We asked, and you answered. Reinforcing our organizational value of “everyone, everyday,” you spoke very clearly about what you would like our Soarian Exit Strategy Task Force to focus on as they evaluate our current information technology systems to find the … Continue reading →

Yesterday you received an emailed memo from our system CIO Tim Tarnowski about the ongoing work of our UMass Memorial Soarian Exit Strategy Task Force. The task force, made up of members from across UMass Memorial and representing roles from … Continue reading →

It certainly has been an eventful couple of weeks in terms of weather impacting our communities and hospitals. I like snow as much as the next person, but on the mountains and slopes, not on our streets or in our … Continue reading →

  First things first, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to each of you for your hard work and sacrifices during the blizzard that blanketed our area. In the face of the storm, your commitment to providing the … Continue reading →

As I was reflecting on the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – on this day set aside in his honor – I was struck by how his words were as powerful as his deeds. If you … Continue reading →

Amazingly, not one but two crucial referee calls have generated enormous controversy this NFL playoff season and possibly determined the outcome of two games. You may say, well, referees always miss calls, what’s so amazing about that? Well, what I … Continue reading →

My resolution for 2015 is to work with our caregivers and new Chief Information Officer Tim Tarnowski to develop a plan to get us off of Soarian Clinicals, our inpatient electronic health record (EHR). To help make sure I keep … Continue reading →

In 2014 we shared a lot of great moments with our patients and each other. One of my favorites was the birth of baby Clare Elizabeth at the medical center at 10:11 (am) on 12/13/14. No matter what you were … Continue reading →

Happy Holidays wishes to all of you. This season of gift-giving and sharing led me to reflect on one of the greatest gifts our patients and health care system have received this past year – the gift of listening. Just over … Continue reading →

There are three things I want to share with you this week as we began to close the chapter on 2014. It has been a successful year – due in large part to your great efforts, and for that I … Continue reading →

The old adage, you never get a second chance to make a good first impression is as relevant today as it has ever been. In this increasingly warp speed world a bad first impression for any health care organization has … Continue reading →

This spring, my 4-year-old golden retriever Sandy adopted a small flock of very needy turkey chicks. All spring and summer, as the turkeys followed her around the yard, Sandy protected the chicks from the foxes and coyotes that frequent our … Continue reading →

This time of year, we’re watching our mailboxes for packages and promotions of the “hottest” holiday gifts. So, keep your eye out for a letter from me about how to order a “warm” gift for the winter season: a fleece … Continue reading →

Last month our system celebrated Clinton Hospital’s 125th birthday at a special event, joining members of the hospital’s community who are incredibly grateful for this local treasure. While the services, technology and faces have changed through the years, Clinton Hospital’s compassion … Continue reading →

This week at our senior leadership meeting, we wished our administrative fellow Vikram Kambampati, MD, Major, U.S. Army Reserve, safe travels as he begins his four-month deployment to Kuwait. Vikram is one of many UMass Memorial caregivers who have answered … Continue reading →

The Medical Center’s tri-annual Joint Commission Survey concluded last Friday with an exit briefing, where I had the opportunity to stand with President Patrick Muldoon before managers and physician leaders to thank them for an amazing five days. I share … Continue reading →

This week, I was honored to stand with Governor Deval Patrick and Congressman Jim McGovern to offer support of Question 4 on November’s ballot which would ensure access to earned sick time for hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts families. “Almost … Continue reading →

The news from Dallas that a second health care worker has contracted Ebola after having cared for Thomas Eric Duncan, the Ebola victim who died on October 8, has appropriately shaken the health care community.  When firefighters, military personnel and … Continue reading →

To truly realize innovation, you need both creativity (idea generation) and action (follow through) and that is what our idea systems are all about — generating and implementing great ideas from everyone who wants to help us become the best place … Continue reading →

I recently came across this “Advice from a Patient” printed in the 2014 annual report of the Patient and Family Centered Care Innovation Center and wanted to share it with all of you. This may be a normal day at … Continue reading →