<p class="article-body"> There was a national nursing shortage prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, which only tightened the availability of qualified nurses. Healthcare systems have had to think more creatively about how to fill these gaps and, in the fall of 2020, GBMC looked to other countries for nursing support. <br> <br> Jill Wheeler, MSN, RN, Director of Infection Prevention, Specialty and Inpatient Surgery, Wound/Ostomy/HBO, and Claire Cafirma, MSN, RN, CNOR, Director of Perioperative, Interventional Radiology, Endoscopy, co-lead GBMC’s partnership with Passport USA, which has brought 31 nurses into the workforce to date. <br> <br> “These nurses have superb skills,” Wheeler said. “Once you get them up to speed on the electronic medical records system, they are good to go. Although acclimating to a new working environment can be challenging for international nurses, we’ve had zero failures. It continues to be a top priority for GBMC to broaden our diversity and step outside the box in finding ways to tackle the current nursing shortage.” <br> <br> Nurses are on a three-year contract through the agency and can choose to stay with GBMC after the contract ends. The process to bring a nurse to the U.S. varies but can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months. For example, GBMC has committed to hiring 47 nurses but only 31 are currently here. They pass the same credentialing tests as nurses in the U.S. are required to, and they also must pass an English proficiency exam. <br> <br> The transition to working in the U.S. can be challenging, but new nurses at GBMC have an extra layer of support built into hiring and onboarding in Claire Cafirma. Fifteen years ago, she was in the same position. <br> <br> Cafirma, the eldest of four daughters, was a single nurse working in the Philippines when she applied to work overseas. While waiting for a response, she worked in Saudi Arabia where she met her husband (also from the Philippines). She was pregnant with her first daughter when she got the call a job was open. She returned to the Philippines for two weeks to process her visa and her husband stayed in Saudi Arabia. She arrived in the United States in 2007 to work at another hospital in Baltimore. <br> <br> “It was difficult to come here, pregnant, with no one here. I had a baby by myself. It was very challenging,” Cafirma said. “We receive English instruction from kindergarten in the Philippines, but when I came here, I really couldn’t understand how people talk, even just ordering food. It was a challenge.” <br> <br> For most nurses, the way care is provided is the same as it was in their country of origin. Aside from language, which can be a struggle, the biggest professional barrier is learning the electronic medical records system. Outside of work, going through this transition alone can be scary. Aside from housing provided by the agency, nurses aren’t offered much on arrival. <br> <br> “The whole hospital, including our Board of Directors, have really embraced welcoming the nurses,” Wheeler said. “We have a Welcoming Committee, and the Philanthropy Department gave them gift cards to the GBMC Volunteer Auxiliary’s Nearly New Sale to stock up on essential items. Everybody has been on board in welcoming them to ensure they are successful while they are here and able to provide the same level of patient care we expect from all nurses.” <br> <br> One of GBMC’s recent hires, Blessing Liberty-Echewodoh, RN, has been working in the GBMC PACU for about six months. She agreed learning Epic took a while to master, but the transition overall was good because of her unit. <br> <br> “The transition wasn’t a very easy one, but coming to GBMC, I must tell you, it wasn’t bad,” Liberty-Echewodoh, originally from Nigeria, said. “I told everybody I met it was like coming to a family; everybody tried to help you transition well. They were all there and you could see that these people had your back. They allowed me to make my mistakes so, sincerely, transitioning to GBMC wasn’t a bad one for me.” <br> <br> It also helps to see nurses like Cafirma who have not only come from other countries and stayed but been successful in their careers. <br> <br> “I’m here and I am one of the international nurses. I know how it feels,” Cafirma said. “You work hard, and you get recognized. It’s a diverse workforce and there’s a lot of opportunity. <br> <br> “I can speak for nurses from the Philippines. We don’t usually feel empowered because normally the doctors are the boss. But here, we can speak up, have a questioning attitude, we have autonomy.” <br> <br> At GBMC, they also feel seen. <br> <br> “One thing that has particularly touched me at GBMC is the team spirit,” Liberty-Echewodoh said. “You could literally touch it. When people ask if they can help, truly they are not just saying it, they mean it. It is overwhelming.” <br> <br> </p> <h3> Meet Blessing Liberty-Echewodoh, RN, PACU </h3> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/130cdade21f862d195f2675979360760.jpg" alt="Blessing Liberty-Echewodoh, RN, PACU"> <figcaption> Blessing Liberty-Echewodoh, RN, PACU </figcaption> </figure> Blessing has been a nurse for 23 years, the last 10 of which have been in critical care and anesthesia care. She came to GBMC about six months ago from Nigeria through GBMC’s relationship with Passport USA with her husband and three children. In just a short time here, she has made a positive impact on patients and her colleagues. <br> <br> <strong><em>What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?</em></strong> <br> I pray. If I have to be on duty, then I have to jump out of bed to get myself ready for work. <br> <br> <strong><em>What do you do to decompress?</em></strong> <br> My family means the world to me, and I just love to spend time with them. I love to listen to music, but I don’t get to do that a lot these days. I try to get my mind off whatever is putting stress on me, and I pray, I tell God about it and most times, by the time I work through my feelings, I feel a lot of relief. <br> <br> <strong><em>What was the last gift you gave someone?</em></strong> <br> I spoke with a patient last week. She had an issue that was bothering her emotionally and she ended up confiding in me. By the time she was ready to go, she said, ‘This is the best gift anybody gave me in recent times. You don’t know what you did by sharing those experiences with me.’ It meant a lot to me. <br> <br> <strong><em>Who are you picturing when you take care of patients? </em></strong> <br> I must tell you something, before I came to the U.S., I knew I was coming to GBMC and that mission statement really touched me. I find myself many times, even when I’m not at work, going over those words. It keeps coming back to me. For example, when patients leave and you have to wipe down and clean everywhere, it comes back. How would you feel if you had to be the one lying on this couch, and it wasn’t clean? How would you feel if your child had to be put on this and it wasn’t clean? <br> <br> Each time I see a patient, if it’s a child, I start picturing my children immediately. If it’s an elderly person, I start seeing my parents. That’s just the way it is. It’s like my father sitting there, my mother sitting there, my husband. That’s the truth. