BWH, Minority Program Score Thanks to NE Patriots- BWH Bulletin - For and about the People of Brigham and Women's Hospital
BWH, Minority Program Score Thanks to NE Patriots- BWH Bulletin - For and about the People of Brigham and Women's Hospital
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June 15, 2001
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In This Issue:
Caring With an Open Heart
BWH, Minority Program Score Thanks to NE Patriots
Beyond the Headlines
Service Support Recognition Week
Twins are focus of Safon Lecture
Who’s News
Pike Notes
BWH received a $150,000 donation this week from Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and chairman of the Patriots Charitable Foundation, and team cornerback Ty Law, who each contributed $75,000 to the hospital’s Minority Faculty Development (MFD) Program. The donations were presented during a press conference held in the Cabot Atrium on June 11. The MFD Program is designed to foster the career development of minority and women physicians enrolled in BWH’s residency programs. By providing financial assistance, mentoring, research and clinical training, the MFD Program encourages these physicians to pursue fellowship and academic medical faculty positions. This year’s career development award recipient is Michelle Asha Albert, MD, in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, who plans to concentrate on epidemiology and the prevention of cardiovascular disease. “This is not just about giving money, its about making a difference and giving to something that’s important and that you can really feel good about,” said Law at Monday’s press conference. “As a minority, I understand how hard it is sometimes, and because of that, I’m very glad to be a part of this great program and to support Dr. Albert however I can.” Upon receiving her award, Albert thanked those who have supported her over the years. “Having myself grown up in a less than privileged environment and background, I’ve faced many challenges, but I have been very fortunate to been blessed with many friends and mentors who have believed in me and encouraged me,” she said. She also thanked Paul Ridker, MD, who, she says, “spends hours on end teaching me and trying to groom me in the way I need to be groomed to develop a career in academic medicine and to assist in mentoring young minority boys and girls.” Since the program’s inception in 1996, seven BWH residents have received the career development award and have gone on to pursue academic medical careers. Candidates for the award are selected at the beginning of the second year of residency and must be a member of an underrepresented minority group who has demonstrated superior academic and clinical skills and who is committed to a career in academic medicine. Joining Law, Kraft and Albert at the event were Victor Dzau, MD, chairman, Department of Medicine, and Marshall Wolf, MD, vice chairman, Medical Education.