<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w3ukZv9IQAY" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Dr. Jennifer Heller enjoys seeing a diverse range of patients at the Vein Center at GBMC. A typical day may be seeing everyone from a young postpartum pregnant woman with varicose veins to an elderly man with a clotting disorder. There are diagnostic resources available on site at The Vein Center, allowing Dr. Heller and her team to test and see results in real time to make determinations about surgery or extended care. <br> <br> Dr. Heller recognizes her team as an extended, second family. Everyone at The Vein Center is part of the team - there is no hierarchy and everyone is essential. Without each person’s contribution, things wouldn't run as well. <br> <br> Kristal Wiggins embodies that philosophy. As the first face many patients see, she strives to treat people as she would like to be treated as a patient, and tries to go a step above every day. <br> <br> Attention to detail and patient care are essential no matter how small the procedure , says Dr. Heller. “I want patients to know that we’re here for them. That’s what it’s all about.” </p> <div class="container-fluid" id="gallery"> <div class="leftside-stories-wrapper full-doc-list"> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/6b0fd4bb912086aa66a03fba61aeb87f.jpg" alt="The Vein Center at GBMC"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/dd9930c1a53fd71c8d161ad65509c123.jpg" alt="The Vein Center at GBMC"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/9afd8360cd83a338ec6b516b401279a3.jpg" alt="The Vein Center at GBMC"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/c3b0d1c16a11f71509dc3094bbfd9d29.jpg" alt="The Vein Center at GBMC"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/b8411cb98ef5b8f6d8701871bdff3b1a.jpg" alt="The Vein Center at GBMC"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/5738866d7d090692d7a9e89465c5d796.jpg" alt="The Vein Center at GBMC"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/30899fc0f2bfcc2521d2e65d7ef43b95.jpg" alt="The Vein Center at GBMC"> </div> </div> </div> <br> <em>"Day In The Life" is produced by WMAR ABC2</em>
<p class="article-body"> With gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies ranking as the second most common cancer seen at GBMC (283 cases of GI cancer, with colon cancer being the most common, according to 2015 data), a new gastrointestinal oncology program was recently launched to address the multi-faceted health needs of patients with a variety of gastrointestinal cancers. <br> <br> </p> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/fb9924b7db0d5a18f4097f1eda284286.jpg"> <figcaption> Paul Celano, MD </figcaption> </figure> According to Paul Celano, MD, FACP, FASCO, Herman and Walter Samuelson Medical Director of the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC, “Patients with gastrointestinal malignancies require many types of specialties and sub-specialties to come together to assist in their care. Recognizing this fact, we created a program focused on comprehensive, multidisciplinary care that addresses all of the complexities associated with diagnosing and treating GI cancer.” <br> <br> Coordinated care and collaboration are the hallmarks of the new GI Oncology program. Dr. Celano explains that twice monthly, specialists from various departments meet to discuss new patient cases at the multidisciplinary tumor board meetings. In addition, program leaders have been working with GBMC primary care physicians on recommendations for screenings to help ensure more patients are diagnosed earlier for better outcomes. <br> <br> <strong>A Multidisciplinary Focus on Gastrointestinal Malignancy</strong> <br> <br> GBMC’s GI Oncology program brings together specialists from a wide variety of disciplines including: <ul> <li> Primary Care </li> <li> Gastroenterology </li> <li> Colorectal surgery </li> <li> Medical oncology </li> <li> Radiation oncology </li> <li> Radiology </li> <li> Pathology </li> <li> Clinical research </li> <li> Genetics </li> <li> Oncology support services and social work </li> </ul> “GBMC has always had all the pieces to be a regional destination for colorectal services, and now we are bringing all of the necessary disciplines together to offer comprehensive care for GI cancer patients,” explained Joseph DiRocco, MD, colorectal surgeon and director of the GI Oncology program at GBMC. <br> <br> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/8c666971bd0c18f42c49a8b50fe22fc4.jpg"> <figcaption> Joseph DiRocco, MD, MBA, FACS </figcaption> </figure> “For GI cancer patients, there has been a historical progression toward more precise surgical technique, the addition of advanced therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy, as well as new diagnostic devices and techniques to better stage our patients upon diagnosis,” added Dr. DiRocco. “As a result, patients have more options and better outcomes. At GBMC, there is a system-wide commitment to providing high quality care from initial diagnosis and treatment to survivorship using the latest research, techniques, and