A Fitting Tribute- BWH Bulletin - For and about the People of Brigham and Women's Hospital
A Fitting Tribute- BWH Bulletin - For and about the People of Brigham and Women's Hospital
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September 18, 2000
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In This Issue:
A Fitting Tribute
Survey Teams Take Action
Referral Program Extended through Dec. 31
New Appointments at BWH
I Scream, You Scream. . .
A “Taste” of Diversity at BWH
National Hispanic Heritage Month at SJPHC
Hohmann to lead Partners IRB Program
New MRI Gives More to MS Patients
Nominate a Leader
Partners in Excellence
AIDS Ride Traffic Notice
Calendar
Pike Notes
Ambulatory Care Center Named in Nesson’s Honor Thanks to the generosity of the Nesson family, the BWH Ambulatory II Building has been named the H. Richard Nesson Ambulatory Care Center. Surrounded by an abundant audience of friends and colleagues, Nesson’s wife, Lois, and her family listened to tributes to the late H. Richard Nesson, MD, at the Naming Ceremony held on Friday, September 8 in the Bornstein Amphitheater. The Nesson family also participated in the program, offering words in memory of their late husband and father. The Master of Cere-monies was Jeffrey Otten, president, BWH, who led the program consisting of reflections by Eugene Braunwald, MD, vice president, Academic Programs, Partners HealthCare System, Inc.; Phyllis Jen, MD, medical director, BIMA; Beverly Woo, MD, Division of General Medicine; Samuel Thier, MD, CEO, Partners HealthCare System Inc.; John Connors Jr., Board chairman, Partners HealthCare System, Inc.; Thomas M. Menino, mayor, City of Boston; and Senator Edward Kennedy. “Everything he touched was made better—all of his relationships, this great institution [BWH] and showing us the way to reach out as a society, as a community, as a neighborhood to those who need help and assistance,” said Kennedy. Braunwald spoke about Nesson as instrumental in transforming ambulatory care into what it is today—one of the many reasons why, in his mind, the naming is so appropriate. “In Dick’s characteristically steady and most firm way, he was responsible for a paradox shift to a patient friendly, cost-effective outpatient center of care. His most important step was to recruit a new breed of physicians who shared his mindset and values. He led the way in developing teams of health professionals under his leadership to build the finest facility for ambulatory care, which we are dedicating today,” said Braunwald. Woo was one of the physicians who shared Nesson’s mindset and values. She said, “Every time I direct a patient to the H. Richard Nesson Ambulatory Care Center in the future…I’m going to get the chance to think about Dick.” Nesson’s legacy not only touched the walls of BWH, but he was also one of the minds behind bringing BWH together with MGH to build Partners HealthCare System, Inc. and acted as its founding CEO. Nesson was succeeded by Thier. After remarking about Nesson’s love in planning space and architecture, Thier said, “To name something that reflects his interest in medicine and architecture, and his commitment to BWH, is absolutely appropriate.” Following the presentations, Otten joined Lois Nesson, her children, Ted and Sara, and her daughter-in-law, Susan, as both the sign for the newly named Center and the plaque to commemorate Dr. Nesson’s service to Brigham and Women’s Hospital were unveiled. Signage for the H. Richard Nesson Ambulatory Care Center has been installed at the 45 Francis Street Entrance and the plaque will follow shortly. Nesson was the president of BWH from 1982 to 1997 and vice president of Ambu-latory and Community Health from 1979 to 1982.