BWH Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Ana Gramajo and Jackie Somerville

Ana Gramajo, RN, of the Phyllis Jen Center for Primary Care, is the go-to person when the center’s staff need to communicate effectively with a Spanish-speaking patient.

“She is aware of the influence of culture on patients’ symptoms, the requests they make and the dietary and other lifestyle practices that affect their health and well-being...” said Monica Hynes-Payack, RN, who works with Gramajo.

Phyllis Jen Center for Primary Care Medical Director Lori Wiviott Tishler, MD, echoed those sentiments. “I’ve worked with Ana since I was an intern in 1994, and she’s been an integral part of my education and my professional life,” said Tishler. “She is constantly involved with nurses, physicians and other practitioners. She acts as a mentor and professional role model for team-based care and direct patient care.”

Gramajo, along with Mirna Clark, of Interpreter Services, and Margarita Garcia, unit assistant of Hematology/Oncology, Tower 6D, were selected as this year’s Hispanic Heritage Award recipients. The trio was honored during a ceremony Oct. 7.

Now in its fourth year, the celebration recognizes the contributions of nurses and patient care staff of Hispanic and Latino background. The event keynote speaker was Fidencio Saldana, MD, MPH, assistant program director of the Internal Medicine Residency.

Over the past 30 years, Clark has been a tireless advocate for BWH patients who speak limited English.

“She has a true passion for the work she does, not only interpreting but also serving as a cultural liaison,” said Christian Gonzalez, operations supervisor of Interpreter Services. “She is also an excellent coach who provides co-workers with great feedback and the necessary tools for excellent patient care.”

That type of service is also the foundation of Garcia’s work. “The patients know her by name, and she comes to learn about patients on a more personal level,” said Ramona Nee, RN, who nominated Garcia for the award.