In a quiet corner of GBMC’s Child Protection Program (CPP), a new team member is making a big impact. When children walk into the hospital for non-acute exams related to sexual assault or child abuse, or for interviews at the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) down the street, they’re greeted not just by medical professionals but by a furry friend who helps ease their anxiety. Olivia, CPP and CAC’s new facility dog, offers comfort in a space where many have experienced unimaginable trauma. The 2-year-old yellow lab is more than a companion; she’s a lifeline in moments of distress, helping children feel safe, supported, and heard. "It takes that initial anxiety away from coming into a new environment,” Sarah S Perl, MSN, CRNP A/P, Medical Director for the Child Protection Program and Olivia’s primary handler, said. “Often, people have dogs in their house or their lives, so it’s familiar and feels safe. Many of these kids have other traumas they are working with, or this is not the first time something like this has happened. Olivia is another layer of support and comfort we can add to their experience.” GBMC’s Child Protection Program provides non-acute exams for children outside the window of forensic evidence collection and provides medical evaluations when there are concerns of child physical abuse, neglect, or other maltreatment, in collaboration with Baltimore County Child Protective Services. Numerous medical professionals are trained in this trauma-informed care, including a Child Life Specialist who is available to walk children through this often horrific experience. Having Olivia available for those who want the comfort of a facility dog is an added comfort for these high-stress-level cases. She is trained to notice stress cues, such as wringing hands or tapping feet, and has been taught to snuggle or provide pressure to relax the child’s nervous system. She can also sit in a chair or hand someone a tissue. It’s only been a few months, and Olivia has already made an impressive impact. Not just with victims. “She's been a huge support to our ED staff as well, which has been an unintended but welcome use of her skills,” Perl said. “All the nurses want to see her when she's here, and it just seems to bring the overall tone of the unit down. We had a stressful case with a potential lockdown recently, and afterward, in the debrief room, snuggling and petting her emotionally regulated everyone. It was amazing to watch.” Olivia’s ability to reduce anxiety by providing a familiar, calming presence is vital. Perl hopes she will eventually be allowed in the courtroom to support kids when they’re testifying against their abusers. Perl feels strongly about Olivia’s ability to comfort kids going through a lot of turmoil and trauma, which is why she is grateful to the team at Hero Dogs, the Montgomery County-based nonprofit organization that placed Olivia, for allowing the two organizations to co-handle Olivia and support more kids. Founded in 2009, Hero Dogs specializes in placing and training assistance dogs, including service dogs, facility dogs, therapy dogs, and skilled home companions. The organization started by focusing on service dogs but has since expanded its program to include facility dogs, like Olivia, who are particularly suited for roles in community organizations, hospitals, and schools. “Hero Dogs improves the quality of life of our nation's heroes and enhances the services of community organizations by placing assistance dogs with customized training and lifetime support,” Sabrina Zambito, Trainer and Facility Dog Manager at Hero Dogs, said. "Someone is more likely to come up to the person with the cute dog and start petting them and opening up. A lot of the feedback we get is how the dogs help break down that barrier.” The organization prides itself on providing customized training to meet the exact needs of the clients they will serve, which means placements can take awhile but are well worth the added effort to ensure dog and client are a perfect match. They also prioritize lifetime support for each dog and their placements, ensuring long-term success throughout the dog’s career. These two values, plus the fact that they were local, was attractive to Perl. Working at a community hospital, she appreciated Hero Dogs’ community-centered mission and personalized commitment to each placement. While Perl is her primary handler, CAC Director Krista Trahan is Olivia’s co-handler, so the dog can be available for kids even when Perl is not. Both Perl and Trahan attended the required 20 hours of training and live close to each other for ease of transport. The first six months are a getting-to-know-you period for the team, as Perl and Trahan build a relationship and routine with Olivia. Monthly check-ins with Hero Dogs provide additional support as Olivia continues to build trust and comfort with the children she helps. GBMC is committed to ensuring every child who walks through its doors can receive the support they need during their most challenging moments. With Olivia's growing role—whether it's offering emotional comfort in interviews, supporting the child abuse team during stressful situations, or eventually offering comfort in court—she is an essential part of the healing journey for GBMC’s youngest patients.
