Annual Meeting of the Boards

On October 20, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) welcomed nearly 300 guests for its Annual Meeting of the Boards at the Four Seasons Hotel Boston. Board of Trustees Chair Thomas DeSimone welcomed everyone to the event, which was held in-person for the first time in three years. During his first remarks as Chair, Tom shared the story of how he came to be involved with BIDMC and what it means to him personally. He addressed our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and the importance of fostering an inclusive culture, empowered by a diverse staff, to deliver equitable healthcare.

Karen Morton, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, introduced new board members, recognized the new chairs and vice chairs of each board, and led a moment of silence to honor board members and friends lost since the last Annual Meeting in 2020. President and Chief Executive Officer of Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH) Kevin Tabb, MD, gave his remarks that proudly emphasized our community’s ingenuity, innovation, and commitment to our mission.

Peter J. Healy, President of BIDMC, provided us with an update on the medical center’s achievements and what we can look forward to this coming year. This includes the much-anticipated opening of the new inpatient building in March 2023 and the Institutional Strategic Plan for Innovation, Research, and Education (InSPIRE), which are both imbued with our dedication to DEI, clinical and scientific advancement, and patient-centered care. After hearing about these important initiatives, we shifted toward celebrating our valued community members. Pete presented the Daniel J. Jick Excellence in Leadership Award to three recipients: Alan Rottenberg, Ted Ladd, and Dan Barouch, MD, PhD. Each was honored for their remarkable contributions to the medical center. 

For the remainder of the evening, the group celebrated Carol F. Anderson, and thanked her for her stellar tenure as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Board of Trustees Vice Chair Carol Fulp and Ava, Carol Anderson’s granddaughter, gave remarks recognizing Carol for all that she has contributed as a friend, mentor, and chair of the institution. Tom and Pete presented a gift and a personalized white coat to Carol to thank her. They then announced a newly named program in her honor: the Carol F. Anderson Patient and Family Engagement Program. Carol gave moving remarks filled with love and appreciation for our wonderful community. She told powerful stories from her time as Board of Trustees Chair and encouraged the audience to reflect on the great toll of the COVID-19 pandemic and the sacrifices of healthcare workers. Tom then closed the evening as guests gathered for a reception.

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For more event highlights, watch the new inpatient building video presented at the Annual Meeting and see the below photo gallery for event highlights—and leave a comment below!