Letter from the Chief Medical Officer
Dear Colleagues:
The Physicians’ Council Volunteerism Committee is paving the way for our physicians to bring BWH’s compassionate patient care to yet another region of the world where it is sorely needed. The Council’s newly established relationship with Maternidad Hospital and Centro de Obras Sociales in Chimbote, Peru, is just the latest worldwide venture for BWH, as we are committed to bringing quality care, training and infrastructure development to underserved communities.
Our colleagues, some of the most gifted and talented physicians in the world, share with us stories of performing the most rudimentary tasks like lugging supplies and equipment or providing the most basic care to patients. The high level of training, expertise and experience of our BWH physicians, of course, comes into play as they assess, diagnose and treat patients in need of medical care.
The stories of the remarkable work our physicians do in Africa, Asia, Haiti and Central and South America share one common theme: all our physicians stress the importance of delivering care in a way that preserves the dignity of the patient. BWHers have an inherent respect for different cultures and empathy for displaced and disenfranchised populations. There is no judgement and no pity, just compassionate care delivered with respect.
Another trait shared by our colleagues who travel abroad to provide care and training for underserved populations is the gratitude they offer their section chiefs, department chairs and fellow physicians for their efforts to provide coverage here at BWH. Clearly, this is indicative of not only our deep-seeded spirit of cooperation and support for one another, but also our commitment to helping those in need.
Mari-Kim Bunnell, MD, is one such colleague who has demonstrated these traits through volunteering her services in Chimbote for a number of years. She has brought her expertise in maternal and fetal care to Peru to change many lives?—?including her own?—?for the better. She has nothing but high praise for the staff from the Maternidad Hospital and Centro de Obras Sociales who remain dedicated to serving their community. But they need our help to improve the health care for their region, help we are committed to providing.
This commitment begins at BWH and extends well beyond our distributed campus and health centers and includes the many physicians and staff who make a difference volunteering for local organizations. Thank you to all who share in our mission and demonstrate it here and abroad.
Sincerely,
Andy Whittemore, MD
Chief Medical Officer