<p class="article-body"> GBMC is celebrating Father's Day 2021 the same way it has for the past 32 years: helping its smallest patients. <br> <br> "No one expects to have a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)," says Dr. Maria Pane, M.D., who works in neonatal-perinatal medicine at GBMC HealthCare. "Most parents do not know much about having an infant in the NICU unless they experience it." <br> <br> GBMC is hoping to increase awareness about the needs of premature babies with its Father's Day 5K and 1-mile Walk. The event benefits the NICU, specifically the brand-new special care nursery that opened there this year. <br> <br> Designed for babies who are close to going home, the special care nursery fulfilled a need for more space and an increased emphasis on the parent/child connection, Dr. Pane explains. <br> <br> "There are five brand-new rooms for growing preemies – including a room to accommodate twins – who don't need the intensive care of the NICU but still require a little extra attention. Rooms include newly designed chairs to encourage skin-to-skin bonding, as well as developmentally appropriate mobiles and therapies," Dr. Pane says. <br> <br> In addition to the new nursery, the NICU team has implemented two new programs in the past year. One helps families better understand and aid in the development of their preemies, and the other deals with bereavement and the grieving process for families who have had a baby pass away. <br> <br> The special care nursery expands the current Level III NICU at GBMC, which helps about 400 babies annually who are born too small, too sick, or too soon. Dr. Pane says the Father's Day 5K is a chance for the families of NICU babies to meet and celebrate everything they've experienced. <br> <br> "The race takes place annually not only to raise money, but also to bring families of NICU graduates together. It takes many people to take care of a NICU baby – the parents and extended family and the entire NICU team. Race day is a great day to reunite families and staff," Dr. Pane says. <br> <br> Dr. Pane says it doesn't matter how long a baby is in the NICU. The experience stays with the family long after their baby leaves the hospital. <br> <br> "Even if the baby is only in the NICU a few hours or up to several months, they develop close relationships with the caregivers and healthcare providers. We are a family," she says. <br> <br> This year, the race will combine limited in-person participants with virtual runners and walkers. The in-person event will be held Sunday, June 20 at 8 a.m. while virtual participants will have the option to log miles between Thursday, June 17, and Sunday, June 20 at 11:59 p.m. Because of generous donations made through the Father's Day 5K, the NICU at GBMC can provide comprehensive, compassionate care for every baby born in the hospital. <br> <br> If you'd like to participate in the event or make a donation, please visit <a href="https://www.gbmc.org/5k">www.gbmc.orghttps://www.gbmc.org/5k.</a> </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. In fact, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the U.S. each year than all other cancers combined. Mei Tang, M.D., a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at The Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC, says one reason for the large number of diagnoses is the fact that Americans are living longer. <br> <br> "Most 70- to 80-year-old people didn't wear as much sunscreen growing up and didn't take precautions to avoid the sun, so we're seeing higher incidences of skin cancer among that age group now," she explains. <br> <br> One in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. While that number seems daunting, Dr. Tang says the ability to detect abnormalities in the skin through regular screenings means most skin cancers are caught before they become too serious. <br> <br> "The reason we aren't as afraid of melanoma as we are other types of cancer is that most skin cancers are found early from screening and are treated surgically, removed, and cured." <br> <br> Almost all patients whose melanoma is detected early and receive an estimated five-year survival rate for patients are cured, according to Dr. Tang. <br> <br> Standards of care are in place for every type of skin cancer. The medical community is continuously researching whether varying treatment options may be more efficient in conquering skin cancer. Dr. Tang and the Clinical Trials Department at GBMC are currently recruiting for two national melanoma trials that examine the efficacy of the order in which certain treatments are given to patients. Dr. Tang says these trials are only for patients with specific cancer mutations at advanced stages. Yet, the mere fact that GBMC offers access to newer treatments through clinical trials, in addition to the standard of care, means patients have every opportunity to explore the cutting edge of advancement in cancer care near their homes. <br> <br> "We have patients and patient families who are actively looking for options that can improve survival and improve their care, and we're proud at GBMC that we can give them access to those options," Dr. Tang says. <br> <br> May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and with summer right around the corner, Dr. Tang reminds everyone that prevention is the key to dodging a skin cancer diagnosis. She