The Gift of Time- BWH Bulletin - For and about the People of Brigham and Women's Hospital
The Gift of Time- BWH Bulletin - For and about the People of Brigham and Women's Hospital
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December 8, 2000
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In This Issue:
Bretholtz Center Opens
The Gift of Time
BWH Tackles Diversion Issue
HR Is Moving
Happy 100th Birthday, Faulkner
Obituary: Sonia Terk
Who Says Three’s A Crowd?
Fun with Friends
Are you ready for JCAHO?
Pike Notes
During the holiday season, many people choose to give more than usual. In addition to giving presents to friends and family members, many choose to give clothes, food or toys to local needy residents. Some decide to give the gift of time. Here at BWH, two groups of physicians give the gift of their time outside of the office, year-round. Veterans’ Homeless Shelter Since 1994, Bruce D. Levy, MD, Pulmonary Division, has served as volunteer medical director of the First Aid and Referral Center at the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans. Every Wednesday night, a rotating group of BWH physicians and medical students visit the Shelter and give medical care to its residents. Despite their crowded schedules and hectic workdays, the physicians continue to volunteer week after week because they genuinely enjoy their time at the Shelter. “One of the reasons I started volunteering was because I admired Bruce Levy's efforts and wanted to support them,” said Richard T. Lee, MD, Cardiology, who works at the shelter once every six-eight weeks. “In the end, I don't get the sense that I'm giving anything, because I get so much satisfaction in return.” Kathryn M. Rexrode, MD, of the Brigham and Women’s at Newton Corner, agrees. “The people are incredibly appreciative, and I feel as if I am doing some good, and that it is a way to give back to the community.” “I enjoy interacting with the Shelter residents, who ask very little but who are appreciative of the attention,” said Michael C. Brabeck, MD, Brookside Community Health Center. “On several occasions, a veteran has said to me, ‘Doc, thanks for coming in and spending your evening here.’ I think that the measurable medical value of what we do there is quite limited, but the value of the mere presence in the clinic of volunteers who care is real and stands by itself.” “The number of homeless men and women continues to increase. This disadvantaged population faces many barriers to accessing medical care. Contributions made by Rich, Kathy, Michael and others are crucial,” said Levy. Sickle Cell Party Kenneth Bridges, MD, director, Joint Center for Sickle Cell and Thalassemic Disorders, noticed that the holiday season was a particularly difficult time of year for his patients, many of whom faced financial problems. As a result, he and his staff organized a holiday celebration for children with sickle cell anemia and children of adults with the disease. “We wanted to reach out and spread some holiday cheer to our patients,” Bridges says. “Bringing them together and letting them meet and make friends with other patients adds another dimension to their care.” Six years later, the Sickle Cell Holiday Party—co-sponsored by the Community Sickle Cell Awareness and Support Group and the Joint Center for Sickle Cell and Thalassemic Disorders—has become an important part of the holiday season for sickle cell patients all over Boston. Donations from local companies, organizations and BWH employees ensure that the children who attend the holiday party receive gifts as well as fun and cheer. “It’s become a very gratifying tradition,” said Bridges.