The Randolph B. Capone Cleft Lip and Palate Program at GBMC offers comprehensive, interdisciplinary care for patients born with cleft lip and/or palate—beginning at the prenatal stage and continuing through adulthood. This unique program is one of only two in the Baltimore metropolitan area and stands out for its presence in a community hospital setting, providing an accessible alternative to larger medical centers. From prenatal counseling to surgical repair and follow-up therapies, patients and their families are supported by a dedicated team of specialists—including surgeons, dietitians, speech-language pathologists, and more—who work together in a collaborative, patient-centered model. The team approach means families don’t need to navigate a complex web of separate appointments; instead, they receive holistic, coordinated care all in one place. Parents like Nick and Kelly, whose daughter Macy was born prematurely at 32 weeks and diagnosed with a cleft palate in the NICU, emphasize the emotional and practical support they received. “They were always just a phone call or text away,” said Kelly. “As a first-time mom, that meant everything.” Staff members describe deep fulfillment in their roles, driven by a commitment to making children and families feel safe, understood, and empowered. For many, it’s more than medicine—it’s a calling. One team member, a former teacher, notes how her own cleft experience helps her build trust and ease patient anxiety. By offering this kind of coordinated, lifelong support in a community setting, the Randolph B. Capone Program exemplifies GBMC’s mission to provide advanced, personalized care close to home. Learn more about the The Randolph B. Capone Cleft Lip and Palate Program at GBMC
Bringing two decades of clinical and executive leadership experience to Baltimore’s only independent community hospital GBMC HealthCare announces the appointment of Paari Gopalakrishnan, MD, MBA, as the newest President and CEO of GBMC HealthCare. He is known for his commitment to transparency, accountability, and compassion, and is uniquely prepared to build on GBMC’s history to guide the next phase of the community health system’s strategic growth. Dr. Gopalakrishnan will assume the role in September. This transition comes at a defining moment for GBMC—during its 60th anniversary year and amid a continued focus on expanding access, advancing innovation, and improving the health of the Greater Baltimore region. “We had the opportunity to meet many outstanding candidates, but Dr. Gopalakrishnan rose to the top,” said Bonnie B. Stein, former Chair of the GBMC HealthCare Board of Directors and head of the Executive Search Committee. “He brings a deep understanding of both the science and the operations of healthcare, along with a strong alignment to GBMC’s mission of health, healing, and hope. I look forward to seeing his leadership guide us forward.” Dr. Gopalakrishnan comes to GBMC after serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of Kent Hospital, a 359-bed community teaching hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island, within the Care New England Health System. In his various leadership roles, he launched Rhode Island’s first and only Hospital-at-Home program, expanded access to geriatric and specialty care, and directed the state’s COVID-19 field hospital during a critical phase of the pandemic. Dr. Gopalakrishnan also led a dramatic financial turnaround, moving the hospital from a deficit in FY22 to a surplus in FY24. As a system executive, Dr. Gopalakrishnan was also responsible for several system-wide functions that mirror GBMC HealthCare’s own integrated structure. He has overseen the centralization of the medical staff office across three hospitals; led Care New England’s Visiting Nurse Association, a $20M Medicare- and Medicaid-certified home health and hospice agency with more than 160 employees; and has driven significant growth across retail, contract, and specialty pharmacy services. His ability to think and act at a system level while maintaining a strong connection to frontline care will serve GBMC HealthCare well. “What Dr. Chessare and the GBMC team have built is truly exceptional,” Dr. Gopalakrishnan said. “There is a palpable sense of community, purpose, and dedication to excellence that drew me here. I’m honored to join the organization at such a pivotal moment, and I’m eager to listen, learn, and build upon GBMC’s legacy as we shape the future of healthcare together.” Dr. Gopalakrishnan succeeds John B. Chessare, MD, MPH, who retires after 15 years of visionary leadership at GBMC. Dr. Chessare has agreed to remain in the role to assist with the transition. The selection of the President and CEO role follows a rigorous national search conducted in partnership with WittKieffer, who initially identified more than 1,400 potential candidates. Among an internal search committee comprised of GBMC’s Board of Directors, medical staff, employees, and community stakeholders, Dr. Gopalakrishnan was the unanimous choice to lead GBMC HealthCare into its next chapter.###About GBMC HealthCareSince its founding in 1965, GBMC has been known as an outstanding, independent community hospital, validating the vision of our founders to combine the best of community and university-level medicine. Our 275-bed, acute and sub-acute care hospital in Towson handles more than 23,000 admissions and more than 52,000 emergency room visits annually. With GBMC Health Partners, we have established 11 advanced primary practices throughout the region, working to keep people well by coordinating preventive care and the management of chronic disease. We are also committed, in every specialty, to provide culturally competent care and service of the highest quality to every patient, every time with the goal of health equity for all.
