Reflecting on 15 Years of Service to the GBMC Community

After 15 years as the President and CEO of the GBMC HealthCare System, the time has come for me to share my decision to retire from this role on June 30, 2025. While this choice comes with mixed emotions, it feels like the right time for me to take the next step.

I will still happily be at GBMC HealthCare for another 9 months, but as I look to the future, I can’t help but reflect on the past. When I think about my time at GBMC and my time in Baltimore, I am overwhelmed with pride by what we have accomplished together. For those of you who were here when I started, you might remember me asking regularly, “What if it were your daughter?” After our Board visioning retreat in late 2010, that question evolved into our guiding vision phrase: To every patient, every time, we will provide the care we would want for our own loved ones. This has become the foundation of everything we do at GBMC, shaping not only our internal culture but also the way we serve the community.

It has been an honor to serve the community over the years. I’ve seen firsthand how GBMC has grown as a resource for our neighbors, especially during the most trying times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing accurate, timely information and offering reassurance during that period was a meaningful challenge in my career. I’m proud that we’ve worked to make healthcare more accessible, reducing barriers for everyone, from building advanced primary care practices throughout our market and in underserved areas, to offering comprehensive specialty care, while maintaining excellence in our hospital and witnessing the incredible growth of Gilchrist as a complete eldercare organization.

Together, we have not only built a better hospital but also strengthened the bond between our health system and the community. We’ve committed to making chronic disease management, preventive care, and behavioral health more accessible to our patients. We’ve improved population health and reduced hospital-acquired conditions, all while staying true to the principle of providing care as if every patient were a member of our own family.

I stand ready to assist the Board as they choose my successor and I will continue to work to make our health system even stronger over the next 9 months, and as I prepare to retire from this role, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside. Your passion and dedication have fueled our success. We have achieved so much because of your commitment to GBMC’s vision and mission, and I know that this organization will continue to do great things for the people we serve.

To the community, thank you for trusting us with your care and for your outstanding support of our work! I’m proud of the role GBMC plays in your lives, and I look forward to watching the next chapter unfold as this remarkable health system continues its journey as the only community-based true system of care in our region.

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.