From the New Guy: Week One at GBMC

It’s hard to believe it’s only been a week since I officially joined the team because in so many ways, it already feels like home.

I got a bit of a head start last Sunday, sneaking in just before orientation to say hello to some of the incredible weekend staff at GBMC and Gilchrist. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I was struck by how welcoming and kind everyone was. I’ve since had the chance to visit with teams from several units, including transport, the cafeteria, and many others. Every interaction has reaffirmed something I sensed during the interview process: this is a special place, filled with people who truly care.

Last Monday, I joined about 60 fellow new hires for orientation. Everyone treated me (and each other) with warmth, and there was a clear sense that each of us, no matter our role, matters deeply to this organization.

Then came Tuesday… and my first GBMC medical staff crab feast! It was an impressive event with so many thoughtful touches, great energy, and even better company. I spent two full hours in conversation with our providers and honestly didn’t want it to end.

There was just one small hiccup: I didn’t get to eat a single crab. Not one. I was too busy talking!

Thankfully, Kim Davenport, our Senior Director of Community Engagement came to the rescue. She sent me home with a to-go bag filled with crabs and a mallet.  

Full disclosure: I had absolutely no idea how to eat a crab.

So, I did what any self-respecting rookie would do: I FaceTimed my wife and kids back in Rhode Island, set the phone on the counter, and let them coach me through the messy, hilarious process. Let’s just say there was more shell shrapnel than technique, but I eventually figured it out, and the crabs were delicious.

There’s something poetic about that moment: new surroundings, a warm welcome, a challenge to tackle (however small), and the joy of sharing it with family, whether near or far.

There’s an old quote that goes, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” My new beginning at GBMC wouldn’t be possible without the remarkable foundation built by Dr. John Chessare and this entire team. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from all of you as we shape what’s next together!

In the meantime, I look forward to meeting more and more of you over the coming weeks. And tell me: what’s your crab-picking technique, and does it really get easier with practice? 

COMMENTS

**Agnieszka Klyszewski commented on 9/29/25 at 2:57:**
Hello Dr. Gopalakrishnan, Welcome to Maryland! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your story about picking crabs for the first time, especially how you needed a "lifeline" to coach you through the process! I just wanted to introduce myself and say hello. Hopefully, one day our paths will cross here at GBMC and I can say hello in person. Until then, I am wishing you extraordinary success here. I also wanted to let you know my secret to picking crabs. Simply order the largest crabs available, which in turn, makes for less picking. Also, it does get easier with practice.

All the best, Maggie Klyszewski
    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    I like that tip….order big! Thank you for the kind words Maggie.

**Shelley Duruson commented on 9/26/25 at 5:10:**
Welcome to the GBMC Family. I see that you are ready to jump right in and become a family member. We, at the Welcome Desk, have noticed how you pass by and actually recognize us as coworkers, saying goodnight when you leave, rather than to walk by and say nothing. It is noticed and appreciated.
    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    thank you for the kind words, but you guys are so good at what you do. I definitely put a smile on my face when I come and go. Keep it up.

**Alison VanDeursen commented on 9/24/25 at 3:21:**
Welcome!!  That was a really nice letter.

I hope you get more opportunities to eat crabs- it DOES get easier! Making a big mess is part of the fun.

I hope you are enjoying Baltimore. It is such a great city with amazing restaurants, museums, cultural events and history. If you need any recommendations, let me know!

I've been a social worker at Gilchrist for a little over a year, and I was an intern for a year before that. I so appreciate the work environment at Gilchrist and GBMC. I particularly love all of the learning opportunities and programs. And, of course, the community of compassionate people.

Thank you and take care!

Alison
    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    Thank you Allison. I am already in awe of the work you all do!

**Paul Constant commented on 9/24/25 at 11:58:**
Wishing You All the Best.

I just wanted to take a moment to congratulate you on your new role at GBMC. I'm so proud of you and excited to see all the incredible things you'll do in this next chapter of your career.

You've always been such an amazing person, and I have no doubt that your leadership, vision, and compassion will make a huge impact on the hospital and the lives of those it serves. They are lucky to have you.

Wishing you all the success and happiness in the world as you take on this new challenge.

Best of luck, and I can't wait to hear all about your seafood stories!

Sincerely,

Paul
    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    Thank you Paul. I appreciate you!

**markeisha powell commented on 9/24/25 at 10:33:**
Welcome to the family!! I can already tell im going to enjoy reading your blog!!
    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    That is so nice of you to say. Thank you.

**Leslie Goldvarg commented on 9/24/25 at 8:30:**
Dr G.... 
    [As you suggested for me to call you] it 'truly' was a pleasure to meet you last Sunday at GCT. Your presence spoke volumes even before you were formally introduced to me and some of the staff!  Keeping you and your family 'covered in prayer' as your transition journey progresses.  Do take care and thank you for being a part of this incredible organization of 'sincere care givers.'  Humbly 💖
    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    Thank you for the warm welcome.

