Helping kids avoid the summer slide                                                     Thanks to you, 250 underprivileged kids went to camps this summer where they practiced reading, learned to swim, grew their own healthy food and most importantly had fun.  Because of your kindness and support … Continue reading →

Last week the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its first 5-star rating system of hospitals in the United States. According to this system a hospital can earn a rating of anywhere from one to five stars with … Continue reading →

As we enter the last quarter of our Fiscal Year, I wanted to take the opportunity to recognize the outstanding results achieved by the Revenue Cycle staff across our system. For reference, the revenue cycle is the entire life of … Continue reading →

I was recently having a conversation with a reporter who asked me about the most important strategic initiatives underway at UMass Memorial. My answer to him was the same it has been for anyone who has raised similar questions: Our … Continue reading →

Earlier this month I told you about our program to acknowledge the unique ways everyone in our 12,000-plus organization is a caregiver.  The “Everyone Is a Caregiver” program includes the posters and wall hangings that appear across the health system.  … Continue reading →

“Everyone, everyday” — there is no gray area in this bold, inclusive statement. It represents the spirit of our patient care mission, and each of you make it possible. UMass Memorial Health Care is an entire system of caregivers. Starting … Continue reading →

The Epic Project continues to hit one milestone after another. In just eight days during January and February, an astounding 374 Collaborative Design Sessions were attended by nearly 1,500 caregivers from across UMass Memorial Health Care. These sessions provided them … Continue reading →

For many under-served children in our community who live in low income neighborhoods, school is the one place where they can get a nutritious meal, learn to read, exercise safely and interact with a number of positive adult role models … Continue reading →

Patient’ story touches community Talk with any caregiver at UMass Memorial Health Care and I am sure they will tell you this: beyond medical attention and advice, there is always something else we can do for our patients. It is … Continue reading →

On Saturday March 5, 85 mushers and their teams of 16 Alaskan Huskies left Anchorage, Alaska, as the 2016 Iditarod dog sled race began. On or about March 14 one of the lead dogs will cross the finish line in the … Continue reading →

Over the past several months, as in past years, we have conducted a series of caregiver engagement surveys across the system including groups of physicians, nurses and other staff. Engagement is typically defined as the emotional commitment a person has … Continue reading →

January came and went in a flash and now we are onto February, which of course, is American Heart Month. As part of the month-long celebration all of our member hospitals participated in the Go Red for Women campaign. As … Continue reading →

Well, it seems like winter has finally introduced itself. I hope everyone has taken the necessary steps to prepare both physically and logistically for what’s ahead of us: yes, that ounce of prevention still beats a pound of cure. Speaking … Continue reading →

Happy New Year! I wanted to share some positive news with you regarding our system.  Two separate bond rating agencies have improved our standing and returned UMass Memorial Health Care to investment grade status after two-years in a lower rated … Continue reading →

I hope this holiday season has been a joyous one for each and every one of you. We have a very important mission which keeps us busy and focused on a daily basis. I am so proud that despite the … Continue reading →

I am very pleased with the continued fiscal and operational improvement of UMass Memorial Health Care. This was a year of stability and progress as we continued to execute on our plan to transform our health care delivery system into a … Continue reading →

The United States has a new surgeon general and he has set the bold goal of making the U.S. one of the healthiest and happiest nations in the world. In fact, he believes, as do I, that the two are … Continue reading →

Getting there is half the battle or so the saying goes. Regardless of how your year has gone – and I hope it has been your best year ever – all that matters now is that Thanksgiving is upon us. … Continue reading →

The third Thursday of each November we celebrate the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout.  Our patients and employees are encouraged to quit smoking, or to plan to quit, or to give up smoking just for the day.  Smoking remains … Continue reading →

I want to wish a Happy Veteran’s Day to all of the veterans but in particular to all of our employees who proudly served. It is because of your personal sacrifices that we as Americans enjoy such great freedom today. … Continue reading →