technology.” <br> <br> In the near future, the program will also add a nurse navigator to help patients through their care plan, answering questions, helping with appointments and scheduling of tests, and generally serving as a patient’s guide throughout the entire care process. <br> <br> “The core of our hospital’s strength has always been the quality of the physicians and healthcare professionals who work at GBMC,” added Dr. DiRocco. “With such an outstanding multidisciplinary team in place, patients with any malignancy of the GI tract can be assured to receive world-class care in a warm and personal environment.” <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> The first physician to open a pediatric practice at GBMC, John Boscia, MD, served the community’s children for more than 20 years: treating extended families, children of parents he had also treated in their youth, and some folks well into their 20s, because they just didn’t want to go anywhere else. John dedicated his career to caring and advocating for some of the most medically-challenged patients in our area. He did it because of his sense of fairness. Dr. Boscia had also experienced some physical challenges in his youth and had a special place in his heart for these patients. <br> <br> </p> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/6047ae6ec3a344411f3c9abd5ff6e714.jpg"> <figcaption> John Boscia, MD </figcaption> </figure> Dr. Boscia was a deeply compassionate pediatrician with outstanding clinical skills and an impeccable character. He was loved by his patients and deeply respected by his peers. He was known as a “true pillar in the department of pediatrics” and “a fountain of knowledge" when it came to pediatric medicine. <br> <br> <blockquote> “John exemplified the best qualities of the pediatrician you would want caring for your child. His compassion, kindness and devotion to his patients were unmatched. He is famously remembered by one family for calling while he was on vacation, immediately after their child had received a life-threatening diagnosis in the ED. The family was so touched.” </blockquote> Dr. Boscia served as vice-chair of pediatrics from 1993 to 2013, and also served as acting chairman following Dr. Stephen Amato’s retirement in 1998. Dr. Tim Doran – current chair of the department, who took over after Stephen – said he thought Dr. Boscia would have been given the seat had he advocated for it at the time, but he was a humble man who didn’t want the spotlight. Patient care was his focus and his passion. <br> <br> John Boscia was respected throughout the hospital for his ability to work with other departments in a positive and collaborative manner. Colleagues said he was always composed, no matter the level of chaos. His sign-off on emails was “peace in the Middle East.” <br> <br> Dr. Boscia had to leave his practice prematurely because of an illness, and unfortunately he passed away earlier this year. Patients continue to ask about him daily. His GBMC colleagues and the community he cared for miss him terribly. <br> <br> Dr. Theresa Nguyen, whose first interaction with John was her phone interview with him 17 years ago, while he cooked and played music in the background, said, “John exemplified the best qualities of the pediatrician you would want caring for your child. His compassion, kindness and devotion to his patients were unmatched. He is famously remembered by one family for calling while he was on vacation, immediately after their child had received a life-threatening diagnosis in the ED. The family was so touched.” <br> <br> Dr. Boscia was also fiercely loyal to his colleagues. Dr. Doran remembers when he let some members of the team go after becoming chairman of the department, he received a strongly-worded letter from Dr. Boscia, voicing his displeasure. Months later, Dr. Doran would receive a second letter from Dr. Boscia retracting his reaction and complimenting Dr. Doran on his decision-making, but his initial reaction to defend his colleagues speaks volumes of Dr. Boscia’s personality. <br> <br> Dr. Boscia was chosen as a Titan for being the embodiment of GBMC’s vision of treating every patient, every time as you would your own loved one; for being the kind of physician every parent wishes for their child. His legacy can best be expressed by a story from one of his families: <br> <br> “I began taking my kids to Dr. Boscia in 1996. I was recommended to him by a friend of my sister’s, who went to high school with him. I had a set of 2-year-old twins and a 1-year-old daughter, and I was pregnant with twins. My kids fell in love with him on the first day because of his funny Donald Duck voice. One day, my son asked about Dr. B’s “funny hand” and what a great opportunity it was for me as a mom to explain to my kids that, despite a physical disability, he became a doctor. He did not let that hold him back and that was only one of the many reasons we came to respect him as a doctor and a man. <br> <br> My second set of twins ended up having some issues and he again showed compassion and wisdom. He was humble. He also never made me feel as if my questions were dumb. I trusted him