**Jessica Schoeffield commented on 9/23/25 at 7:07:**
Hello and welcome, Dr. Gopalakrishnan! I'm  a colleague of Gwen Schoolcraft, Greg Shaffer, and Matt Ellis in Marketing. We're thrilled to have you here and I look forward to meeting you! I am a born and bred Baltimorean, with the exception of college years (plus a few) in Charleston, SC. I've been picking crabs since I was old enough to hold a mallet. It DOES get easier with practice! Everyone has their own method and everyone thinks theirs is the best/easiest! The truth is it doesn't much matter what your method is or how fast you are...patience is the key along with a willingness to get a little dirty. The amount of work for the quantity of crab is definitely disproportionate, but for many, eating crabs is more about spending time around a table with friends and family than it is about actually eating crabs. 
Having said all that, I recommend steamed male crabs with Old Bay (not J.O. seasoning), the bottled beer of your choice, and corn on the cob as a side. Old bay is great on the corn, too! I personally use a mallet AND a knife to pick crabs. And eating the "mustard" is 100% optional. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise! Happy to give you a lesson!
    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    Thank you for the tip! To be honest, using the mallet definitely had a cathartic component.

**Gena Johnson commented on 9/23/25 at 10:45:**
Good morning, Dr. Gopalakrishnan,

Welcome to the GBMC/Gilchrist family. I'm happy to hear that your first week went well and I look meeting to you at some point in the near future. If you would like to visit our Gilchrist Center Baltimore Unit, get a tour and hear about some of our wonderful volunteers, please let me know. I would be delighted to show you around.

On another note, crab eating/picking is an art and you will learn it in time. (Always remove the little legs and claws first, then open the shell; remove all that gooky stuff inside and just eat the meat).
I am a foodie, so if you want any pointers on some good restaurants; with or without crabs, just let me know.
    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    Thank you Gena. I will take any restaurant recommendation! Thank you for the invite and I will plan to visit over the next several months.

**Jenn Anderson commented on 9/23/25 at 9:36:**
I didn't realize your family is still in Rhode Island. I was wondering if they moved here with you! Hopefully they visit you enough for you to enjoy the great state of Maryland together. Maryland has it all- the bustling clty, the quiet country, farm lands, the Chesapeake Bay, the mountains, and the ocean. I'm sure you'll love it all!

Well done, Dr. G, with the crab pickin'. Although I'm sure you're probably familiar with lobster, picking steamed crabs is a bit different. It does get a bit easier with practice. Both my kids started picking their own when they were 2 years old and now, they are both pros!

Welcome to GBMC! I'm happy your first week was memorable!
    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    Thanks for the warm welcome Jenn. Family doing great. We facetime all day long and see them all weekend. It is a short-lived situation. Appreciate your concern and kindness.

**Shirley Traversy commented on 9/23/25 at 9:07:**
Hello Dr. G.,
Heck no!

I am originally from Massachusetts, you know, lobster country, so when I moved to Maryland, I was like, "look at these creatures"!?!?!?  No, I never did figure it out, too many nooks and crannies!  At the end of the day, just give me crab cake and call it a day!
    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    Ha…I do like myself a good lobster!

**Melissa Graczyk commented on 9/23/25 at 8:54:**
Hello Dr. G!
What a wonderful first week! I hope you had yourself a Baltimore beer with those crabs :) Natty Boh or a Heavy Seas :)

But I will say my heart broke a little when you said your kiddos were back in RI :( I bet it isn't easy being away from them. I hope we can welcome them soon... perhaps after the school year (or around one of their breaks!) I know I would love to meet them here at GBMC! They look like amazing kiddos! We'd love to show them around so they can see where their father is making a difference!

Here's to another great week ahead!
Melissa
    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    Unfortunately no beer with those crabs, but there is always a next time. Will need to try Natty Boh and Heavy Seas.  Don't worry about those kiddos…we are facetiming a lot and I see them every weekend. I mean, I even did some algebra tutoring via zoom:)

**Beth Feeney commented on 9/23/25 at 8:53:**
Yes, it gets much easier! Welcome, I am looking forward to meeting you. 
Beth Feeney
Ophthalmology
    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    Thank you. Look forward to meeting you Beth.

**Julie Takacs commented on 9/23/25 at 8:45:**
Hi
I am born and raised Marylander.  My technique -  was I learned when I was probably 3 yrs old.  I love to catch them, steam them and at times I will eat them, but I much prefer to let my house guests eat them.  
As with everything it does get easier with practice, but as they used to say when I was a gymnast.  "Practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect"
I don't think crab eating is that critical, though, the best part about eating crabs is gathering around the table with friends and family and sharing the time and conversation.  