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> As a parent, one of the scariest trips you can take with your child is a ride to the Emergency Department (ED).Whether your loved one is 4 months old or 14 years old, you need a place you can trust that is designed to meet children's unique needs. <br> <br> The state of pediatric emergency care has changed significantly in our region. In addition to some hospitals closing their units, staffing shortages have been made worse by the pandemic. This has put incredible pressure on those that have remained open, like GBMC. <br> <br> GBMC runs the only 24/7 pediatrician-staffed, pediatric ED remaining in Baltimore County. But to care for all children in the community, a combined Pediatric ED and Inpatient Unit with eight inpatient beds and five ED beds is not nearly enough. <br> <br> Beginning in the summer months of 2022, staff saw significant surges in respiratory illnesses. Where a typical season for RSV and rhinovirus runs from November to March, the ED was seeing illness peaks much earlier. Both the volume and acuity of cases caused unbearably long wait times for families and shined a bright spotlight on the lack of resources to address the need. <br> <br> “I want people to understand these surges affect us, too,” Laura Scott, MD, FAAP, Director of Pediatric Inpatient and Emergency Medicine at GBMC, said. “It hurts my heart to see kids in the waiting room or the hallway. That’s not the care I want for them. Our team works tirelessly to provide the best care possible for these families despite a lack of resources. We want better for our community and are not satisfied with families having to wait so long to see us.” <br> <br> As other hospitals close their pediatric doors, the depth of need for these services is too big to ignore. GBMC is committed to keeping board-certified pediatricians, pediatric nurses specifically trained to care for children, child life specialists, and on-call sexual assault and domestic violence services available 24/7 for the community. <br> <br> “If we don’t do it, who will?” Dr. Scott said. “I know how much everyone here loves caring for kids, and we know we can do it well. We know we can do it better than a lot of other people. We want to provide amazing care and show it can be done in a community hospital.” <br> <br> K. Sarae Baum, MSN, RN, CPEN, Assistant Nurse Manager for Emergency/Inpatient Pediatrics & Behavioral Health, shared stories of families and visitors taking their frustration out on nurses and staff because wait times were so long. While the frustration, stress, and fear of having a sick child is real, Baum wanted people to know there is a person under that mask, one who really cares about your child and their health. <br> <br> “We care very much about these kids,” Baum said. “We are in this because we want to care for children and families, and it hurts us because we understand how difficult it is to keep a baby comfortable or a toddler entertained. We are doing the best we can.” <br> <br> Oftentimes the stress and concern of caring for a sick child can feel overwhelming and uncertain, especially when sickness peaks outside of normal business hours. <a href="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/2902dc322460ffa17541d9431c6fa3c2.pdf">GBMC's easy Know Before You Go reference guide</a> allays fears and helps direct parents and caregivers to the most appropriate course of action. <br> <br> Download the flyer to post somewhere or share with friends, bookmark <a href="/node/2514">GBMC pediatrics</a> or save the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gbmchealthcare/">@gbmchealthcare</a> Instagram post. <br> <br> The future of Pediatric EDs is uncertain, but what is clear is that there is a future. Having a place to take your child that is accessible, available, timely, and adequately and expertly staffed and supplied is what we want for our loved ones, and GBMC HealthCare is committed to making sure it’s available for yours. </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Years later, patients and colleagues are still passionate about their deep appreciation for Dr. Gary Cohen, former Medical Director of the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC HealthCare. In the six years since his retirement, Dr. Cohen has demonstrated his continued dedication to GBMC and its oncology program on more than one occasion, most recently with a generous gift to the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion campaign. <br> <br> In this new home for cancer care services, virtually every oncology patient will see their oncologist in the oncology clinic. It will house exam rooms, physicians' offices, treatment rooms and more. The welcome area where patients and visitors enter before their appointments will bare a sign commemorating Dr. Cohen’s gift. <br> <br> “I’m fortunate to have been in a place like GBMC where my skills as a clinician and as an administrator were both appreciated,” Dr. Cohen said. <br> <br> Even as he was building a world-class cancer program, Dr. Cohen was devoted to his patients. Expert, compassionate care has been a hallmark of his practice, and of the Berman Cancer Institute, from the start. It’s one of the things Dr. Cohen is most proud of as he looks back on his years at GBMC. Dr. Cohen was also a key driver in establishing the clinical trials program, which has elevated the Berman Cancer Institute and benefited all patients at GBMC. <br> <br> “Clinical trials were what placed us at the cutting edge of cancer care and brought us local and national recognition.” Dr. Cohen said. <br> <br> The program remains robust for a community hospital. It continues to offer patients the same advanced technology and treatments they might expect from an academic center. <br> <br> Dr. Cohen is equally proud of having helped to found Gilchrist which, in the early 1990s, was a patient-centered extension of the cancer program. Cancer diagnosis and treatment have advanced dramatically since then, with better outcomes for patients with cancer. Concurrently, Gilchrist has grown to serve patients with diagnoses other than cancer at the end of life and also with serious illness and elders in need of in-home medical care. <br> <br> Looking back, Dr. Cohen is proud GBMC invested in starting a program knowing it wouldn’t be profitable without ongoing philanthropy. But, as Dr. Cohen says, “It was the right thing to do. <br> <br> “It was important for us, as a community hospital, to have a patient focus.” <br> <br> As the oncology program grew – adding the Sheila K. Riggs Radiation Oncology Center, the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Comprehensive Breast Care Center, the Milton J. Dance Jr. Head & Neck Center, state-of-the-art infusion services, the gynecologic oncology program and general surgery – it spread across the hospital. Dr. Cohen has been personally involved with the design of the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion, which will give cancer patients a single destination for care. And his investment in the project philanthropically further cements his belief that this design will improve the care of patients as he strived to do in practice. <br> <br> All of Dr. Cohen’s achievements on behalf of the Berman Cancer Institute, along with the ways those achievements have enhanced GBMC’s reputation and the care it provides the community, inspired his induction as one of GBMC’s Physician Titans of Care, a prestigious honor. His generosity has earned him membership in both the Joseph S. Keelty Society and the Elizabeth Duncan Yaggy Society. <br> <br> For Dr. Cohen, this recent gift is more than an investment. Through it, he will honor the memory of his wife, Charlene M. Cohen, who died in 2018. <br> <br> “She was very committed to GBMC,” he said. “The thought of our names together greeting patients when they first arrive warms my heart. It feels good to be able to support something that was such an important part of my life journey.” </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