GBMC HealthCare today announces the election of Jerry Focas, Esq., as the new Chair of the GBMC HealthCare Board of Directors. Focas brings a unique combination of legal expertise, civic engagement, and personal connection to the role. Focas has been a longtime advocate and volunteer leader for GBMC. From 2015 to 2024, he served on the GBMC HealthCare Board of Directors, chairing both the Governance and Quality Committees. He currently chairs the GBMC Gift Planning Advisory Board, serves on the Philanthropy Committee, and is a proud member of the Elizabeth Duncan Yaggy Society, which recognizes individuals who include GBMC in their estate plans. “Having worked alongside Jerry for many years, I have seen firsthand the dedication, innovation, and compassion he brings to his work,” Faith Thomas, Esq., who has served as Chair of the GBMC HealthCare Board of Directors since 2022, said. “He is consistently looking for innovative ways to strengthen GBMC, serve our community, and provide resources to meet the needs of patients.” In addition to his other service roles within GBMC, Focas chairs GBMC’s 60th Anniversary Committee, as the organization prepares to reach the milestone on October 2, 2025. Celebrations highlight six decades of keeping the community well and how to reimagine the future of healthcare in the region for the next sixty. “We are stewards of a remarkable legacy. It’s our job to honor it—not only by remembering where we’ve been—but by boldly preparing for where we are going,” Focas said. “I chose to make a lasting impact with GBMC because they have cared for generations of my family. Serving as Chair of GBMC’s Board of Directors is a true privilege. I am honored to lead us into this period of transition and celebration.” Focas is no stranger to a forward-thinking and strategic mindset. As an estate and trust attorney, he has devoted more than three decades to advising families and institutions in preparing for their futures. “What makes GBMC great is the people,” said John B. Chessare, MD, MPH, GBMC HealthCare President and CEO, who is retiring this summer after 15 years in the role. “Jerry will make a great Chair of the Board. He is very committed to serving others, he really wants the best for people and his community, and he will do the work to make it happen.”
Wayman Scott, Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Relations at GBMC HealthCare, discusses the organization's efforts to increase healthcare access in Baltimore City. GBMC provides accessible primary care through a neighborhood office and an in-home geriatric program for older adults, addressing barriers like transportation and mobility. They also hire community health workers to spread awareness of available resources and offer personalized care, making healthcare more accessible for underserved populations.
At GBMC, our nurses are the cornerstone of exceptional care—combining clinical expertise with genuine compassion each day. We are thrilled to announce 12 of our outstanding nurses have been named winners of Baltimore magazine's Excellence in Nursing award, chosen from hundreds of nominations. Their inspiring contributions and innovative spirit will be showcased in the May issue of Baltimore magazine. Join us in celebrating these remarkable professionals whose dedication and heart set the standard for excellence in healthcare. Ashley Bandurchin, DNP, RN, CCRN, CSSGB, EBP-C, CENP Center for Nursing Practice Lydia B., BSN, RN, CEN, FNE-A Emergency Department/ Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Program Jessica Dunn, BSN, CRN Interventional Radiology Eyerusalem Hagos, NP Gilchrist Ashley M., MSN, RN, FNE-A/P, SANE-A Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Program JoAnn Parr, MSN, MS-HCM, RN, C Care Management Katie Pasqualini, BSN RN Unit 36 Sarah Prock, BSN, RN General Operating Room Darleen Sullivan, BSN, RN, CHPN Gilchrist Kayla Taylor, BSN, RN Gilchrist Holly Thorn, MSN, CRN Interventional Radiology Caitlin Kwedar-Wamba, BSN, RN Interventional Radiology