immensely. <br> <br> After he retired, he sent my two youngest daughters birthday cards every year. My one precious daughter passed away this past December due to pneumonia and Dr. Boscia sent me the kindest note, which I have framed. After my divorce in 2007, my kids told me I should marry Dr. Boscia, which just goes to show you how much respect and love they had for their awesome Dr. Boscia.” - Cherie Valentine <br> <br> GBMC suffered a great loss earlier this year with John's passing but I would like to invite Doctor Boscia's husband Gary to the stage to accept the award on his behalf <br> <br> Next is Doctor Karl Diehn <br> <br> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/344350d21f102424a71c3d1564c0676f.jpg"> <figcaption> Karl Diehn, MD </figcaption> </figure> Karl Diehn, MD, is a man with a soft voice and a gentle demeanor. Many times he has been called to our pediatric emergency department to see a patient and he always finds a way. So too, anytime a physician calls Dr. Diehn to see a patient in his office on an emergency basis, he makes room. Dr. Diehn has been a cornerstone of the GBMC otolaryngology department for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Maryland medical school in 1975, and finishing his residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Dr. Diehn became one of the earliest members of Ear, Nose & Throat Associates, and helped to forge the practice’s reputation as the preeminent provider of pediatric otolaryngology care. His partners were George C. Alderman, MD, Samuel M. Lumpkin, MD and J. Dennis Branger, MD, and together this group defined excellence in otolaryngology throughout the region. During his tenure at GBMC, Dr. Diehn has also served on the GBMC medical board and the GBMC HeathCare Board of Directors. <br> <br> A perennial member of Baltimore’s “Top Docs,” Dr. Diehn is admired for his consistent availability, his accountability, and his kindness. His skill, thoughtfulness and calm demeanor have inspired physicians, students, patients and families throughout his professional career. When the GBMC medical board was asked for nominations for the titan award, Dr. Brian Kaplan, the current chair of otolaryngology, wrote me back the next day and said, “if anyone ever embodied the values of GBMC, it’s Dr. Diehn.” Dr. Diehn also embodies humility. When I first spoke to him about this award he was hesitant to accept it. He said. “I am not special and I do not deserve an award. I just try to do the best job I can.” His response speaks to the true difficulty and complexity of selecting physicians to receive the Titan award. The greatest physicians are often those who simply do their job – in all its manifestations – to the best of their capacity, and do it marvelously well. <br> <br> <blockquote> “He was the best dad -- I’m 37 years old, and we have our own lives, but I still look to him for advice and support.” </blockquote> Dr. Diehn lives in Towson with his wife Catherine; together, they raised 4 children, Megan, Karl, Kate and Kevin. Medicine is all-in-the-family for the Diehns. Catherine was a pediatric intensive care nurse when they met. She resigned when their second child was born so that Karl could devote more time to his practice, and she could devote her time to being a mom. Karl and Catherine’s love of medicine will be carried forward by their two daughters, one a physician and the other a nurse practitioner. The Diehns also have two grandchildren, who are the apples of their eye. <br> <br> Megan Diehn Wood, MD, said she and her siblings had an idyllic childhood, “just growing up around my parents-- him being a doctor and her a nurse -- was incredible. Our up-bringing definitely influenced my sister, Kate, and me going into the medical field.” Megan also spoke of her father’s work ethic, “he made a lot of sacrifices and spent of long hours at work over the years. But we all knew it was for good reason.” Despite Dr. Diehn’s complete dedication to his professional life, Megan had this to add: “he was the best dad -- I’m 37 years old, and we have our own lives, but I still look to him for advice and support.” <br> <br> When speaking to Dr. Diehn’s myriad patients, one often hears, “he took care of my kids too,” and “he’s such a wonderful doctor.” Really it seems that almost anyone you ask in the community knows of Dr. Diehn, a quiet and humble hero, and now a GBMC Titan. <br> <br> And last but not least … Doctor Alan Tapper <br> <br> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/f298435ebdcdf73aa46566f1e8d3e56f.jpg"> <figcaption> Alan Tapper, MD </figcaption> </figure> Alan Tapper, MD, a founder of GBMC’s Ob/Gyn department, has been a physician of remarkable vision and foresight. In the 1970s, he sensed the changing demands of obstetrics in the region and began advocating for family-centered obstetrical care long before that approach was acceptable or popular. In 1978, against very strong objections, Dr. Tapper established the first birthing room at GBMC, and subsequently the first maternity facility in the state of Maryland to have one. <br> <br> <blockquote> His unique character, affability, trustworthiness and sense