Letter from the BWPO Chairman
Dear Colleagues:
Earlier this year, when we solicited project proposals for the Brigham and Women’s Outreach Program, members of the Physicians’ Council and the volunteerism subcommittee knew right away they were facing a difficult decision. Eight initial proposals were submitted, each with a compelling demand for BWH resources and expertise, the potential for making tremendous improvements and a guarantee that our colleagues could make a meaningful difference beyond the walls of our hospital.
And each of these outreach efforts were underway, supported through existing relationships with clinical and administrative volunteers, grassroots fund-raising efforts and the generous and giving spirit that thrives in so many at BWH. Through these eight meaningful projects, BWH clinicians are bringing life-changing care to some of the most underserved communities in Angola, Botswana and Malawi or helping build and sustain specialty programs in the Dominican Republic, Rwanda, Zambia and Nicaragua.
The selection process for the Physicians’ Council and its volunteerism subcommittee was not easy, but after much thoughtful deliberation, the council chose the Indian Health Service in Gallup and Shiprock, New Mexico, as submitted by Dr. Phyllis Jen of BIMA, Dr. Howard Hiatt and Amy Judd, the director of program development in the Division of Global Health Equity. There is a compelling case for BWH physicians to help Navajo Indians with all facets of health, including diabetes management, gynecologic care, primary care, emergency medicine, infectious disease, depression, and many more.
This new and growing relationship with the Indian Health Service builds on successful programs, including the work of Dr. Mark Davis in Emergency Medicine and the Harvard University Native American Program. In addition, the relative proximity to Boston and favorable accommodations make it a little easier and more attractive to a broader range of potential volunteers.
There are many folks to thank for their involvement in and commitment to this project. First, thank you to everyone who submitted a proposal. We truly wish there were a way to support each one. Second, thank you to Drs. Brian Bilchik and Steven Ringer and everyone involved in the selection process.
Thank you to Phyllis, Howard and Amy for making this happen. And thank you to Kristen Giambusso, who provides the much needed administrative support for this effort. Lastly, thank you to everyone who may participate in this program and spend two, three or four weeks caring for Navajo patients in New Mexico. We hope that many of our colleagues can help make this a successful partnership in the coming months and years.