recommends avoiding direct sunlight, wearing a hat and sunscreen while spending time outdoors, and avoiding indoor tanning beds. She also recommends regular screenings for anyone who's had previous extensive sun damage to their skin (five or more sunburns). <br> <br> "Early detection [of skin cancer] is key. If it can be diagnosed early and removed, most patients will be cured," Dr. Tang says. <br> <br> For more information on the Clinical Trials Program at GBMC, please visit <a href="/node/2351">www.gbmc.orghttps://www.gbmc.org/clinicaltrials</a>. </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> The events of 2020 taught many lessons, one of them being the pivotal role nurses play as members of hospital care teams. JoAnn Z. Ioannou, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, Executive Vice President of Hospital Operations and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), says this should come as no surprise. <br> <br> "COVID-19 highlighted how important nursing is. Nurses are at every level of the organization – from the Command Center to with patients at the bedside 24/7, filling in for family, being a companion and a caregiver," Dr. Ioannou said. <br> <br> Nurses play a critical role on the multidisciplinary care team. GBMC recognizes this value and places a large emphasis on nurturing each nurse to grow them in their career. <br> <br> "Our residency program is so robust," Dr. Ioannou explains. "We, as an organization, believe in attracting talent. To that end, we foster and mentor the careers of new nurses from the time they enter the building." <br> <br> GBMC's Nurse Residency Program is the only hospital in Baltimore to have earned accreditation with distinction from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the highest level awarded. The one-year program is designed for new nursing graduates to facilitate the transition into professional practice. During their residency, nurses at GBMC cultivate the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors necessary to deliver safe, high-quality care. <br> <br> "New nurses take part in these programs for a year to make them feel comfortable," Dr. Ioannou says. "We have a tremendous number of new graduates who want to work with us specifically because of the time, energy and effort that we give to help them succeed in nursing." <br> <br> The nursing program at GBMC offers a variety of career pathways, something for every area of interest. <br> <br> "You can work in an acute setting, outpatient area, with advanced practitioners, be a care manager, be a researcher, a nurse leader. The sky is really the limit," Dr. Ioannou says. <br> <br> No matter which department your career path leads you to, there is one important trait that defines nursing at GBMC, according to Dr. Ioannou. <br> <br> "We encourage people to have a questioning attitude," she emphasizes. "We want people who are critical thinkers, who question things, because that's how you learn." <br> <br> Beyond a competitive pay and benefits package, a nursing career at GBMC offers professional and personal growth, and the ability to be a part of life-changing care for patients. In 2020, GBMC became the first healthcare system in Maryland to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation's highest presidential honor for performance excellence. Dr. Ioannou says the recognition is validation for the effort put toward hiring quality care providers and helping them flourish in their careers. <br> <br> "We value our nursing staff and are committed to mentoring and growing them from the beginning." She adds, "If you want to grow in your career professionally and personally, come to GBMC because we will invest in you." <br> <br> To learn more about a career in nursing at GBMC, please visit www.gbmc.orghttps://www.gbmc.org/nursing. </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QKEUZ3gXLkk" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZIJV7Ej6cU0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Very few members of the community know what GBMC’s state-of-the-art Simulation Innovation Center is, and even fewer have gotten to see inside of it. The 4,000-square-foot center is home to replicas of multiple types of hospital environments and hi-fidelity mannekins that mimic living patients. The mannekins are programmed to breathe, have pulses, and perform other bodily functions so that staff members can complete training on them, rather than a human being. Instructors sit within a control room, operating the mannekins from behind the scenes and observing staff members as they care for the “patient” and work through problems as a team. This allows staff to train in a safer environment, starting IVs, administering medications, and putting mannekins on ventilators without risking harm. This type of realistic learning is especially important for practicing the skills needed during “low frequency, high acuity” medical scenarios. </p>