of humor make him one of the outstanding physicians in our community. </blockquote> Dr. Tapper’s children describe their father as truly the most dedicated and committed doctor. Amy Tapper recalls the many nights he would receive calls from patients at home and without hesitation offer to meet them at the hospital--- regardless of how serious or minor the symptom. “I believe my father truly enjoyed waking up in the middle of night to see a patient or respond to a call—he was perfectly suited for the job—on call 24 hours a day ready to help someone. Scott Tapper, now a vascular surgeon, wrote, “anywhere we went in Baltimore, women would come up to us and tell their stories of childbirth or surgery and how wonderful dad was sitting at the foot of their bed or in chair next them, being super patient with them, taking time to talk to them, answering all their questions, all the while also watching football on TV with their husband!” <br> <br> According to his partner of 22 and a half years, Dr. Emma Zargarian, Dr. Tapper was also well known for consistently promoting progressive changes that improved patient care. Together they elevated GBMC’s position as the preeminent institution for women’s healthcare. Dr. Zargarian also describes Dr. Tapper as being ahead of his time in the way he treated women physicians entering the profession as complete equals. Not everyone would have been able to welcome a woman physician partner in the 1970’s in the way that he did. She states that Dr. Tapper loved the profession and thought of his patients as people first, patients second. From simply asking questions to get to know them better, to attending funerals for patients and their families, he invested in their lives. Dr. Tapper’s family echoes this sentiment: Amy writes: “even today, some years after his retirement, wherever he goes, he takes great pleasure in running into former patients, their children and grandchildren--—and dare I say great-grandchildren. I learned early on that whenever I went anywhere with my dad, even to Graul’s, i needed to look presentable—because no doubt we would hear a ‘hi Dr. Tapper’ . . . And the introductions and stories would begin.” <br> <br> Dr. Tapper is known by the community to be a brilliant, gregarious, extremely funny, and profoundly dedicated individual and we are so lucky to have been the hospital where he chose to dedicate his work. Once when Amy Tapper asked her father why he chose obstetrics, he said it was one of the areas of medicine that was happy and that he was bringing joy to people’s lives. Dr. Tapper slept night after night after night at GBMC delivering babies, his son remembers, and established a work ethic that he now tries to uphold in his surgical practice today. Dr. Tapper’s focus on patient and family-centered care was a clear representation of GBMC’s vision long before it was established. His unique character, affability, trustworthiness and sense of humor make him one of the outstanding physicians in our community. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> 139 Greater Baltimore Medical Center physicians, in 76 unique specialties, were named in Baltimore Magazine’s “Top Doctors” listings for 2017. Several of those medical staff members were recognized in more than one category and some have been recognized many years in a row. <br> <br> GBMC has always had a strong showing in the Baltimore magazine Top Docs edition. This year, Robert K. Brookland, MD, chairman of GBMC’s Department of Radiation Oncology, was one of six eminent doctors, from a pool of over 700 physicians in the Baltimore area, selected to be profiled in the current TOP DOCS issue. <br> <br> In preparing its annual list of “Top Doctors,” Baltimore magazine surveyed nearly 13,000 area physicians and asked where they would send members of their own family for specialized care. This important question is at the very center of GBMC’s vision of providing each of our patients with care worthy of our own loved ones. <br> <br> View the full listing of GBMC “Top Doctors” </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UYfwVFKqRdk" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Bowler Lewis is one of over 100 employees in the housekeeping department of GBMC. Mr. Lewis says his favorite part of the job is interacting with patients and other staff. <br> <br> “Nothing’s ever the same, but it’s great.” There are always different projects to do to keep GBMC running smoothly, and after seven years at the hospital, Bowler Lewis has done them all. <br> <br> After a morning meeting and a supply check, Mr. Lewis is off and running. “I feel so blessed to come in here in the morning and encourage the patients,” says Mr. Lewis. <em>Day in the Life is produced by WMAR - ABC2 Baltimore</em> </p>