Hope you are enjoying your time here.  Welcome to Maryland.  And another hint , about Baltimore, you will end up realizing that everyone knows everyone around here. (a lot of people refer to it as Smaltimore)

Have a great day
Julie
    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    thank you for the warm welcome. I am learning…"Smaltimore" and where you went to high school matters around here. Love it.

**Jana Heinbuch commented on 9/23/25 at 8:19:**
Hi Dr. G,

Welcome to GBMC! I just hit the glorious milestone of 30 years at this wonder institution. I began in the Radiography program which lead to positions in the X Ray and CT departments where I remained until transitioning to Epic on the Radiant (Radiology) Team. GBMC is and will always be my home.

As a Baltimore "lifer", the key to picking crabs is to do it with friends. It is more of a social activity than a satisfying one (to the belly or the soul). If you want to cut out all the frustration and get a more satiating dose of crab, try the crab cakes at Koco's Pub in Lauraville. They are the BEST in town!!

Appreciative of your candor and humor,
Jana
    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    thank you Jana. I will need to try Koco's Pub. I have had crab cakes several times in Maryland already and no doubt the best I have had.

**Heather O'Hare commented on 9/23/25 at 7:57:**
If definitely get easier over time, but the key elements to a great crab feast is the people and conversations you engage in, and it sounds like you had both with your family and the facetime! And make sure you have other food to substantiate the crab: sweet MD corn on the cob and a burger or a hot dog also! Welcome to GBMC. Next summer, you'll be a pro at crab picking! :)
    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    The conversation was funny as I mutilated the poor crabs. Looking forward to getting better.

**Francisco Santana commented on 9/23/25 at 7:26:**
Welcome to GBMC and Baltimore once again Doctor G. It was really nice meeting you at the blowing of the shofar ceremony yesterday I believe that you will fit in perfectly with our GBMC family. Yes it does get better with time and practice with crab eating, you will develop your own technique and eventually you'll be a pro at it. 😊
Just a little warning,as much as we may love you we are very passionate about our Ravens football team which I am sure you have already seen so whenever we play against the cowboys or any other team you support all gloves are off. 😊

**Barbara Bodyk commented on 9/23/25 at 7:22:**
Welcome Dr. Gopalakrishnan!  Here are some crab picking hints for you to try ... 
1. Start by removing the legs.  I usually opt to twist them off so the lump meat remains in the body (then I can enjoy that later).  Next, break each thin leg at about the halfway point to open it.  With just-the-right finesse you might get lucky enough to remove the meat without having to extract it with a knife.  But remember, this challenge is part of the fun!  
2. The two main legs are next.  Place your sharp knife on top of the wider part of each segment and whack the knife with a hammer.  Bend and break the rest of the way.  If the meat stayes intact, you find yourself with a "crab popsicle" & you'll feel like you've just won the lottery!  How lucky!  If the meat split across both pieces of shell, then you slide your pointy knife into the leg and squiggle the meat out to enjoy your runner-up technique!   
3. Now, flip the crab and use your thumb to pry the "apron" (triangle piece of shell) open.  It doesn't matter if you remove it entirely so don't sweat that small step.  
4. Insert both thumbs between the top shell and the rest of the body and pry the two apart.  Pitch the top shell - nothing good in there. 
5. Use your fingers to remove the gills & guts (ugh!).  Dealer's choice when it comes to that yellowy mustard substance - some like, others not so much.  
6. Use both hands to crack the body in half.  Here's where people debate technique most vociferously .... 
7. Stand one of the halves on end, leg side down.  Position a sharp knife along the long axis of the body, following the natural separation of the 2 halves.  Press the knife down to cut into 2 equal pieces.  You should now be able to use your fingers to scoop out the scrumptious lump meat with little effort.  
Notes: If you have a cut on your hand postpone your crab feast until it heals b/c the spices sting like a ghost pepper if it touches a boo-boo.  Take your time so you can soak-in the experience.  Also, prep in advance - set up outdoors near to a garden hose, with lots of newspaper on the table & toss a knife and mallet on top for everyone.  Add a roll of paper towels, your favorite beverage, and a batch of fresh corn-on-the cob and your nearly there.  Finally, don't forget to set up your Bluetooth speaker with your favorite tunes!  
Grab a seat and enjoy this meal with friends & family - it's a sweet blend of art, science and socialization!  And, yes ... it does get easier and when it comes to eating crabs, getting "there" is all the fun!

    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    Thank you Barbara. I need to print your comments out and have them ready for my second try! Appreciate the warm welcome.