<p class="article-body"> No one plans for a trip to the Emergency Department (ED) or the hospital. When the visit involves a child, it can be even more stressful for everyone involved. The Child Life Program at GBMC is there to make the visit a little less uncertain. <br> <br> "Our main job is to help educate and normalize the hospital experience for patients and their families," says Certified Child Life Specialist Jennifer Seiler, MED, CCLS. "We help children understand the reason they're in the hospital and prepare them for the experiences they're going to encounter." <br> <br> Seiler said those experiences can look different depending on the unit the child is visiting. The Child Life Program has specialists in several GBMC pediatric care units, the pediatric combined care unit (ED and inpatient), pediatric surgeries in the Women & Children's Outpatient Surgical Center, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). <br> <br> "Younger children often feel hospitalization is a punishment for something they did wrong, so we help ease their fears through play and conversation," Seiler says. "We let them ask questions, read books, watch the doctors, and play role reversal with a teaching doll." <br> <br> Seiler says the specialists are also there to support the parents. "They're often more nervous than the kids, so we talk to them about who they're going to meet and what's going to happen next with their child's treatment." <br> <br> Seiler emphasizes that the goal is to build trust with the medical staff and familiarize the children with any procedures they need. Accomplishing this goal eases anxieties for both the patient and family members. <br> <br> The specialists in the Surgical Center play more of a preparatory role: meeting with families before the child's scheduled surgery, getting to know the family, and explaining ways to help the child prepare and feel more comfortable with the surgical visit. <br> <br> The Child Life Program has specialists in several GBMC pediatric care units, helping children and families prepare for the stresses of going to the hospital. <br> <br> "We encourage families to use play medical equipment at home and practice taking deep breaths to keep the kids calm before going under anesthesia," Seiler explains. "The conversations prior to surgery also allow families to ask questions and know how the day of the surgery will play out." <br> <br> The focus in the NICU tends to gear more toward the parents and families of the patients, Seiler says. <br> <br> "Because the babies are so small, a lot of families either don't know how or are afraid to bond with them. We promote and encourage bonding in a way that's both comfortable for the families and beneficial to the babies' development." <br> <br> Child Life Specialists also help provide developmental stimulation and support for parents and family members who can't be in the NICU as often as they'd like during the baby's stay. <br> <br> "We have voice recorder books and will have families leave articles of clothing to familiarize the child with their smell," Seiler says. "We help bridge the gap when families can't be there 24 hours a day." <br> <br> Child Life Specialists are available seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., in the Pediatric ED and Inpatient Unit, and during normal business hours in the Surgical Center and NICU. The specialists are available at no cost to any child receiving care. Seiler encourages families to reach out if they're interested in working with a Child Life Specialist and emphasized they're there to help. <br> <br> "We wear pink, and we're easy to see," Seiler says. "Families can always ask to call for a Child Life Specialist if they're needed outside normal hours." <br> <br> <a href="/node/2341">Learn more about the Child Life Program at GBMC.</a> </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Head and neck cancers have a variety of causes, including human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, alcohol and tobacco use, sun exposure, poor oral health, or occupational exposure to hazardous materials. Regardless of the cancer's cause, recovery often depends on how quickly a patient can begin treatment. The experience of starting treatment is of particular interest to Farzad Masroor, M.D., a surgeon at GBMC's Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head and Neck Center, and his team. <br> <br> "The head and neck areas are how we interface with the world," he said. "The mouth and throat are vital to talking and tasting, and when treatments focus on those areas, it will invariably affect a patient's quality of life." <br> <br> To help minimize the need for invasive treatments like surgery and radiation, Dr. Masroor and his colleagues prioritize early detection and care to yield the best possible outcomes. <br> <br> Although patients are encouraged to see their primary physicians or dermatologists before making an appointment with a surgeon, Dr. Masroor also recommends that patients refer themselves if they are concerned that cancer is present. <br> <br> "I would rather see my office filled with people who I can reassure about their health than have patients delay care and end up with something seriously wrong that requires a significant procedure," he said. <br> <br> Courtesy phone consultations with a head and neck surgeon at the Milton J. Dance, Jr. Center are available for patients in these instances. Though these are not designed to replace in-person visits, they allow patients to seek reassurance or validation about medical concerns from a professional. <br> <br> "We live in a time when you can communicate with someone on the other side of the world, yet for some reason in healthcare, we place all these barriers between effective doctor/patient communication," he said. "A consultation can involve reassuring a patient who's seen multiple providers and just needs another set of ears to [listen and give] a second opinion." <br> <br> Phone consultations are a newer service being offered by the Milton J. Dance, Jr. Center due to need and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the team plans to continue them in the future. <br> <br> "I don't think what we're doing here is common practice," he said. "But we know open communication between doctors and patients is better for everyone, and it ties into our broader mission to get patients to a timely diagnosis." <br> <br> To learn more about Dr. Masroor and his team's work, visit <a href="/node/2428">www.gbmc.orghttps://www.gbmc.org/headandnecksurgery.