<p class="article-body"> Milton J. "Laddie" Dance, Jr. developed cancer of the larynx in 1975. Fearful that his livelihood as a horse auctioneer might be ended, he entered treatment. Five months after completing radiation therapy he developed cervical lymph node metastasis and underwent a radical neck dissection. He remained cancer free thereafter, until he succumbed to heart attack in 2002. <br> <br> While today there are many sources of support groups to aid cancer patients in their search for further education, alternative therapies, hope and comfort, thirty years ago, when Laddie and his wife, Jeanne Vance, discovered that he had throat cancer, there seemed to be little support available. "Back then, you went to the doctor, obtained the diagnosis, had your surgery or therapy and that was about it," explained Ms. Vance. "It seemed so cold. We felt so alone, with no recourse, no support, and no hope. But we accepted it. You didn't ask any questions, you just did what you were told. The realm of our understanding of the scope of the disease, how to deal with it, and the course it could take was so limited back then. We needed more." <br> <br> By nature, Laddie was a mover, a shaker and even a bit of a rabble-rouser at times, many would say. For a man who traveled in the circles of high society, politics and influential people, he was very well grounded — an enigma, several have called him. But that's what made him unique. That's what made him Laddie. He couldn't stop moving. Nothing seemed to stop or dampen his spirit and certainly not a bout with cancer, or so it seemed. Cancer has this way about it, eating away at your heart and gnawing at your soul, unless of course, you do something about it. And that's what Ms. Vance and Laddie did. "No one should endure these feelings alone without understanding and a helping hand," said Mrs. Vance. She founded an endowment that helped open a center in her husband's name. <br> <br> Since 1980, the Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head and Neck Center at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center has provided comprehensive care to patients with head and neck cancer and their families. Today the Center includes the Head and Neck Surgery at GBMC, a historic practice started in 1924 by Dr. Grant E. Ward, multidisciplinary head and neck rehabilitation services, a full range of speech-language pathology services and a highly specialized voice center. Disciplines of head and neck surgery, laryngology, maxillofacial prosthodontics, oral medicine and pathology, nursing, speech-language pathology, nutritional services, and social work reside within the center. There is close collaboration with radiation oncology, medical oncology, occupational therapy and physical therapy. "We work hard to integrate as many disciplines necessary to offer a full complement of services with the goal of optimizing our patients recovery process and quality of life." Barbara Messing, M.A., CCC-SLP, BRS-S, the center's clinical-administrative director, leads a staff of professionals including speech language pathologists, oncology social workers, nurse specialists and oncology-registered dietitians. The center sponsors cancer research in the areas of salivary gland malignancies, tumor genetics and HPV studies through close collaboration with Johns Hopkins and outcomes research in the area of head and neck rehabilitation. <br> <br> Laddie Dance saw life and the world as an opportunity — time that shouldn't be wasted on feeling sorry for oneself. "This was frequently evidenced by the spirit in his voice when he called an auction and the gleam in his eye when he saw a great horse, beautiful women or fantastic business opportunity," remarked his wife Jeanne. <br> <br> Laddie knew horse breeds and lines better than some people know their own relatives. He was good at it because he did his homework. A 45-year employee of the thoroughbred auction firm, Fasig-Tipton, he loved and knew the art of auctioneering inside and out. Auctioneering came to him naturally, probably because his father, Milton J. Dance, Sr. was also a veteran of the profession. Mr. Dance was involved with horses throughout his life but special horses come around once in a lifetime. That occurred in 1999 for Laddie and Jeanne when their horse, Lemon Drop Kid, won all five New York stakes races including the Belmont Stakes in 1999. <br> <br> Laddie Dance knew first-hand what it meant to be a head and neck patient. It was his goal to make it easier for those who would follow his path. <br> <br> Jeanne Vance's and Laddie Dance's dream for cancer patients to see their future as an opportunity for hope and peace of mind is realized every day by the patients at the Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head and Neck Rehabilitation Center. </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Every other Monday morning I spend an hour welcoming new employees and introducing them to our organization during their orientation. This week, I was really pleased to meet nearly 70 new colleagues. There was so much positive energy in the room. <br> <br> My job at orientation is to begin to enroll my new colleagues in our vision and engage them in a conversation about our transformation towards being the healthcare system that treats everyone, every time the way we want our own loved ones treated. Our ongoing metamorphosis from an outstanding hospital into an outstanding system of care, requires people who understand and embrace our vision and their role in