In a single moment, everything can change. Hearing you have cancer can be an overwhelming, challenging, and emotional experience. But at GBMC, you're never alone. At the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC, patients have always been able to count on advanced technology with a singular focus on individualized care from a compassionate care team. With the opening of the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion, the new home for cancer care at GBMC, all the amazing services and staff people have come to expect will be centrally located for the convenience and comfort of patients. “Patients and their caregivers come to GBMC because they know they will be treated as individuals, each with their own medical needs and goals. This building gives them a warm welcome and assurance that the treatment they need is right here for them,” Paul Celano, MD, the Herman and Walter Samuelson Medical Director of the Berman Cancer Institute, said. “For months, my colleagues and a broad range of stakeholders met and imagined what we could offer patients in a state-of-the-art facility that brings all of us together. Now, it’s here and much more than we’d hoped.” The Berman Pavilion is a single destination for cancer care that provides a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment. Its 73,000 sq ft of sunlit, comfortable space is designed to meet patients’ needs. The new building features:A dedicated oncology pharmacy, diagnostic imaging center, and lab, all on siteAn Integrative Wellness Center for evidence-based symptom managementA revamped Boutique and Salon featuring products chosen to boost cancer patients’ spirits and meet their unique needs at an affordable price pointA revitalized Infusion Center with 26 infusion chairs, 10 private rooms, two isolation rooms, and gorgeous views The Berman Cancer Institute treats more than 12,000 patients a year. With the aging of the population as well as a national increase in cancer diagnoses in younger populations, the need for quality, compassionate, and expert cancer care services that cater to the needs of patients is paramount. GBMC HealthCare's President and CEO, John B. Chessare, MD, MPH, recognized the importance of this need and endorsed the project to ease the burden for people dealing with cancer and dramatically improve the patient experience. “Our vision at GBMC is to care for patients as if they were our own loved ones,” Dr. Chessare said. “Creating this space for patients to more easily navigate what can be a complex, challenging, and emotional experience was the right thing to do. I commend the teams who have worked tirelessly to bring this project to life, on time and under budget, with the best interest of our patients in mind.” Substantial philanthropic backing was instrumental in bringing this project to fruition, but it was foresight and a transformational lead gift from Sandra and Malcolm Berman that brought this project forward. “This has been on our minds and in our hearts for some time,” Sandra Berman, who has served on the GBMC Board of Directors for more than a decade, said. “Members of our family, close friends, and many people we care about have been successfully treated at GBMC. Now, we want to make a difference for people throughout the community who are on this difficult journey. I hope this makes it as easy as possible for people to get better.” At GBMC, patients get to know their team—oncologists, nurses, clinicians and other support staff—who are with them every step of the way. At GBMC, we face cancer together.
Due to a significant increase in flu, RSV, and COVID-19 cases, our Emergency Department (ED) and inpatient units are at maximum capacity. We are working diligently to care for all patients, but we ask for your patience and cooperation during this time. For non-life-threatening concerns, please consider urgent care or primary care options to help alleviate ED congestion. If you have a GBMC Health Partners primary care provider, you can access same-day acute care at Padonia Plus via MyChart. Visiting the ED for emergency care is appropriate for life-threatening conditions, including but not limited to:Chest pain or difficulty breathingSevere injury or traumaStroke symptoms (sudden numbness, confusion, vision changes)Uncontrolled bleedingHigh fever with seizures or difficulty breathingPlease take a moment to review these “Know Before You Go” guidelines that outline when to visit the emergency department, urgent care, or your primary care provider or pediatrician. What to Expect if You Come to the ED Expect longer wait times as we prioritize patients based on medical urgency.Please bring a mask to protect yourself and others from possible infection.Seating in the ED waiting room is limited. Patients may have one adult support person to accompany them in the waiting area. When that capacity is reached, visitors may be asked to temporarily relocate for safety reasons. Our alternate waiting area is the nearby ED Corridor.We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we continue to provide the highest level of care to our community. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe.