</a> </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hUezHusB8WI" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> The Vein Center at GBMC offers expertise and technology to address the entire spectrum of venous issues – from the diagnosis and treatment of serious conditions like varicose veins to cosmetic procedures like sclerotherapy. Varicose veins form when the valves responsible for pushing blood up towards the heart and sealing off blood from coming back down malfunction, which can cause blood to leak back down and pool in the vein. Varicose veins are more common in women and have a genetic component to them. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SPEsJCCikBk" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/4991cf20e515f2a4b71131d2390f7ee4.jpg" alt="Kimberly Blay"> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> Kim Blay is a neonatal advanced practitioner who supports the Child Life Program at GBMC. Giving and compassionate, she serves all children, no matter who they are. Regardless of their age, color, or creed, if a child is in need, she is one of the first to volunteer her help. <br> <br> Kim comes to work with a dedicated, cheerful demeanor. She wants to help others and ensures that not only are her patients well cared for, but that her colleagues are cared for, too. <br> <br> She performs an amazing amount of community service. Last year, Kim hand-decorated a tree for the Kennedy Krieger Festival of Trees in honor of her daughter, Zara, who passed away two years ago. The decorated trees are then sold to raise money for the Kennedy Krieger Institute. <br> <br> Kim has also traveled outside of the country to Campamento El Guacio in Puerto Rico. After the recent earthquakes, she raised money to participate in a mission trip to give back to the people of the country. She spent a full week there (but much longer preparing to go) helping a local farmer who was still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Maria. Kim helped with roof repair, painting, and many cleanup projects. Her team prayed and shared discussions with some of the Puerto Rican people who were incredibly grateful for their assistance. She also helped to build a roof for a half-blind woman, cleaned debris, painted, and sawed wood. She felt the immense determination of the Puerto Rican people who had no power or running water for so long. <br> <br> In addition to supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as well as the Child Life Programs at Johns Hopkins and GBMC, Kim believes in giving the gift of life. As such, she advocates for and supports the American Red Cross as often as she can. Several times a year, including on the anniversary of her daughter's passing, she donates blood and platelets. She knows all too well how critical the need for blood products is from Zara's time in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. <br> <br> Kim is also an advocate for The Compassionate Friends. With a network of more than 600 chapters and locations in all 50 states as well as Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam, The Compassionate Friends provides support to bereaved families after the death of a child. Kim is a trusted friend to others who are going through grief. She attends a regular conferences and participates in retreats and outings. We are thrilled to celebrate Kim as a woman of great inspiration and courage. HERstory is another great example of the phenomenal women at GBMC.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EepRByx1HO4" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/e4fd254d444efb5d51bb3b3839506da1.jpg" alt="Johanna Supensky"> <figcaption> Johanna Supensky, Surgical Procurement Billing Specialist </figcaption> </figure> Johanna Supensky has been a GBMC HealthCare employee for 23 years. Johanna’s compassion for her department and colleagues, along with her zest for life, shines through every interaction. <br> <br> When COVID first hit in early 2020, Johanna recognized the impact, havoc, and uncertainty the pandemic was having on her co-workers' lives. She identified that staff were fearful and concerned about what would happen to them personally should they or a loved one became ill. She recognized how the patients were coping without family during their hospitalization. She noted how staff members were adjusting to supply constraints and changes to their jobs, and she saw the overall impact to the hospital. <br> <br> During this time of concern, Johanna wanted to uplift and bolster the spirits of those around her to let them know it was okay to experience an array of emotions in the face of uncertainty. She drafted the following statement to share