helping us achieve it. <br> <br> This orientation was a bit different because preceding me in the program was our new Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Anna-Maria Gonzalez Palmer. Anna-Maria exudes positive energy! She is an accomplished leader who has served in the human resources field with a number of organizations including McCormick and Company and Textron. <br> <br> Anna-Maria will have responsibility and oversight for planning, organizing and providing leadership and direction for the organization’s human resources functions including policy development, interpretation and administration; recruitment, orientation and retention of employees; compensation and benefits programs; performance management and competency assessment; employee relations and labor relations; and training and development programs. <br> <br> Prior to joining GBMC, she was the senior vice president and chief human resources officer of Compass Pointe Healthcare System. Anna-Maria earned her Bachelor of Science degree from West Virginia University and her Master’s degree in Administrative Science, Human Resources Development from The Johns Hopkins University. She is a ‘can-do’ person who hit the ground running at GBMC with our successful negotiation of a new union contract and a very successful employee barbecue. She is redesigning our Human Resources Department to be even better than it is today. I am really enjoying working with Anna-Maria as a senior team colleague and as our leader in increasing joy at work. <br> <br> Please join me in welcoming Anna-Maria to the GBMC Family! </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vDU1n4noLbU" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> There is no typical day for Crystal Pernasilice, PA-C and part of the advanced practitioner team at GBMC. There’s always something new to do in the fast-paced Internal Medicine department, and the team can be found checking labs, seeing patients, and working with doctors and nurses to provide comprehensive care to GBMC patients. <br> <br> “I really like being able to help people. I like the science behind the medicine.” Her role as an advanced practitioner allows her to do both. Ms. Pernasilice welcomes the opportunity to speak with families of her patients, whether in the hospital or on the phone to explain her position as an important part of the care team. “We want to answer their questions so they know their loved one is being taken care of.” <br> <br> Advanced practitioners cover both medical and surgical patients in every GBMC unit, and they all subscribe to the same care philosophy – take care of the patient like they’re your loved one. An advanced practitioner is accessible 24/7 if a doctor is unavailable. <br> <br> “We like interaction. We like to talk to the patients and hear what they have to say, and that helps us treat them as a whole person.” <em>A Day in the Life is produced by WMAR - ABC2</em> </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A2-l4li7Oeo" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Laura is a Forensic Nurse Examiner where she cares for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. She leads a team of 13 forensic nurses and 5 victim advocates who treat over 400 patients per year. She was named America's most amazing nurse by <em>Prevention</em> Magazine and <em>The Doctor's</em> television show. </p>
<figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/8f57e8c2c80c2977bc69b5a5a6a21d5a.jpg"> <figcaption> Joe Henry, RN </figcaption> </figure> In a unit filled with postpartum mothers, breast pumps, and newborn babies, Joe Henry, RN may not be the nurse you’d expect to see. But Joe isn’t fazed by his surprised patients, or by being the only male nurse in GBMC’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, because he is unabashedly passionate about taking care of babies. “It’s amazing to hold these preemies and satisfying to know that with God’s help, I did something to help them live,” he said. <br> <br> Every day in the NICU presents stressful situations, and Joe relies on his calm demeanor and glass-half-full attitude to keep families optimistic. He takes it one step at a time and reassures parents by focusing on the good things — the baby is breathing, the heart is pumping. If the situation turns tragic, he makes it his mission to give families as much of “the baby experience” as he can in whatever short time they have left. <br> <br> Thankfully, the amount of happiness and positive outcomes far outweigh the heartbreak on the unit. Throughout his NICU career, Joe has witnessed rapid developments in medicine and technology to help early babies survive. <br> <br> <blockquote> “This unit is helping to create families that wouldn’t have been possible 20 years ago. When I first started, 27 weeks was the earliest babies could live — now we’re up to 23, or 22 and 6 (days),” he said. “These days, it’s very rare that babies don’t make it once they get into the NICU.” </blockquote> <br> <br> Feeding babies, when they can finally take a bottle rather than being tube-fed, is Joe’s favorite part of caring for NICU babies. He oversees the Donor