Dear Colleagues:

The legacy of Brigham and Women’s Hospital has been created through a rich history of innovation and commitment to practicing medicine according to the highest national and international standards. Building upon that legacy is the responsibility we accept as members of the professional staff of this remarkable institution.

In accepting that mandate, we must constantly seek opportunities to define the new frontier of medicine. I am proud to say that members of the BWPO have long led that effort and continue to do so today. As the organization rolls out an institution-wide initiative to enhance the environment for our patients and their families, our physician leaders are the center of the effort.

Michael Zinner, MD, chairman, Surgery; Thomas Thornhill, MD, chairman Orthopedics; Charles Vacanti, MD, chairman, Anesthesia; and Peter Black, MD, chairman, Neurosurgery, will lead an effort to redefine how we admit patients through our PATC.

Robert Barbieri, MD, chairman, Obstetrics/Gynecology, will drive a shift in post-partum obstetrical services. Troyen Brennan, MD, president, BWPO will work with other BWPO and hospital senior leaders to identify and create the Ideal Patient Experience. Others will drive a close examination of our oncology services, including Dr. Lawrence Shulman.

It is perhaps easy to remain in our comfort zone and continue to reflect upon the areas in which we succeed with certainty. It is far more challenging, however, to examine those areas where we have yet to define excellence. As we begin to outline strategies for continuous improvement that will flow from this process, it will be incumbent upon each of us to further define BW/F as a leader in service excellence.

Sincerely,

Lawrence H. Cohn, MD
Chairman, BWPO