Friday, January 5, 2024

An Update on the Construction of Our New Cancer Center

We finished phase 1 of our Promise Project with the grand opening of the Louis and Phyllis Friedman Building last year. Now, we look ahead to phase 2 – the opening of the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion and garage. I wanted to share a brief update on where we stand with phase 2 of the project. 

First, I’m excited that we’re on track to open the new ~400-space garage at the end of January. This will certainly help to alleviate some of our campus parking difficulties – but please remember the valet and shuttle services we offer to help make patients’ visits a little less stressful. 

Construction of the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion is running according to schedule, with expected building completion at the end of 2024 and welcoming of first patients in early 2025. The Berman Pavilion will be the new home of our Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute. Cancer care is critical now more than ever as we consider our aging population and the increase in cancer diagnoses that occur with age. While the demand for cancer care increases, we are grateful to be able to not only meet the needs of our cancer patients but also consolidate all cancer care services for their convenience in this state-of-the-art facility. 

Over the years, our multidisciplinary oncology teams have been great collaborators, but often had to do so while physically separated. The new pavilion with teams co-located will enhance this collaboration. In addition to a more cohesive approach to healthcare, the new pavilion will help make treatment easier for patients. For example, virtual focus groups were held during design planning to provide insight on what patients wanted in the new Infusion Center. Some desire more privacy, while others prefer open spaces for treatment, so the GBMC team designed a center with 10 private rooms, two isolations rooms, and 14 infusion stations in more open areas. This allows for greater flexibility when patients need or want to be separated from other patients during their treatment. 

I look forward to sharing Berman Pavilion progress updates and photos with you throughout the year.

If you’re curious, click here to view renderings to better visualize what is to come. 

Welcoming a New Leader 

I am thrilled to announce the newest member of our executive team, Carl S. Jean-Baptiste, J.D., who will be joining the GBMC HealthCare System as General Counsel and Vice President of Legal Services. With a remarkable career spanning over two decades in the healthcare legal sector, Carl brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and leadership to GBMC. 

Carl has an impressive track record in healthcare, law, and in the community. His experience in legal affairs, strategic planning, and corporate governance will be invaluable as we navigate the complexities of Maryland’s unique healthcare environment. Please join me in warmly welcoming Carl to the GBMC family! 

I would also like to thank Allyson J. Abernathy, J.D., for assuming the role of Interim General Counsel over the last several months. Ally has been an excellent member of the senior team, and I look forward to her continued contributions to GBMC HealthCare. 

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