Kristi Choyce, RN, CHPPN, has been a pediatric hospice nurse with Gilchrist for three years. She is proud to support families through the most challenging times they will ever face. Gilchrist, a part of the GBMC HealthCare system, provides comprehensive and compassionate care to those facing a life-limiting illness. Like GBMC, Gilchrist deeply values the nurse’s role in the entire healthcare continuum. Choyce shared that one of the most fulfilling parts of her job is the bond and trust that is formed with her patients and their families, so much so that they are comfortable bringing their child home for end-of-life care. Recently, the mother of a child with a terminal illness told her, “Had we not gotten to you so soon, and built this relationship, I wouldn’t have trusted myself to care for my child at home. And because of you, I was able to give my child what {he} wanted at the end of his life.” A mother herself, Choyce understands the importance of her job and works with each one of her patients, and their families, with the care and respect that she would want if her own child was terminally ill. Choyce and her fellow pediatric hospice nurses in the Gilchrist Kids Program go above and beyond for their patients and families. They visit each home once a week, sometimes more, and they are always in contact with the families. The nurses can provide certain medical procedures in the home to prevent an uncomfortable trip to the hospital for the child, they ensure that all medications are filled, and confirm the families have all medical supplies they need. “It’s just one less thing that they need to worry about,” she said. Choyce shared how much it means to her and her team to receive recognition from the community. Pediatric hospice is extremely difficult for people to think about, so it’s not a field that is often highlighted. Whether it is a donation or a message of gratitude, it means so much to the nurses for their patients and families to be supported. GBMC HealthCare is proud to partner with Gilchrist to provide these services to families in need. You can be a champion for pediatric hospice nurses like Kristi Choyce by donating to support Kristi and her nursing colleagues. A donation to support GBMC Nursing provides the opportunity for GBMC and Gilchrist to attract and retain the best nurses in our community. Additionally, a gift to Gilchrist Kids will provide medical care and emotional support to improve the quality of life for terminally ill children and their families.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R6JrPnN08YQ" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> At the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC, each patient is treated as an individual, not just a case on a page. And that approach is felt from the beginning. The team believes survivorship starts at the moment of diagnosis, which to them means they focus on treating your disease while also maintaining your humanity throughout the process. At GBMC, that looks like nationally-recognized clinical trial opportunities, a team approach to analyzing your case with experts from multiple specialty areas, and, in the coming years, a new building where cancer care services will be centralized with the patient in mind. Convenience, comfort and calm for you and your loved ones. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TAh7gG54bbE" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Being diagnosed with breast cancer is emotional and can be overwhelming. At the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Comprehensive Breast Care Center, dedicated nurse navigators guide patients through their options, coordinate their care, and counsel them along the way. For Susan Simeon, BSN, RN, OCN, it’s incredibly personal work. In 2020, Simeon was diagnosed with breast cancer. <br> <br> “Suddenly, I was being counseled about chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and all the treatments I had discussed with patients for the last decade,” she said. “I was given the opportunity to go through treatment myself, even though I didn’t want that opportunity.” <br> <br> During her treatment, Simeon was led through the process by GBMC nurse navigator Barb Raksin, RN. After Raksin retired, a full circle moment presented itself when Simeon stepped into the nurse navigator role, using her experience as a patient to help others. <br> <br> “I want to show patients that they can get through their treatment, too. I went through treatment, and it was not easy, but it is doable,” she said. “One thing that gives me a lot of confidence being a nurse navigator here at GBMC is that we stay on top of the best and latest treatments for every patient patient. Each of us in this specialty wants to help people with cancer live longer. <br> <br> “I felt very supported through my treatment at GBMC. From my surgeon, Dr. Sara Fogarty, to my medical oncologist, Dr. Priyanka Mittar, to my radiation oncologist, Dr. Kruti Patel, and the nurses and medical assistants. Along the way, I felt very cared for.” <br> <br> Patients who receive their cancer care at GBMC often feel compelled to donate to support the nurses who were so instrumental to their care. This support is an investment in professional development, continuing education, and support of GBMC nurses. <br> <br> “It really means the world to us as employees when the community gives back in thanks,” Simeon said. Philanthropy is the cornerstone of ensuring GBMC remains a top destination for top nursing talent, and that, once here, nurses can grow in their careers, like Susan did. To support nurses like Susan in flourishing at GBMC as they serve patients and further their education, <a href="https://www.classy.org/give/273237/#!/donation/checkout">donate in their honor today.</a> </p>
