Celebrating 60 Years: Renaming Physicians Pavilion West to Honor GBMC’s Founders

In celebration of GBMC’s 60th anniversary, Physicians Pavilion West (PPW) will be renamed The Founders Pavilion. This new name honors institutions fundamental in establishing GBMC's reputation of excellence: the Presbyterian Eye, Ear & Throat Charity Hospital, the Board of Lady Managers, the Women’s Hospital Foundation, the Milton J. Dance, Jr. Endowment, the GBMC Volunteer Auxiliary, and the GBMC Ophthalmology Educational Foundation. 

Built in 1992, PPW has served GBMC for over three decades. To ensure it reflects the same thoughtfulness and modern comforts as our newest facilities — such as the Louis and Phyllis Friedman Building and the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion — a significant renovation is planned. These updates include a refreshed exterior façade, enhanced interior spaces, and a historical timeline in the main lobby celebrating GBMC’s legacy. Additionally, the second floor will become the new home of GBMC’s Ophthalmology Department. 

Honoring GBMC’s Founding Legacy 

The Presbyterian Eye, Ear & Throat Charity Hospital and the Board of Lady Managers are cornerstones of this project. The Founders Pavilion will highlight this enduring legacy, honoring those who built GBMC’s reputation and helped maintain its independence. 

The Presbyterian Board of Governors and the Board of Lady Managers provided a lead gift of over $2 million for this project. With their support, the Ophthalmology Department will be named “The Presbyterian Eye, Ear & Throat Charity Hospital Department of Ophthalmology at GBMC.”

 Honoring Dr. Robert and Betty Welch 

Within the newly named department, GBMC will celebrate the legacy of renowned ophthalmologist and former Chair of Ophthalmology, Dr. Robert B. Welch, and his wife, Betty. Dr. Welch’s affiliation with GBMC began in 1959 when he served on the board of the Presbyterian Eye Research Foundation. He remained a member of the Presbyterian Eye, Ear & Throat Charity Hospital Board until his 2021 passing. 

The Wilkinson-Welch-Hoover Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology at GBMC, currently held by Dr. Mary Louise. Z. Collins, bears his name. Dr. Welch was named one of the original GBMC Physician Titans of Care when that distinguished group was created to mark GBMC’s 50th anniversary in 2015. He and Betty are perpetual members of the Elizabeth Duncan Yaggy Society and the 1965 Society at GBMC. 

Thanks to a significant provision in their estate plans, Dr. and Mrs. Welch’s dedication to ophthalmology will be honored with the naming of “The Dr. Robert B. and Betty Welch Eye Center at The Presbyterian Eye, Ear & Throat Charity Hospital Department of Ophthalmology at GBMC.” 

This recognition reflects their immeasurable contributions to advancing eye care at GBMC and their enduring impact on our community. 

If you have questions or wish to learn more about this project, please contact GBMC Philanthropy at 443-849-2773 or philanthropy@gbmc.org