This week, our Women Leadership Alliance employee resource group (ERG) hosted the second-annual Women of Impact Awards, a tradition I'm grateful to see continuing. Unfortunately, I couldn't attend the ceremony this year, but I heard it was wonderful, featuring a keynote address from Stacey McGreevy, our Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, whose story is truly inspirational. Stacey has been a mentor and motivator to many during her years with us, steadily advancing them into leadership roles.
Approximately 70 women were nominated for awards this year across our health system. I'd like to extend my congratulations to the winners of each category and share some insights into their nominations:
Martine Bell, DNP, CRNP, Clinical Manager – Advance Practitioners, received the Inclusion Champion Award for her dedication to diversity and inclusion both at GBMC and in the wider Baltimore community. Martine leads various initiatives and ERG work, volunteering her time to provide healthcare services to marginalized communities.
Rebecca “Becky” Stover, MSN, RN, PMP, Director of Project Management, was honored with the Leadership Award for her transformative leadership at GBMC, characterized by strategic thinking, adaptability, and collaboration. Her inclusive leadership style fosters a supportive environment where every team member is valued, contributing to our organization's success. She’s held many roles with increasing levels of responsibility during her career with us, and her leadership within the Promise Project has been critical.
Sharon Augustine, CRNP – Gilchrist Greater Living, earned the Lifelong Learner Award for her commitment to ongoing learning and mentorship within palliative medicine. Her dedication to education, patient advocacy, and volunteerism benefits both her team and the broader healthcare community.
Lauren Schnaper, MD, FACS, received the Mentor Award for her impactful guidance and expertise, particularly in breast cancer treatment. She is a trailblazing surgeon and mentor at GBMC, who has significantly influenced the careers of many medical professionals, particularly women.
JaRee Walker, Organizational Development Manager, was recognized with the Unsung Hero Award for her mission critical behind-the-scenes contributions, characterized by dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to inclusivity. Her work has been vital to the success of various Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, educational opportunities, and events at GBMC.
I'm extremely proud of each of these amazing women, and these are just very high-level summaries of the impressive stories told about each during the nomination process. It’s a privilege to work alongside them. Please join me in congratulating our winners and all this year’s nominees on their accomplishments.
Sharing Success Stories about Our Leadership System
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to present at the Congress of the American College of Healthcare Executives and highlight the strength of our leaders and how we use our leadership system to generate aligned, integrated, and sustained change. I’m so proud of our leaders, who have helped see us through incredibly difficult times in recent years, and who continue to embrace the leadership system to inform and empower staff of all levels throughout the organization to move us faster towards our vision of being the community-based true system of care that can treat everyone the way we want our own loved ones treated.
National Doctors’ Day
National Doctors' Day is celebrated annually on March 30. We are incredibly fortunate to have such talented medical staff making a difference to the lives of patients. I’m thankful to all our doctors, who, despite a challenging and ever-changing healthcare landscape, help carry out our vision through their work each day. Doctors’ Day is just one day of the year where we recognize the extraordinary work of our physicians, knowing they deserve year-round recognition for their commitment to providing all those we serve with the care we would want for our own loved ones.
I look forward to celebrating our medical staff during a special event in honor of Doctors’ Day on April 3.
Anesthesia Tech Week is celebrated March 26-April 1. Please join me in thanking our anesthesiatechnologists and technicians for their contributions toward anesthesiology and healthcare. Our anesthesia techs are vital in supporting our anesthesiology providers in delivering safe, quality care to our patients.
International Transgender Day of Visibility
Each year on March 31, the Human Rights Campaign honors International Transgender Day of Visibility, a time to celebrate transgender and non-binary people around the globe and acknowledge the courage it takes to live openly and authentically. Please join us as we honor the joy and resilience of transgender people everywhere.
Happy Easter and a Peaceful Ramadan
We are currently in a time of ongoing religious observances, with calendars filled with deep significance, spiritual introspection, and celebration. To all who celebrate Ramadan or Easter, I wish you happy holidays.
Thinking of Those Impacted by Tragedy
The GBMC HealthCare community is deeply saddened by the news of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse following a cargo ship incident earlier this week.
Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy, and our thoughts are with all who continue in recovery efforts and experiencing grief. To staff who may be experiencing difficulties, please do not hesitate to utilize the free and confidential resources available to you through GBMC, including our Employee Assistance Program, Spiritual Support Services, and CARES program.