Michael W. Stein, MHSA, FACMPE, was named interim Vice President of Support Services in July 2022. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Executive Director of Oncology Services at GBMC, starting in 2014. In this role, Mike expanded the cancer program, adding services such as symptom management, GI Oncology multidisciplinary program, an Owings Mills medical oncology and infusion location, and integrative medicine. He was instrumental in helping to rein in oncology drug costs for both patients and the hospital through a number of tactics, ultimately leading to total deregulation of oncology drug expense. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Pennsylvania and his master’s degree in health services administration from the George Washington University School of Public Health. He is a Fellow of the American College of Medical Practice Executives and serves on several boards for community organizations. On Wednesday, October 12, Stein updated viewers of "Ask the Oncology Expert" with details on the new home for cancer care at GBMC: the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion. GBMC has always been known for excellent medical services in the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute, but the facilities were in need of improvements to match the level of care our team provides. Below are the key takeaways from this discussion: Stein might have been the leader of this project, but he did not work alone. By partnering with the medical and clinical team, the community and, most importantly, GBMC patients, the new Sandra R. Berman Pavilion design allows staff to be more efficient and provides patients and families an overall better experience. The oncology team traveled around the country to tour cancer centers, large and small, asking what works, but more importantly what is not working. The Sandra R. Berman Pavilion is a 70,000 square foot medical office building designed with to enhance efficiency for medical and clinical teams, as well as patients and their caregivers. There will be elevator access to both Radiation Oncology and the parking garage making it easier for patients and families to attend various appointments. The Berman Pavilion will be located adjacent to the Louis and Phyllis Friedman Building, GBMC’s new three-story inpatient facility. The design of the building matches that of the Friedman building, both of which are focused on a central atrium, allowing ample natural light. Additionally, the team has focused on making it easy for staff to go to and from different sections of the building. For example, the Oncology Support Services team can easily access patient service areas quickly. This is a prime example of how multidisciplinary care teams operate: focusing on the patient as a whole and assisting with both their physical and emotional needs. The community can always support the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Insitute, and there are many ways to do so! The team welcomes help from volunteers, and is always grateful for donations to support important programs like Oncology Support Services, which is 100% donor funded. The Sandra R. Berman Pavilion is at 88% of its fundraising goal. You can support the project by visiting gbmcpromise.org.
<p class="article-body"> Dr. Motter-Mast is the Chief of Staff at GBMC HealthCare and the Medical Director of Care Transformation. She also serves as a board-certified Family Medicine Physician at GBMC Health Partners Primary Care – Hunt Manor. Dr. Motter-Mast earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. <br> <br> She began her career with GBMC in 2005, after eight years practicing medicine, and has helped the organization develop and manage one of the largest primary care networks in the Baltimore area. She served as the first female Chair of GBMC’s Family Medicine Department from 2008-2016 and as the Medical Director of Primary Care, Population Health, and Community Benefits at GBMC from 2016-2020. She believes in improving the healthcare system in the United States through intentional care design. <br> <br> </p> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/a71b60ce49ff1128cc0452c20453a848.jpg" alt="Robin Motter-Mast, DO, FAAFP, CPE, Chief of Staff, GBMC"> <figcaption> Robin Motter-Mast, DO, FAAFP, CPE, Chief of Staff, GBMC </figcaption> </figure> <strong><em>Take yourself back. You got your acceptance letter to medical school. Where are you? How are you feeling? What are you most excited about?</em></strong> <br> I was waitlisted for medical school after I graduated from college. I received a call from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine letting me know they wanted me to come to their school, but in a year. It was August, and I was at home with my parents. I was disappointed to have to wait, but so excited to know I was going onto my next steps of becoming a doctor. I knew I wanted to be a doctor since 7th grade. I could not believe that it was going to happen! <br> <br> <strong><em>What led you to a career in healthcare? What led you to your chosen discipline?</em></strong> <br> I knew I wanted to be a physician since 7th grade. I find the ability of the human body to function and heal fascinating. I am also energized by relationships and helping others. It was hard to pick a specialty because so much of medicine excited me. Family medicine was a good choice for me because I enjoy so many aspects of medicine and can form longstanding relationships with my patients. It allows me to oversee many aspects of a patient’s health and guide and direct them. It is really a privilege to work with people and support the health of a community. <br> <br> <strong><em>Alongside caring for patients, what is one other thing you love about your role?</em></strong> <br> I love supporting my fellow physicians! Working in healthcare is hard but being part of a great team makes it easier. <br> <br> <strong><em>What informs your leadership style? What one skill would you recommend a future female leader in medicine cultivate?</em></strong> <br> My personality and values are what led me to my leadership style. My leadership style is transformational. I love innovation and rely heavily on teamwork to get things done. <br> <br> <strong><em>At GBMC, our vision is to take care of patients as if they were our own loved ones. Who are you picturing when you care for patients?</em></strong> <br> My father-in-law suffered a serious stroke at 72. It left him paralyzed on his left side and with some cognitive issues. He is who I often think of when I hear that question. <br> <br> <strong><em>What has helped you navigate challenges or barriers to achieving your success?</em></strong> <br> Having a strong sense of who I am and knowing my strengths and weaknesses has helped me shape my career. Life is easier and more enjoyable when you follow you passion. Having a support system is very important. My family and colleagues have been that support for me. Finding a coach or mentor is also extremely helpful. <br> <br> <strong><em>What do you do to decompress? </em></strong> <br> Spend time with friends and family. I love an adventure, so finding something new to discover is always fun! <br> <br> <strong><em>What does being a women in medicine mean to you?</em></strong> <br> Being a physician is my dream come true! Finding my way through the profession as a woman has been interesting. In my first week of medical school, it was announced that 40 percent of our class was females, and that this was the largest number of females in any medical school class in the city of Philadelphia. That was eye opening. <br> <br> As I began my journey to become a physician. There would be some challenges, but there are challenges everywhere for all of us. Women bring a unique perspective to medicine. Most of us are innate caregivers. Our intuition helps us connect with our patients and provide healing and comfort in a way that is often different from our male colleagues. We are different, and we should celebrate these differences. The number of women in medicine has come a long way, and I am grateful to be part of the journey. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Dr. Laura Scott has been the Director of the Pediatric Emergency and Inpatient Unit at GBMC since July 2017. She joined GBMC as a pediatric hospitalist in 2015 after finishing her Pediatrics Residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and earning her medical degree from the University of Tennessee in Memphis, TN. She serves as an active member on the Pediatrics Peer Review Committee, the Emergency Department Steering Committee, the Pediatric Nursing Practice Council, and the Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Collaborative Committee. <br> <br> </p> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/66ed568f2bbcbc94654216947aee1f07.jpg" alt="Laura Scott, MD, Director, Pediatric Inpatient and Emergency Medicine"> <figcaption> Laura Scott, MD, Director, Pediatric Inpatient and Emergency Medicine, GBMC as a child. "I'm still a kid at heart." </figcaption> </figure> <strong><em>Take yourself back. You got your acceptance letter to medical school. Where are you? How are you feeling? What are you most excited about?</em></strong> <br> I remember receiving a call from the Dean of Admissions at my medical school (University of Tennessee) while I was working in a lab at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Nelson Strother, the man on the other end of the phone, had been a great advocate for me and my medical school entry. To hear his voice bring me this life-changing news was something I will always hold dear. This was one of my earliest introductions to the types of people and experiences I would have at UT and made it all the better when I became one of four student members on the UTCOM Admissions Committee as a third-year medical student. It was so fun to be on the other side of the process and to play a part in the start of the medical careers of hundreds of students. <br> <br> As my notification of admission was via phone, and while I was working, I remember trying to contain my excitement (and relief) and then walking out of the lab with tears in my eyes to go outside and simply take a breath. It was a very humbling experience and one of the biggest achievements of my life at that point, and I remember feeling proud of myself. I wasn't sure I would make it into medical school the first time I applied, which made that moment even better. I couldn't wait to tell my mom and my boyfriend (now husband), and to thank them for helping me get to that point. What a cool experience, and nice to think about, now, so many years (14!) after the fact. <br> <br> <strong><em>What led you to a career in healthcare? What led you to your chosen discipline?</em></strong> <br> From an early age I had an interest in medicine, biology/science, and the humanities. My love for Pediatrics really evolved while I was in college and had the opportunity to complete internships at both Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and St. Jude. I took a nontraditional route to medical school by taking four years in between, and those years at St. Jude further enhanced my love of Peds and my interest in pediatric-specific medicine. <br> <br> <strong><em>Alongside caring for patients, what is one other thing you love about your role?</em></strong> <br> Kids are hilarious. They can be sick as stink and cracking jokes, making fun of their parents or siblings, or just asking goofy (but also insightful and bright) questions. In addition to clinical care, I love being connected to a network of Pediatric Hospitalists across the country via the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the opportunities this provides for continued learning, commiserating, and celebrating. Peds providers are a loving, compassionate group of people, and this community—in our GBMC group as well as across the country—is constantly teaching me and keeping me up to date on the latest Peds research, evidence-based medicine, trends, etc. Our (all female!) team of Peds providers at GBMC feels like family, and this group is constantly pushing me to be the best physician/clinician that I can be. <br> <br> <strong><em>What informs your leadership style? What one skill would you recommend a future female leader in medicine cultivate?</em></strong> <br> Multiple mentors in my medical career have impressed upon me the importance of leading from the ground up—working shoulder to shoulder with those you are leading and striving to stay in touch with what is happening on the front lines. A willingness to humble yourself, listen more than you talk, and continually focus (and re-focus) on systems issues rather than interpersonal conflict are all things I try to keep in mind as a leader. Specifically for female leaders, I also encourage open and honest conversation about equal pay for equal work, diversity in the workplace, and advocating for oneself and one's group, which can be uncomfortable at times. <br> <br> <strong><em>At GBMC, our vision is to take care of patients as if they were our own loved ones. Who are you picturing when you care for patients?</em></strong> <br> Even though I am a pediatrician, I always think of my mom when I hear the GBMC vision. Whether our patients are two or 102, they deserve to be listened to and cared for with compassion and respect, and they deserve a provider who takes the time to understand their concerns—all things I absolutely want for my sweet mom when she needs to access medical care. <br> <br> <strong><em>What accomplishment are you most proud of in your professional career?</em></strong> <br> I became the Director of the GBMC Pediatric ED/Inpatient Unit only two years out of my Pediatric residency. This was a significant milestone in my medical career, and one I did not expect to happen so soon. However, I have come to realize my non-medical life prepared me just as much (if not more) than my medical experience for this role, because it was my past experiences as a leader in various fields that set me up for success in my current role. <br> <br> Additionally, becoming a <em>Baltimore</em> Magazine Top Doc in 2021 meant a great deal to me because this was something voted on by my peers and colleagues. Pre-GBMC, I would say securing a residency spot at JHH in the Department of Pediatrics (a program steeped in tradition) was a huge accomplishment for me. When I opened my residency match results envelope, I cried the happiest tears. <br> <br> <strong><em>What has helped you navigate challenges or barriers to achieving your success?</em></strong> <br> I have been lucky to have incredible and loving mentors in my medical career, including Dr. Melissa Sparrow, who was previously in my current role as Director of Pediatrics and also held the role of Chief of Staff at GBMC. Dr. Sparrow taught me by example and showed me what a strong, female leader can look like and accomplish. Having mentors to bounce things off of has been invaluable in navigating challenges, and having a non-medical family has also kept me grounded by providing different non-medical perspectives I can apply to my medical life. I am also a huge proponent of mental health care and therapy, as well as physical fitness. Both have allowed me the space and ability to constructively move through barriers and obstacles. <br> <br> <strong><em>What do you do to decompress?</em></strong> <br> I love working out at home! I am a big fan of Beachbody programs, especially Barre and HIIT workouts, and I love Peloton Yoga workouts. My dog, Taussig (named after a fierce FEMALE Pediatric Cardiologist who trained and worked at JHH) is one of the loves of my life and he and my husband and I love spending time on our front porch and watching the world go by. <br> <br> <strong><em>What do you think the future of medicine looks like for women?