Breast Milk Program for the unit, which is a complex operation, as Maryland considers donor milk a tissue. The process involves coordinating deliveries, ordering an ample supply, completing paperwork for each baby, and more, but it’s all worth it. “I can finally feel like I’m giving them some comfort when they get to come off of an IV and start taking breast milk. It’s a real bonding experience.” <br> <br> Currently, Joe is working towards his Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Though he plans to continue his education, there’s no career change in sight. He considers himself “NICU for life.” “This is just a happy place to work because everyone keeps a positive outlook,” he said. “Yes, there can be problems, but we can work through and solve most of them. There’s always good there if you look for it.” <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wFSKuOEj9qU" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Dr. Maria Pane didn’t set out to be a neonatologist, but during her last medical school rotation, she fell in love. Now her days are spent treating and caring for some of the “sickest and tiniest patients” at GBMC. <br> <br> Dr. Pane takes a cohesive approach to pediatric patient care – she often invites parents to join her on rounds so they can be included and up to date on their child’s treatment. <br> <br> “I try to put myself in their shoes”, she says of the parents. It helps her understand what new moms and dads are going through on the unit, and how to best care for both patient and parents. <br> <br> <a href="http://www.abc2news.com/news/news-photo-gallery/gbmc-neonatologist-dr-maria-pane" target="_blank">PHOTOS: GBMC Neonatologist Dr. Maria Pane</a> <br> <br> Dr. Pane looks forward to the Father’s Day 5K every year, a fundraiser that contributes to the neonatal intensive care unit. <br> <br> “I couldn’t be more proud of the members of this team. Everyone works together, and we value everyone’s input.” <em>Day in the Life is produced by WMAR - ABC2 Baltimore</em> </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qCes-bEcU6U" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> It’s official! Laura Clary, BSN, RN, FNE-A/P, SANE-A, CFN, CPEN, manager of GBMC’s Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) & Domestic Violence Program, is the Prevention magazine and The Doctors "America's Most Amazing Nurse" winner! <br> <br> The news was announced during a festive event in GBMC’s Yaggy OB Atrium on Friday, May 12. Prevention magazine and The Doctors TV show joined efforts in November to search the country for America’s Most Amazing Nurse. Each entrant or nominee had to have an active RN license or advanced nursing credential and must have been working in the nursing field at the time of nomination. Laura was nominated by her husband and was then selected over hundreds of applicants and four other finalists because of her compassion, commitment and expert skills as a caregiver. <br> <br> Under Laura’s leadership, the GBMC SAFE program expanded to not only care for adult victims of sexual assault but also victims of child abuse, human trafficking, intimate partner violence and non-fatal strangulation. <br> <br> Barbara O'Dair, editor-in-chief of Prevention magazine, said this about Laura: "Her extraordinary work embodies the true spirit of nursing." A devoted and comforting caregiver who advocates for her patients’ best interests, Laura is a shining example of both the nursing profession and of GBMC’s vision. Congratulations Laura! </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cgueLAlrKCc" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> GBMC tried out a little carpool karaoke with volunteer, Don Scott! </p>
<p class="article-body"> Better health and better care for our community. Our commitment to the neighborhoods we serve is echoed through the work our primary care teams do each day. Providing health education, guidance and patient-centered, evidence-based care to individuals and families across the region, we are here to help our patients take charge of their health and serve them throughout their lifetimes. <br> <br> GBMC is honored to have Baltimore put their trust in us and we congratulate Dr. Sarah Whiteford for being named Best Family Physician in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/best-of-baltimore/bal-best-of-baltimore-readers-choice-services-20170403-photogallery.html"><em>The Baltimore Sun’s Best of Baltimore Readers’ Choice poll</em></a>. </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Noyk-bDp5rA" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> GBMC Critical Care and Telemetry Clinical Nurse Educator Chelsea Woodell started out caring for patients. <br> <br> For her, the transition from bedside care to to being an educator was a challenging but rewarding one. <br> <br> "I loved caring for very sick patients, I love advocating for my patient, making recommendations, but I also loved teaching," Woodell said. <br> <br> When she started in the educator role, working with new nursing graduates was her favorite part of the job. <em>A Day in the Life is produced by WMAR - ABC2</em> </p>
