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.