</em></strong> <br> Bright, exciting, difficult, and complex. <br> <br> <strong><em>What does being a women in medicine mean to you?</em></strong> <br> I see it as opportunity. An opportunity to show other females how fun, amazing, challenging, and difficult a life in medicine can be. An opportunity to advocate for equality in medicine and elsewhere. An opportunity to show my young female (and male) patients that they can grow up and be whatever they want to be, including a doctor. An opportunity to lead with compassion, grace, and humility. An opportunity to support and encourage my colleagues. An opportunity to do all the good I can, in all of the ways I can, until I no longer can. <br> <br> I see it as a privilege. And I am grateful it allows me to go to work and to have fun, to share in people's life experiences, to be with them during the worst times and their best times, to use my knowledge and skills and experience to help others, to continue to figure out how to practice the art of medicine, and to keep growing and changing and evolving, as a physician and as a human being. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Dr. Joan Blomquist is the Chair of the Department of Gynecology at GBMC HealthCare. She received her medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh. After completing a fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery at GBMC, she stayed and has been at GBMC for the past 26 years. Her primary area of research interest is the impact of childbirth on the pelvic floor, and she is also actively involved in global health work. <br> <br> </p> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/4fca90964bf9998c78a630ce6afad3eb.jpg" alt="Joan Blomquist, MD, Chair, Dept. of Gynecology, GBMC"> <figcaption> Joan Blomquist, MD, Chair, Dept. of Gynecology, GBMC </figcaption> </figure> <strong><em>Take yourself back. You got your acceptance letter to medical school. Where are you? How are you feeling? What are you most excited about?</em></strong> <br> I was in college in Iowa studying chemistry. I really thought I wanted to be a chemistry professor/researcher for most of my college years and decided late that my real passion was medicine. I was very relieved when I got my letter of acceptance that I was going to be able to follow my newfound passion. <br> <br> <strong><em>What led you to a career in healthcare? What led you to your chosen discipline?</em></strong> <br> I love science and studying how our bodies work (or don't work). I really enjoy trying to figure out what is going on with a patient and how best to help them. It is sort of like being a detective. <br> <br> <strong><em>Alongside caring for patients, what is one other thing you love about your role?</em></strong> <br> Teaching—I really enjoy teaching my patients about their conditions and treatment options as well as working with medical students, residents, and fellows. I feel part of our obligation as physicians is to train the next generation of providers. In addition to teaching urogynecology, I also enjoy trying to share some historical aspects of medicine and the importance of how we interact with our patients and others. <br> <br> <strong><em>What informs your leadership style? What one skill would you recommend a future female leader in medicine cultivate?</em></strong> <br> I try to lead by example. I think female leaders in particular need to find the work/life balance that works for them. Once you find that balance, you can model how you really can have the best of both worlds! <br> <br> <strong><em>At GBMC, our vision is to take care of patients as if they were our own loved ones. Who are you picturing when you care for patients?</em></strong> <br> As my role is to take care of women of all ages, I picture my mom, my aunts, my sisters, and all my nieces. <br> <br> <strong><em>What accomplishment are you most proud of in your professional career?</em></strong> <br> My happy patients and my teaching awards. I am also very proud of my work with the International Organization for Women, which is a nonprofit organization that provides care for women with fistula in Rwanda. <br> <br> <strong><em>What has helped you navigate challenges or barriers to achieving your success?</em></strong> <br> Patience, persistence, a supportive family, and loving what I do. Having a passion for your career is vital! <br> <br> <strong><em>What do you do to decompress?</em></strong> <br> Run, swim, hang out with my family and dogs. <br> <br> <strong><em>What do you think the future of medicine looks like for women?</em></strong> <br> I think women will continue to make up more and more of the physician workforce. We have certainly seen that in Obstetrics and Gynecology—82% of ob-gyn residents are now female. As a result, we are starting to see more of an emphasis on the importance of work/life balance and physician wellness. We need to embrace these initiatives to improve our quality of life, which we know also means we will provide better quality and more compassionate care for our patients. It is a win-win situation. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Dr. Susan Wright Aucott has been the Director of Neonatology at GBMC HealthCare for two and a half years, bringing 31 years of neonatology experience with her. She earned her medical degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and is board-certified in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. <br> <br> Throughout her career, she has authored 19 book chapters on Neonatology and has authored or co-authored more than 90 peer-reviewed publications. In addition to her role at GBMC, Dr. Aucott also serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she received the Miller Coulson Award for Clinical Excellence. Her greatest joy was having her father at the ceremony, her greatest example of compassion and clinical excellence. <br> <br> </p> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/02ca530694aba178271a0ceedfd04f5b.jpg" alt="Susan Aucott and her father"> <figcaption> Susan Aucott, MD, Neonatology, GBMC with her father </figcaption> </figure> <strong><em>Take yourself back. You got your acceptance letter to medical school. Where are you? How are you feeling? What are you most excited about?</em></strong> <br> Although I had already been accepted at my state medical school, I was on the waiting list at Johns Hopkins. I was spending the summer between college and medical school in the Ivory Coast in West Africa as part of a mission program and had limited communication abilities. I was ecstatic when I received a letter from my parents saying I had been accepted to Johns Hopkins Medical School! I was excited to have such an amazing opportunity to begin my medical education at an institution steeped in the history of medicine and at the forefront of innovation. <br> <br> <strong><em>What led you to a career in healthcare? What led you to your chosen discipline?</em></strong> <br> I was exposed to medicine at an early age through my father, a trailblazer as the first general internist in the upper peninsula of Michigan, and my mother, who was a nurse. I gravitated to pediatrics not only because I loved children, but I also enjoyed working with families as a unit. Neonatology allowed me to address a broad array of diseases across organ systems while still focusing on family-centered care. <br> <br> <strong><em>Alongside caring for patients, what is one other thing you love about your role?