with her team: <h3> Sharing Words of Inspiration – Covid-19 </h3> <blockquote> Sometimes I think I’m the luckiest person in the world. There is nothing better than having work that you enjoy and care about. Frequently I feel my greatest problem is lack of confidence. I’m scared, which I think that can be healthy. I feel confident some days and lucky on others. I survived WW-II, disease, and disaster during my lifetime. Now I will need to survive Covid-19. Changing emotions are part of the normal living process. We all need to maintain a good life balance. It is good that fear makes us cautious, but too much fear can immobilize us. We should always take charge of our emotions to make them work for us and bring stability to our lives. The world has changed. Please take Covid-19 seriously. May you and your loved ones stay healthy and may God bless. </blockquote> <br> During the recent cyber-attack, Johanna was the first person on the team to volunteer to help outside of her normal work hours - in any capacity - if she could assist the staff and patients in any way. During recent inclement weather, Johanna spent at least 5 nights in the hospital to ensure she would be to work on time in the morning, so supplies would be in place to care for the GOR patients that day. <br> <br> Johanna is a woman who, as shared in her words of inspiration, lived through WWII. Many may not know that Johanna was in a concentration camp from the time she was 4 years old to 7 years old. She has seen tragedy first hand and lived through atrocities none of us will hopefully ever see. She has a fascinating story and has experienced so much in her lifetime. She's been a business owner and has been very active in the community running art expos and working on staging and set design for local theater. Yet, during the initial days of COVID, one of her first concerns was not for herself, but for her coworkers at GBMC who are much like a second family to her. She wanted to share her words as a beacon of hope for others when life seemed bleak during the peak of quarantine. We are thrilled to celebrate Johanna as a woman of great inspiration and courage. HERstory is another great example of the phenomenal women at GBMC.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Le7dpPXiko" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/4cc1c48f6099541cd7a3fa7ee25fbe13.jpg" alt="Amy Gueydan"> <figcaption> Amy Gueydan, Quality Outcomes Manager </figcaption> </figure> Amy Gueydan has been a GBMC employee for more than two decades. Prior to joining the Quality & Patient Safety department, Amy worked with the EPIC team and was an analyst for Infection Control and Radiology. <br> <br> Amy’s first day in her new role in Quality happened to be the first day COVID-19 really began making its presence known. Even on her first day in the department, with the challenges of COVID and the beginning of the Baldridge application process, Amy remained positive and quickly jumped in as an instrumental team member. Amy is constantly researching and studying to become more knowledgeable related to core measures. <br> <br> During the computer downtime, Amy was the first to volunteer to work nights; she never complained and was happy to pitch in. While pitching in as a runner, Amy also studied for the NSQIP certification and passed with a perfect score. Amy always displays the GREATER behaviors -- she helps her team, is kind and supportive, and has a positive can-do attitude that is evident to her whole team. <br> <br> Amy is devoted to her family and is a loving, mother, grandmother, and wife. She hopes her story inspires other women to accomplish anything they put their minds to, live in their purpose, and surround themselves with others who inspire and influence them to achieve excellence. Amy’s story, like many other women at GBMC, is worthy of celebration and we are excited to spotlight and celebrate Amy as part of Spotlighting HERstory: Celebrating Women’s History Month at GBMC.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8Z6xg1Be3ws" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/c6a5a2353c095be751a86a9692061c0d.jpg" alt="Tyra Curley, Chaplain"> <figcaption> Tyra Curley, Chaplain </figcaption> </figure> Tyra Curley has been a GBMC HealthCare employee for six years. As a chaplain for Gilchrist Hospice Care, Tyra goes into people’s homes, embraces diversity, and accepts people for who they are and where they are. She is constant and dependable. <br> <br> In addition to the outstanding work she performs for Gilchrist, Tyra also volunteers at City Temple of Baltimore, a Baptist Church located in Baltimore City. City Temple’s goal is to provide a meal, clothes, and shelter to those in need. Additionally, the organization ministers to and visits incarcerated adults. City Temple serves anyone in need, no matter who they are, the color of their skin or religious affiliation. <br> <br> Tyra’s service extends beyond the community and work; she also serves a primary caregiver for her family members. <br> <br> Tyra does all this quietly behind the scenes, never expecting recognition. Those who work alongside Tyra in the community and at work, cannot say enough good things about her. She is available, she is an advocate, a counselor, and a volunteer to feed the hungry. As we celebrate the great women at GBMC who make an impact in the organization and the community, Tyra’s story is worthy of sharing and we are excited to spotlight and Tyra as part of Spotlighting Women’s History Month at GBMC.