At GBMC Health Partners, we are committed to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care. As part of our continued effort to provide accessible healthcare, we are excited to offer diabetic eye exams at two of our primary care practices—GBMC Health Partners Primary Care in Jonestown and Owings Mills.Diabetes can have a significant impact on eye health. One of the most concerning complications is diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated. The early stages of diabetic retinopathy are often symptom-free, which means without regular eye exams, it can go unnoticed until the damage is severe.Our new service provides an innovative solution to ensure patients with diabetes receive necessary eye screenings. Using advanced technology, these two primary care practices now offer diabetic eye exams with a RetinaVue camera. This camera captures high-quality images of the retina, allowing ophthalmologists in the GBMC Eye Center to detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and other eye conditions—without the need for dilation.Traditionally, diabetic eye exams required dilation of the pupils, which can be uncomfortable and require extra time. For many patients, getting to the GBMC Eye Center, which is on GBMC’s main campus, for a dilated exam can be a challenge, especially those in the Jonestown and Owings Mills areas. The RetinaVue camera eliminates the need for dilation, making the process more convenient and comfortable.While a dilated exam offers a more thorough assessment, the RetinaVue camera provides an excellent preliminary screening, allowing providers to detect potential issues and refer patients for further evaluation if necessary.The impact of these eye exams extends beyond just diabetic retinopathy. By using the RetinaVue camera, our ophthalmologists have been able to uncover a variety of health concerns. One notable case involved a patient who came in for a routine screening with no symptoms, only for the exam to reveal swelling in the optic nerve. This could have been an indication of central nervous system issues, prompting further testing in the emergency room. In other cases, we've identified early signs of glaucoma and even undiagnosed diabetes.If you're a diabetic patient or have concerns about your eye health, you can take advantage of this valuable service at our Jonestown and Owings Mills locations. If you're a patient at one of these practices, simply ask about diabetic eye screenings with the RetinaVue camera during your next visit. For a comprehensive eye exam, we encourage you to visit the GBMC Eye Center, where our expert ophthalmologists can provide a thorough evaluation.By prioritizing these screenings, we can help you manage your diabetes more effectively and catch potential eye issues early, leading to better health outcomes and a brighter future. Contact us today to schedule your diabetic eye exam and take the next step in protecting your vision.
Since Malcolm Berman entrusted GBMC with his care more than 20 years ago, the entire Berman family has been dedicated to improving the lives of cancer patients. At a pair of events celebrating and dedicating the new home of cancer care at GBMC, the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion, speakers expressed gratitude to the many people who have helped bring the building to fruition, highlighting the Bermans not only as lead donors to this project, but for their years of advocacy and philanthropy in the region. Selections from their messages of gratitude follow. “Today’s celebration would not be possible without the transformational generosity of Sandra and Malcolm Berman. Sandy had the vision to bring everything under one roof, making it easier for patients and families navigating a cancer diagnosis. Sandy, thank you for your relentless advocacy and your generous spirit, which has inspired so many to join in making this pavilion a reality.” - GBMC President and CEO John Chessare, MD, MPH“Sandra and Malcolm Berman believed in the power of community and the strength we can find in one another. It is in their resolve that we have built this center—a place where we will come together to fight against cancer, to support one another, and to ensure that no one faces it alone. This center is a testament to the countless hours of intellect, the tireless dedication of healthcare professionals, and the unwavering support of our community. It is a place where innovation meets empathy, where patients will receive not only advanced treatments but also the care and understanding they truly deserve.“ - GBMC Philanthropy Chair Heidi Kenny-Berman, Esq.“Thank you for supporting this beautiful new home for patient-centered cancer care, the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion. Sandy and Malcolm, thank you for all you have done, in your own philanthropy and for the giving you have inspired in others to make this day a reality. I need to emphasize that it has been our honor and privilege to assist in the care of the patients who have been affected by cancer who chose to have their care at GBMC. You have invested in the vision of a single destination for patients of Maryland’s largest comprehensive community cancer care program. Thank you for your generosity.” - Herman & Walter Samuelson Medical Director of the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute Paul Celano, MD, FACP, FASCO“This legacy of philanthropy has been passed on to myself and to my family in the ways that we all give back to the things that are really important to us. And that just comes from the top down, shaping our worldviews and the ways in which that we can give back. I’m just so grateful