</em></strong> <br> I have always enjoyed sharing my experience with others and enjoy teaching at all levels, from medical students and fellows to nurses and advanced practitioners. <br> <br> <strong><em>What informs your leadership style? What one skill would you recommend a future female leader in medicine cultivate?</em></strong> <br> My leadership style is listening and leading by example. An important leadership skill is learning to encourage participation from all parties and listening to diverse voices before making decisions or changes. <br> <br> <strong><em>At GBMC, our vision is to take care of patients as if they were our own loved ones. Who are you picturing when you care for patients?</em></strong> <br> Early in my career, I saw myself in the parent’s shoes with my patients being like my children. Now, the parents are more like my children, and my patients feel more like my two granddaughters. <br> <br> <strong><em>What accomplishment are you most proud of in your professional career?</em></strong> <br> I am most proud of my 17 years as the fellowship program director at Hopkins. Having had the opportunity to work with and mentor many trainees over the years, it allowed me to not only shape future neonatologist, but required ongoing learning and skill development. <br> <br> <strong><em>What has helped you navigate challenges or barriers to achieving your success?</em></strong> <br> My family was my rock in shaping all that I did. They continue to give me the strength and support I need to challenge some of the established expectations of a woman in medicine. <br> <br> <strong><em>What do you do to decompress?</em></strong> <br> I hike on weekends, play piano, do word/number puzzles, like Sudoku, Wordle and others as well as spend time with family. <br> <br> <strong><em>What do you think the future of medicine looks like for women?</em></strong> <br> Continued improvement in flexibility for work and family without sacrificing career advancement <br> <br> <strong><em>What does being a women in medicine mean to you?</em></strong> <br> Full of many joys and challenges, but I hope I have been an example to those who I have mentored and encountered along the way, and helped to make the challenging path of navigating a career in medicine as a woman a little smoother for those who come behind me. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Dr. Elisabeth Carr is the Program Director for the Internal Medicine Residency program at GBMC as well as a practicing Pulmonary and Critical Care physician. She is a graduate of New York Medical College (1998) and completed her residency and fellowship training at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. She stayed on as faculty in the division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine where she developed interest in the impact of autoimmune diseases on the lungs. She developed further interest in Sarcoidosis and has developed a large practice at GBMC over the past seven years. She has been involved in medical education her whole career and is thrilled to be leading the residency program at GBMC. <br> <br> </p> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/004225ab70423b5272f3601c9599e007.jpg" alt="Elisabeth Carr, MD, Pulmonary Medicine, GBMC"> <figcaption> Elisabeth Carr, MD, Pulmonary Medicine, GBMC </figcaption> </figure> <strong><em>Take yourself back. You got your acceptance letter to medical school. Where are you? How are you feeling? What are you most excited about?</em></strong> <br> I was living in New York City at the time. I was elated I got into medical school, especially since I took a non-traditional path to get there. I had planned on a career in business, and it wasn't until my senior year of college that I realized my calling to medicine. It was a major pivot. We are fortunate in the U.S. to be able to study one thing and then do something totally different! <br> <br> <strong><em>What led you to a career in healthcare? What led you to your chosen discipline?</em></strong> <br> Everything came together for me as a senior in college. I knew I loved people and wanted to help them. I chose Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine because I like a challenge and thinking on my feet. Pulmonary is complex and I still learn something new every day. Critical Care is exhilarating and often requires developing intense relationships with families, which can be very rewarding. Now, I am also Program Director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program. I have always felt passionate about medical education. This has been an amazing experience. Training of the next generation of physicians is my contribution to society. <br> <br> <strong><em>Alongside caring for patients, what is one other thing you love about your role?</em></strong> <br> The people I have met from the residents to executives in the hospital. I feel so much more enriched by them. The residents are at the start of their journey, and I love watching them blossom. At the same time, I am learning about the operations of an institution. I have a voice! <br> <br> <strong><em>What informs your leadership style? What one skill would you recommend a future female leader in medicine cultivate?</em></strong> <br> Passion and commitment. Being a leader is not about ruling; it's about cultivating and tapping into everyone's greatest potential. <br> <br> <strong><em>At GBMC, our vision is to take care of patients as if they were our own loved ones. Who are you picturing when you care for patients?</em></strong> <br> My mom! <br> <br> <strong><em>What accomplishment are you most proud of in your professional career?</em></strong> <br> I am proud of every step I have taken in my career, not one particular thing. It is a journey for me, and everything builds off each step. <br> <br> <strong><em>What has helped you navigate challenges or barriers to achieving your success?</em></strong> <br> My husband and children provide me endless support and I have found the most incredible mentor at GBMC, so barriers have been insignificant, at least to my morale! <br> <br> <strong><em>What do you do to decompress?</em></strong> <br> Work out and binge-watch Netflix. Sometimes DIY projects are just the thing I need to clear my head. And who doesn't love a good glass of red wine? <br> <br> <strong><em>What do you think the future of medicine looks like for women?</em></strong> <br> Women are changing the face of medicine by virtue of work-life balance choices. I see more job-sharing emergence. <br> <br> <strong><em>What does being a women in medicine mean to you?</em></strong> <br> Being a woman in medicine is a very natural thing for me but I do get the sense that we are on a frontier. I love being a role model for other women and especially my daughters. I want them to know they can achieve any goal they chose and that they should always be the ones to choose how they want to live and what they want to do. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Dr. Theresa Nguyen serves as GBMC’s interim Department Chair for Pediatrics. She has been a pediatrician at GBMC for 22 years with the GBMC Pediatric Group. She incorporates her traditional pediatric training with fellowship training in integrative medicine in her whole-person approach to healing, incorporating all aspects of lifestyle (mind-body-spirit, nutrition, sleep) in partnership with patients and families. <br> <br> Dr. Nguyen graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in biomedical engineering. She received her medical degree and master’s degree in health policy from New York University School of Medicine and New York University Wagner. She has worked both as a health policy analyst as well as a clinician. </p> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/160d6097c2a764bc8eb0e7326882e3a4.jpg" alt="Theresa Nguyen, MD, Pediatrician at GBMC"> <figcaption> Theresa Nguyen, MD, Pediatrician at GBMC </figcaption> </figure> <br> <br> <strong><em>Take yourself back. You got your acceptance letter to medical school. Where are you? How are you feeling? What are you most excited about?</em></strong> <br> Receiving several acceptances, I thought, “I have choices! Hooray!” I was feeling on top of the world, so excited about starting my journey to become a doctor, a passion, and very excited about moving back to NYC to attend school. I am a New York gal at heart. I loved life in NYC in my 20s! <br> <br> <strong><em>What led you to a career in healthcare? What led you to your chosen discipline?</em></strong> <br> My maternal grandmother, an amazing woman who was so wise and resilient, was only allowed to finish elementary school in her youth. I adored my grandmother. She was my second mom growing up. I wanted to practice geriatrics initially, to care for the elderly who were so forgotten in our society. In medical school, I realized the difficulty of practicing preventive medicine in geriatrics, so I went full circle to pediatrics where preventive medicine is THE way forward. <br> <br> <strong><em>Alongside caring for patients, what is one other thing you love about your role?</em></strong> <br> I am part of a child and family's growth and development journey. I love the connections and relationships I develop with these families over many years. <br> <br> <strong><em>What informs your leadership style? What one skill would you recommend a future female leader in medicine cultivate?</em></strong> <br> Serving others. How can I help you develop into your best self? Fostering communication, relationships, curiosity, and growth mindset! <br> <br> <strong><em>At GBMC, our vision is to take care of patients as if they were our own loved ones. Who are you picturing when you care for patients?</em></strong> <br> My grandmother! <br> <br> <strong><em>What accomplishment are you most proud of in your professional career?</em></strong> <br> Initiating the GBMC Physician Wellness Committee. <br> <br> <strong><em>What has helped you navigate challenges or barriers to achieving your success?</em></strong> <br> Flexibility, curiosity, empathy, patience, and an alignment of work with my passions. <br> <br> <strong><em>What do you do to decompress? </em></strong> <br> Walk nature trails with my dog on weekends. Arrange flowers for our home weekly. Travel and eat with my family. <br> <br> <strong><em>What do you think the future of medicine looks like for women?</em></strong> <br> Bright! There are many different paths to manifesting your dreams. It may take longer than your male counterparts because of the many roles women have at different stages of life, but it is totally achievable. Take one priority/focus at a time. Patience! <br> <br> <strong><em>What does being a women in medicine mean to you?</em></strong> <br> Endless possibilities, professionally and personally. Think outside of the box. Keep learning and evolving. Align your work with your passion. Take risks, keeps life exciting. Never accept "no" for an answer. There is always an alternative. What legacy do you want to create for your life? <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oLWBWOlmCq4" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> GBMC SAFE & DV Community Collaboration: An Inside Look at Student & School Safety was an extremely informative and important conversation involving a panel of experts. The GBMC Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) & Domestic Violence (DV) Program joined forces with the Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS) to educate our community on the dangers of social media and gaming, what the MCSS and the GBMC SAFE & DV program are doing to keep students safe, and most importantly, share the perspective of two current students. The GBMC SAFE & DV team serve as subject matter experts for MCSS and provide trainings on important topics like victimization of youth, human trafficking and child abuse/neglect. Here are the key takeaways from this informational session: </p> <ul> <li> A School Resource Officer (SRO) is a member of law enforcement but has additional training from MCSS to be able to interact with students regularly. According to the Safe to Learn Act of 2018, it is mandatory to have an SRO or adequate coverage at every public school across the state. If you are a parent of a private school student, the best thing to do is reach out to your school and ask what safety measures they have in place. </li> <li> The term “school safety” can be applied to many areas including mental health, social media apps and the dangers that come along with using them, drug use and school threats. Student experts, Jaya and Claire, shared how important it is for parents to know what their children are involved with online and create an open line of trust and communication to keep their children safe. </li> <li> Social media comes with many risks, and some of the trends set on social media can be dangerous and even result in criminal charges. It is important to note how quickly something can “go viral” especially on an app like TikTok. Additionally, these apps can create self-esteem and comparison issues for students, which can lead to an increase in mental health problems. </li> <li> If a parent or student sees or hears something regarding dangerous activity, whether online or from an in-person conversation, the best thing to do is to report it, don’t share it. The <a href="https://schoolsafety.maryland.gov/Pages/Tipline.aspx">Safe Schools Maryland tip line has three anonymous ways</a> to safely report threats. </li> </ul> The SAFE & DV Program at GBMC continues to educate our community to move the needle toward prevention of crimes of sexual assault and abuse, as well as the dangers of online dating, healthy relationships and more. All training and services provided by the SAFE & DV Program are free of charge, the program relies on donations and community support. <a href="https://www.classy.org/give/264732/#!/donation/checkout">Join our loyal supporters by making a donation today. </a>
<embedded-content data-plugin-config="{"video_content_config":{"video_image":[],"video_image_alt":"","video_upload":[],"video_embed":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/BkBu9MTn3JA","video_url":""},"video_style_config":{"video_background_color":{"settings":{"color":""}},"video_play_background_color":{"settings":{"color":""}},"video_play_opacity":"","video_play_color":{"settings":{"color":""}}}}" data-plugin-id="embedded_video"> </embedded-content><p class="article-body">Dr. Emily Watters at GBMC's Comprehensive Obesity Management Program discusses other options for healthy weight loss.</p>
