Boston Medical Center (BMC)

“The populations that are the most likely to acquire HIV because of factors like sexism, structural racism, medical stigma, misogyny, and transphobia are also the populations least likely to be able to access PrEP because of those same barriers.” - BMC's Jessica Taylor, MD, medical director of the HIV prevention program Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an HIV prevention medication, is often under-prescribed to women, especially women of color. Researchers at BMC piloted an intervention that significantly increased PrEP offers to Black and Hispanic women from 7.6% to 17.6%. Read about how this study could potentially serve as a model for other healthcare systems, on #HealthCity: https://bit.ly/3Ybzecs

“What we’re aiming for here is short-term stability and long-term sustainability.” Alastair Bell MD MBA, President & CEO of Boston Medical Center Health System, shares his perspective on the expanded impact of our health system on patients, members, and communities through our integration with Good Samaritan Medical Center and St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center. Together, with the highly skilled clinicians and staff at each hospital, we are ensuring access to equitable and compassionate care, with a long-term focus on sustainability across our health system. Learn more on Boston Globe Media: https://lnkd.in/eS4EBNiY

Meet Athina Schmidt, research project manager in our Center for Infectious Diseases. She shares what Hispanic Heritage Month means to her and what she enjoys about working at BMC. 💭 What does this month mean to you? 🗣️ It's a time to reflect on the history of the Latinx experience in America and recognize our achievements. It’s about remembering the sacrifices of those who came before us and thinking about how we can continue their work and continue to uplift our community through our achievements. It’s about recognizing our strength as a community and to have the pride to continue to shine and embrace our authentic selves. 💭 What do you enjoy about your job? 🗣️ I am the coordinator of the HIV-Endurance (HIVE) clinic, which is an HIV and aging specialty clinic. I love connecting with our patients to learn more about their families and what's important to them as they age, so we can help them identify and achieve their healthcare goals. I also conduct clinical research and quality improvement research for people living with HIV under the direction of Dr. Archana Asundi. I’ve been inspired by her talent, drive and dedication to her patients and research goals. She has been an incredible role model, demonstrating best practices for conducting human subjects research in a respectful manner. I enjoy explaining the research process to our patients and answering their questions, so they are fully informed about their decision to participate. When I was a kid, I LOVED the science fair, and now it feels like every day is the science fair! 💭 How does your cultural identity inform your work? 🗣️ My family is from Las Placetas, Dominican Republic. It is a beautiful rural mountain town filled with lime and banana farms. I go back frequently to visit family and I’m always struck by the strong sense of community and the slower pace of life. When I come back stateside, I try to bring that energy back to our patients by connecting on a human, and not only clinical, level.

Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley visited BMC and read aloud to patients in support of our Reach Out and Read, Northeast site in the pediatrics department. The Reach Out and Read program enables providers to share advice with families and discuss the importance of making reading a daily habit for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Families are able to leave the clinic with a book as well as an inspiration to read with their child. The program was first developed by pediatricians at Boston City Hospital (now BMC) 35 years ago and has expanded as an independent nonprofit that serves 4.4 million children across the country. Thank you Ayanna Pressley for your continuous support and advocacy for our community.

Yesterday, BMC Health System, St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, and Good Samaritan Medical Center leaders welcomed staff members to our health system at each hospital. Together we shared meaningful conversations, appreciation for everyone’s commitment to patients, and excitement for what the future holds. As we integrate both hospitals and expand access to expert, equitable care, we would like to say thank you to all the dedicated staff for their steadfast commitment to people in our communities. We have a common ambition to deliver clinically excellent care with compassion and a mission to ensure equitable care is accessible to all. Learn more about BMC Health System: https://bit.ly/3BnNS7i

Today, we're #BMCProud to welcome Good Samaritan Medical Center and St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center to Boston Medical Center Health System. We share a common ambition to deliver clinically excellent care with compassion and a mission to ensure that equitable care is available to our communities. “We are proud today to welcome the patients and communities served by both hospitals into our health system. Together, with the highly skilled clinicians and staff at each hospital, we will work to ensure stability and as seamless a transition as possible for patients, with a long-term focus on sustainability across our health system.” - Alastair Bell MD MBA, President & CEO of BMC Health System At each of our hospitals, we’re committed to empowering our patients by providing patient-centered and comprehensive care. Patients at Good Samaritan and St. Elizabeth’s can continue to receive care in their communities and with their trusted providers. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eRZeG3pe

This past weekend, BMC was proud to sponsor the Mass Ave Coalition Festival. The Mass Ave Coalition Festival is an event designed to celebrate the community and explore ways to foster growth and development. The festival focuses on enhancing neighborhoods by connecting residents with resources that improve public health, transportation, and streetscapes. Our Integrated Behavioral Health, Wellness and Recovery After Psychosis (WRAP), and Neurology teams were present to distribute health resources and gain community feedback to inform our care. As an intentional partner with our community, we're proud to support initiatives that promote public health in our neighborhoods.

Join us for our inaugural Empowering Excellence: Ethical Practices in Nursing Conference on November 7! This conference aims to raise awareness and equip nurses with the skills to identify and address ethical dilemmas effectively and with a focus on the inherent dignity and respect of all individuals. Participants can look forward to engaging panel discussions with local experts and an intriguing case study session. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your ethical decision-making skills and contribute to delivering compassionate patient care. Learn more and register for the event: https://bit.ly/47PBoS5

As September comes to a close, we're looking back at all the events that took place on campus in honor of Recovery Month. Employees and patients had the opportunity to come together and connect over delicious food, cookie decorating, planting on our Rooftop Farm, and much more. We know that recovery is not linear. This Recovery Month, we worked together to bring addiction out of the shadows and shine light on the many different paths one might take on their journey to recovery.

Home to the largest center for sickle cell disease (SCD) in New England, BMC is committed to medical excellence and beyond. Our multidisciplinary team of experts deliver the latest gene therapies and highly personalized care for children, teens, and adults. We provide medical clarity for patients and their loved ones navigating SCD. We not only treat patients with SCD, but support patients’ overall well-being with a holistic approach. Learn more about how BMC’s Sickle Cell Disease Center is #RewritingHealthcare: https://bit.ly/3THf4o4