to be a part of the Berman family, to be the eldest grandson of my grandparents. They mean the world to me.” - President of Mandalay Pictures and grandson of Sandra and Malcolm Berman, Jason Michael Berman“This building has been in my heart and on my mind for many years. It’s something I dreamed of – a place that could make a real difference for families dealing with cancer. But the time had to be right, and that time is now here at GBMC. Many people have asked Malcolm and me why we give. The Hebrew word, Sedaka, is the Jewish obligation to give back. To strengthen the community by giving, we help balance the scales, creating a stronger, more compassionate world for everyone. ... Today, Malcolm and I are grateful to be able to live by this obligation and are fortunate to make an impact on the places that matter to us.” - Sandra Berman“And I’m just so deeply humbled that we have a family that understood what it meant to take the lead on this and are coming from not just beautiful hearts, but also a beautiful obligation to continue to give and serve. ... And Sandra, the idea that this comes from an understanding and from a history of the impact that this beautiful place made on Malcolm’s life and a place of understanding that we were going to do anything and everything to make sure we’re supporting him the same way that this hospital does for every single person that walks into this hospital, that everybody here is family. And so, Sandra, I’m so thankful to be here with you. You have many, many titles of philanthropist and change-maker and mother and grandmother. And the philanthropy we know is not just about health. It is higher education, it is holocaust education and making sure that Maryland is going to be a state where hate will find no oxygen. Of the many, many titles that you have earned, I’m deeply, deeply proud of one that you have, and that’s Marylander and someone who really does represent the best of us.” - Governor Wes Moore
After 15 years of transformative leadership, John B. Chessare, MD, MPH, will retire as President and CEO of GBMC HealthCare on June 30, 2025. His tenure has been marked by a dedication to patient-centered care and healthcare innovation, reshaping GBMC’s approach to medicine. Dr. Chessare recognized early in his tenure that with the aging of the population there would be a need for increased capacity for cancer care. He has overseen the continual expansion of GBMC’s cancer services to meet the evolving needs of the community—a legacy that will resonate for years.An advocate for health equity and access to care, Dr. Chessare has ushered in a new era for oncology services at GBMC with the completion of the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion, set to open for patients in early 2025. This state-of-the-art facility, made possible through gifts from Sandra and Malcolm Berman and the generosity of hundreds of donors, will centralize GBMC’s comprehensive cancer services, providing seamless access to oncology pharmacy services, integrative medicine, and symptom management. It is a bold and compassionate response to the challenges of an aging population in need of accessible cancer care.While many community hospitals have chosen to scale back cancer services due to the cost of delivering those services, Dr. Chessare has championed an opposing approach. He believes expanding access to advanced, patient-centered oncology care is not only necessary but also the right thing to do.The Sandra R. Berman Pavilion was part of a broader strategy under Dr. Chessare’s leadership to modernize and expand GBMC’s facilities. This included the construction of the Louis and Phyllis Friedman Building, which enhances inpatient care with modern amenities and efficient services. Together, these facilities are transforming the GBMC campus into a hub of healthcare excellence.Dr. Chessare’s commitment to expanding cancer services reflects his belief in prevention, early intervention, and comprehensive chronic condition management. His leadership has shifted GBMC’s focus from episodic care to advanced primary care, ensuring patients receive proactive rather than reactive treatment. This philosophy was instrumental in GBMC earning the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2020.Beyond infrastructure and care models, Dr. Chessare’s legacy is defined by his approach to healthcare, which has always centered on a simple yet profound question: “What if it was your loved one?” This guiding principle has led to innovations that not only improve outcomes but also ensure patients feel supported and respected throughout their journey.As GBMC prepares for the next chapter, the foundation built under Dr. Chessare’s leadership provides a strong platform for continued growth and innovation. His impact on GBMC HealthCare and the Greater Baltimore community will endure long after his retirement, as the organization remains guided by the vision he helped define: To every patient, every time, we will provide the care we would want for our own loved ones.
Greater Beauty, GBMC’s new medspa, is led by vascular, vein, and wound care expert, Dr. Jennifer Heller, and offers high-quality cosmetic treatments right on the main hospital campus.With a commitment to utilizing cutting-edge technology and employing experienced professionals, Greater Beauty ensures patients receive the best possible care and the highest possible quality. Experts thoroughly evaluate your unique situation, set up a customized treatment plan, and provide the best possible outcome for you.Services include injectables, hydra facials, tattoo removal, and laser hair removal.Learn more at greaterbeautymedspa.com.
