Celebrating the Memory of Phyllis Jen, MD

Phyllis Jen’s family attends the unveiling of her portrait.

BWH staff and hospital leadership gathered with Phyllis Jen’s family and friends over the summer in the Cohn Courtyard to celebrate the beloved physician’s life and legacy.

“Phyllis brought so much enthusiasm, such devotion and such love over the years to this practice,” said BWH President Betsy Nabel, MD, during the official renaming ceremony for Brigham Internal Medicine Associates, now called the Phyllis Jen Center for Primary Care.

A portrait of Jen unveiled at the ceremony now hangs on the Pike outside of the center.

Partners President and CEO Gary Gottlieb, MD, MBA, spoke about the passion and commitment that radiated from Jen when she was caring for patients, mentoring colleagues and supporting staff. “That light will shine forever right on the Pike at BWH,” said Gottlieb. “Within her soul was the essence of the mission and values of BWH and the good that we try to do.”

Jen’s husband, Robert Schlauch, MD, shared family stories, reminiscing about his wife caring for patients less than 12 hours after giving birth to her first son, Michael. Schlauch also read from a letter written by Michael.

“(BIMA) occupied her time constantly, but not in a way that took away from what we needed from her as a family. In fact, her dedication gave us kids a vision on the meaning of work and purpose,” Schlauch read. “She felt BIMA was part of her extended family, and our family feels that way as well.”