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In This Issue:
JudyAnn Bigby, MD, who started at BWH in 1981 and has served as medical director of BWH’s Community Health Programs since 1999, has been appointed to serve as the state’s top health official. Newly-elected Gov. Deval Patrick, who took office this week, selected Bigby to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services for Massachusetts.
“Where the word reform is on everyone’s lips, there are great opportunities for implementing innovations that will improve the health and well-being of all residents of the Commonwealth,” Bigby said. “I look forward to serving the governor because he understands the relationships between health and social conditions and the environment.”
During her 25 years at BWH, Bigby devoted her career to addressing the health care needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable populations, and she is nationally recognized for her pioneering work in substance abuse education, women’s health and health disparities. She played a pivotal role in making BWH a leader in caring for disadvantaged women, identifying ways to overcome barriers to care and decreasing racial disparities in health status and health.
“Judy’s life-long dedication to caring for those in need has been rewarded and recognized with this selection. Governor Patrick made an excellent choice, and all of us at Brigham and Women’s Hospital are proud of Judy,” BWH President Gary Gottlieb, MD, MBA, said. “Her commitment to community health is an inspiration to our mission of providing a voice for those who often are not heard.”