancer care, in early 2025, the excitement is building! But behind the scenes, a major effort is underway to ensure that everything is ready for our patients (and staff!) from day one.  

Leading this complex initiative is Rebecca “Becky” Stover, MSN, RN, PMP, Director of Project Management, whose expertise guided us through a smooth transition into the Louis and Phyllis Friedman Building last fall. Her leadership will be equally instrumental in ensuring the same success for this project. To that end, Rebecca and her team have been meticulously planning and coordinating efforts across various departments to ensure that the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion will be fully operational and ready to serve our community. 

Departmental Walkthroughs: Mapping Out Success 

One of the key strategies in preparing for the Pavilion’s opening has been a series of detailed walkthroughs involving various departments, including our Epic systems experts. These sessions have been essential for mapping out daily operations and IT systems and envisioning how they will adapt to the new space. By walking through the Pavilion, Connie Herbold, Ambulatory Practice Administrator, has been instrumental, along with the oncology teams, in helping to identify potential gaps, optimize movement, and even fine-tune the language and instructions that will become part of daily routines. For instance, guiding patients through the building might involve specific directions like, “Please walk down this hallway to your left and have a seat at the first blue pod.” These walkthroughs are crucial in ensuring that everyone is prepared for day one, with a clear understanding of how the new environment will function. 

Emergency Preparedness: Ready for Any Situation 

The safety and well-being of our patients are paramount, which is why our Emergency Response teams have also been involved in these walkthroughs. Critical discussions have taken place about the placement of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), the pathways from the main hospital to the Berman Pavilion, and which elevators provide access to specific rooms. These preparations are vital to ensuring that in the event of an emergency, our teams can respond swiftly and effectively. 

Orientation, Education, and Equipment Readiness 

Simultaneously, our orientation and education is being mapped out to provide training required for all staff who will be working in the Pavilion. This includes everything from new workflows to a general overview of the facility’s features. Ensuring that our staff is fully prepared is essential to providing the best possible care from day one. 

On the equipment front, every detail is being considered. Equipment orders have been carefully reviewed and placed, with attention to even the smallest components. For example, while suction canisters have been ordered, it’s also important to ensure that the necessary suction tubing is in place. This level of detail is what will allow us to deliver care without interruption. 

Supply Chain and IT: Laying the Foundation 

On the supply chain front, Becky’s team is working closely with Melanie Nelson, Senior Manager of Supply Chain Operations, to plan the inventory needs for the Pavilion. This includes everything from the initial bulk shipments to the ongoing par levels that will be required to keep things running smoothly. The team is also mapping out where inventory will be stored throughout the building to ensure easy access. 

Meanwhile, our IT team, led by Reshma Dave, Senior IT Program Manager, recently achieved a major milestone. The Pavilion’s network has been connected in preparation for inspections. This critical step ensures that all systems will be fully operational, with badge access planning already underway to manage who will have admittance to specific rooms and areas. 

This work is a massive undertaking, and I want to thank the many members of our teams across multiple disciplines of our health system for their contributions.

GBMC Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Program Wins Federal Women and Girls Human Trafficking Award

Earlier in August, GBMC’s Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence (SAFE & DV) Program was named one of 18 winners in the first phase of a $1.8 million national competition focused on preventing human trafficking. This innovation challenge, which includes a $50,000 award, recognizes existing programs that effectively combat human trafficking and improve health outcomes for women and girls. 

We are honored to receive this federal award, which highlights the vital work of our SAFE & DV team in supporting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. This recognition underscores GBMC's role as a national leader in trauma-informed care. 

The SAFE &DV Program is the only provider in Baltimore and Harford counties offering medical-forensic sexual assault treatment for both adults and children under 12. Our specialized team, including registered forensic nurse examiners and advocates, provides essential care in a confidential, non-judgmental environment at no cost to patients. 

This award also reflects the strength of our partnerships with local law enforcement, Child Protective Services, the State’s Attorney’s office, and other organizations. Together, we ensure that survivors receive comprehensive care, from immediate medical attention to long-term support. 

Over the years, the SAFE & DV Program has made significant strides, including integrating the Child Protection Program and expanding community outreach. The team also received national recognition for their expertise in trauma-informed care. Looking ahead, the program plans to continue enhancing human trafficking awareness, continue training law enforcement, and host a regional symposium. Thank you to the team who makes all of this important work possible, especially program director Laura Clary, MSN, RN, FNE-A/P, SANE-A, SANE-P; SAFE Nurse and human trafficking liaison Ashley McAree, MSN, RN, FNE-A/P, SANE-A; SAFE Patient Interventionalist Kelly Truax; and director of child maltreatment Sarah Perl, CRNP, (among others) for their continued advocacy. 

According to the White House’s National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, women and girls are disproportionately impacted by human trafficking, which undermines their safety, health, and well-being. Data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline shows that women and girls comprised approximately 84% of individuals in trafficking situations and 50% of those in labor trafficking situations reported to the Hotline in 2021. Women and girls who are sexually abused are more likely to experience physical abuse, sexual re-victimization, and intimate partner violence later in life. With 1 in 3 women experiencing intimate partner and/or domestic violence at some point, they are at high risk for human trafficking and other forms of abuse. 

GBMC’s SAFE & DV Program also receives notable community support, particularly during our annual Walk a Mile in Their Shoes event. The 2024 event brought together more than 500 participants and raised over $185,000 for the program. It was humbling to see such a strong turnout, with so many people recognizing the critical need for this program in our community. 

We were honored to have Maryland’s First Lady, Dawn Moore, serve as our honorary chair for Walk a Mile. The support from figures like Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and Ravens Coach John Harbaugh further highlights the widespread community backing for our initiatives. 

We look forward to celebrating a significant milestone next year: the 10th anniversary of Walk a Mile in April 2025. Stay tuned for exciting details as we approach the event.