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.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for taking time to read "A Healthy Dialogue" and for commenting on the blog. Comments are an important part of the public dialogue and help facilitate conversation. All comments are reviewed before posting to ensure posts are not off-topic, do not violate patient confidentiality, and are civil. Differing opinions are welcome as long as the tone is respectful.