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vEQmho2eBBc" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> GBMC HealthCare President and CEO, John Chessare, MD MPH, sits down with Dr. Freeman Hrabowski and Mrs. Jacqueline Hrabowski to commemorate Black History Month - 2021. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7NJcwicaQOk" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Because the supply of COVID-19 vaccines is still limited, few know what being vaccinated is like, and many people have questions about the process. Emergency medicine physician, William Zirkin, MD, who was the first person at GBMC to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, participated in WBAL Radio’s Coronavirus Townhall to describe his experience. <br> <br> For the past 10 months, Dr. Zirkin’s life has looked very different than it did before the pandemic. Every day that he goes to work, he wears a mask and PPE and fully changes his clothes when he gets to his car. When he gets home, he immediately showers in order to protect his family. While the challenge of treating a new disease has been exciting for him, it is also stressful. “Compared to other diseases, this is really a unique problem because it’s so contagious and prevalent,” he explained. “You’re worried about both yourself and your patients, so it really is a completely different clinical experience for me.” <br> <br> When it was time to be vaccinated, Dr. Zirkin was the first in line. “I was thrilled to get it,” he said, “it’s been a long road, and in a few weeks when full immunity kicks in, I’ll feel really good about it.” Asked about the side effects he experienced, Dr. Zirkin described them as very minimal. “I received the Moderna vaccine. After the first dose, I had a minor headache, and after the second, I felt a little sore and tired.” He was able to go about his day without interruption. “It wasn’t a big deal at all,” he explained. <br> <br> Not everyone getting vaccinated will have the same experience. Studies have shown that it is possible to develop symptoms such as: </p> <ul> <li> Muscle aches </li> <li> Fatigue </li> <li> Headache </li> <li> Chills </li> <li> Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea </li> </ul> These symptoms should go away within 48 hours. Rarely, an allergic reaction to the vaccine can occur. There is a 15-minute observation period after every vaccination to ensure that patients stay well and receive additional care if needed. There have been no severe reactions to the vaccine at GBMC. <br> <br> Dr. Zirkin maintains an optimistic outlook. “We’re starting to see a plateau in cases and hospitalizations. I’m hopeful that as more and more people get vaccinated, we’ll be able to get back to some semblance of normal. I think we’re moving in the right direction.” To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and GBMC’s vaccination process, visit www.gbmc.org/covid-19-vaccine-faq.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XQKImkboG1M" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> There has been a lot of concern about the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations in the State of Maryland and across the country. To help answer some of the public’s questions, John B. Chessare, MD, MPH, President and CEO of GBMC, joined WBAL Radio’s Coronavirus Townhall to explain local vaccine distribution and how GBMC is responding to the ever-changing situation. <br> <br> “Our team has done a remarkable job,” he said, “there has been a lot in the news about the speed at which vaccines were being given, but I don’t think that’s the full story. We had to create systems that did not exist in order to immunize people.” The situation remains fluid. There is not a set schedule for when doses are delivered to hospitals or how many will come, making it challenging to plan. Each week, the State gets an allotment of vaccines from the federal government, which it then distributes to local hospitals and health departments. “We don’t actually know how many doses we are going to get from week to week,” Dr. Chessare explained, “that makes it very difficult to schedule.” <br> <br> GBMC HealthCare is following the State’s timeline for vaccinating patients and community members. Due to the limited supply of doses available, Marylanders ages 65 and over must be given priority for COVID-19 vaccine over all other groups in Phase 1B and 1C. “We are also working with school systems to vaccinate teachers and other educators,” he said. Dr. Chessare recognized the difficulty and frustration many are having making a vaccination appointment, but he urged people to be patient. <br> <br> He also assured those who have received their first dose at GBMC that there will be a second dose for them. Every morning, a team meets to go over the schedule and make sure that every single person vaccinated at GBMC will have access to their second dose. There is also a team watching throughout the day to account for last-minute cancellations and no-shows. “If they see it’s possible that a slot will go unfilled, they immediately contact someone else who can fill it. GBMC has wasted zero vaccines.” To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and GBMC’s vaccination process, visit www.gbmc.org/covid-19-vaccine-faq. </p>