.figure { margin:0; } .image-left { padding: 1em; max-width: 400px; float: left; } On November 19, 2024, GBMC HealthCare held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion, a new home for the region’s leader in comprehensive community cancer care. GBMC expects to start treating patients in this building in early February 2025. Gov. Wes Moore with John B. Chessare, MD, MPHThe Berman Pavilion combines all GBMC cancer care services into a single destination that provides a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment. Its 73,000 sq. ft. of sunlit, comfortable space is designed to meet patients’ needs for clinical excellence, comfort, and convenience. Maryland Governor Wes Moore attended the event, expressed his sentiments about the significance of this project, and shared a personal experience with cancer in his own family. “The fearlessness behind this idea is saying, let's make sure we have an institution that meets people where they are. Let's make it easier for them to navigate a very complicated time in their life and let them know we are going to see them and support them in any way we can,” Governor Moore said. “Thank you for connecting families to hope, and for helping make such a difficult journey just a little bit easier.” The new building features:Gov. Wes Moore with GBMC Oncology physician leadersA dedicated oncology pharmacy, diagnostic imaging center, and lab, all on siteAn Integrative Wellness Center for evidence-based symptom managementA revamped Boutique and Salon featuring products chosen to boost cancer patients’ spirits and meet their unique needs at an affordable price pointA revitalized Infusion Center with 10 private rooms, two isolation rooms, and gorgeous viewsThe Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC treats more than 12,000 patients a year. With the aging of the population as well as a national increase in cancer diagnoses in younger populations, the need for quality, compassionate, and expert cancer care services that cater to the needs of patients is paramount. GBMC HealthCare's President and CEO, John B. Chessare, MD, MPH, recognized the importance of this need and endorsed the project to ease the burden for people dealing with cancer and dramatically improve the patient experience. Sandra Berman speaks at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony“Our vision at GBMC is to care for patients as if they were our own loved ones,” Dr. Chessare said. “Creating this space for patients to more easily navigate what can be a complex, challenging, and emotional experience was the right thing to do. I commend the teams who have worked tirelessly to bring this project to life, on time and under budget, with the best interest of our patients in mind.” Substantial philanthropic backing was instrumental in bringing this project to fruition, but it was the foresight and a transformational lead gift from Sandra and Malcolm Berman that brought this project forward. “This has been on our minds and in our hearts for some time,” Sandra Berman, who has served on the GBMC Board of Directors for more than a decade, said. “Members of our family, close friends, and many people we care about have been successfully treated at GBMC. Now, we want to make a difference for people throughout the community who are on this difficult journey. I hope this makes it as easy as possible for people to get better.”Learn more about the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion and how you can make a difference.*Photos courtesy of Pat Siebert, Maryland GovPics*
Gilchrist's We Honor Veterans Program supports veterans in the community at the end of life. Veterans have unique needs around mental health, trauma, and grief, which is why Gilchrist puts on various activities and events throughout the year, but particularly during November, to honor veterans. These events and initiatives honor veterans and have a profound impact on both the veterans and their families.
At GBMC, we take pride in the people who make our organization run smoothly. Charles Williams, a dedicated supply and equipment technician, is one of those special individuals. With more than 15 years of service, Charles has become a key member of the GBMC family, but his story reaches far beyond the walls of our hospital. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Charles grew up in the foster care system. Life presented many challenges, but through it all, Charles found solace and motivation in sports. He played basketball at Georgia State University, but his time on the court was cut short when he flunked out of school. “It was a tough lesson, but I learned that failure doesn’t define you. It’s about how you come back,” Charles reflects.His comeback story began in 2008 when he took a temporary job at GBMC, working for Mary Lou Smith, Manager of Surgical Materials and Billing. “I was just trying to make ends meet,” he recalls. Mary Lou saw something in him and, after two months, offered him a permanent role. “She changed my life,” he says. “GBMC has been my home ever since.”While Charles found stability in his work at GBMC, he also discovered a new passion outside of the hospital: umpiring Little League baseball. In 2012, a newspaper article about Little League caught his attention. Intrigued, he signed up for classes and soon found himself behind the plate, calling balls and strikes. What started as a hobby quickly became a way to give back to the community, providing mentorship and guidance to young athletes.His dedication to the sport recently took him to Cooperstown, the heart of baseball history. For one week, Charles had the incredible opportunity to umpire games and lead skills drills at the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame. “It was like stepping into a dream,” he says. “Every day, I umpired two to three games and worked with kids during the drills. The energy was contagious. It reminded me of how sports can bring people together, just like teamwork here at GBMC.”Charles' journey from foster care, through personal setbacks, to becoming a respected member of both the GBMC and Little League communities is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of second chances. “I’ve had some bumps in the road, but I’m proud of where I am today,” he shares. And we, at GBMC, are proud to call Charles Williams one of our own.Charles continues to inspire on and off the field, showing us all that with perseverance and heart, we can truly make a difference—no matter where life starts us or how many times we fall along the way.
