BID Needham staff members with Sunita Williams
The Power of Resilience
Sunita Williams shares lessons from space with BID Needham staff
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is no stranger to navigating difficult situations and—much like the staff at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham—she has demonstrated time and again the power of resilience. Thanks to philanthropic support, BID Needham had the honor of hosting Williams as part of a hospital-wide workforce development event. Williams met with members of the hospital community, speaking about the importance of teamwork and perseverance. Her visit created a wave of energy and excitement, as staff and patients alike hurried to greet her, share their stories, and hear her inspiring tales of traveling through space. The day was a powerful reflection of the pride, dedication, and teamwork that define the BID Needham community and a meaningful celebration of our exceptional staff.
A former Needham resident, Williams shared stories not only of her time in space, but her experiences growing up in the community and serving as a candy striper at BID Needham. Williams drew parallels between her work as an astronaut and the work of BID Needham’s health care providers. Although BID Needham employees may not be venturing into space, they handle challenge and uncertainty every day, demonstrating patience, courage, and determination in both big and small ways. “You have to make decisions, and sometimes they have to be fast decisions,” she said. Williams also emphasized the importance of leaning on teammates and considering others’ perspectives. “Stopping and listening to see how somebody else would solve the problem allows us to find the best solution,” she said, noting that building strong relationships is key to success—whether on the International Space Station or in a hospital emergency department.
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Williams’ visit was made possible by the Martin Family Coaching Program, a workforce development initiative established by Sonal Ullman, MD, Chief, BID Needham Division of Gastroenterology, through a philanthropic gift made by the family of Dana Martin, a late patient of BID Needham. The support of Dana’s wife, Alison Martin, and their children, Andrew Martin and Emily Trueblood, was instrumental in providing this invaluable opportunity to the hard-working teams at BID Needham. Their generosity is just one example of the many ways that philanthropy is furthering workforce development for BID Needham staff.
In recent years, donors have generously supported initiatives ranging from scholarships and stipends to training and mentorship opportunities, representing a powerful investment in the dedicated individuals who carry out BID Needham’s mission. Workforce development is a top priority for BID Needham and a key focus of the Transforming Health Care Here Campaign. Making sure BID Needham’s workforce is confident, fulfilled, and engaged not only improves the staff experience and helps to retain top talent—it allows the hospital to offer the highest quality care to patients and their families.
“We are committed to investing in our workforce and giving them the tools and experiences to grow in their careers,” says BID Needham President John Fogarty. “Hearing Sunita share her extraordinary experience in space with our staff was truly inspiring. Her story resonated deeply as we reflect on our own resilience and the everyday challenges we face in our work as a community hospital. We appreciate Sunita’s engagement with our patients, staff and the Needham community.”
Click here to see a video of Sunita’s visit.