Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) has a long and rich history of medical innovation and service to those in need—stemming from its founding hospitals, Beth Israel Hospital and New England Deaconess Hospital. Beth Israel Hospital opened as a place where Jewish physicians and patients could practice and receive high-quality care during a time of discrimination, and New England Deaconess Hospital delivered care to low-income, underserved Boston-area communities.
A new art piece at the Klarman Building recognizes the medical center’s enduring commitment to these ideals over more than a century. Located on the Druker Family Sky Bridge on the building’s third floor, the new installation celebrates the dedicated individuals who make the hospital’s lifesaving work possible. The piece—a timeline outlining some of BIDMC’s milestone achievements—was designed in collaboration with Artists for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that harnesses the power of mentorship and paid professional experiences to inspire teens to build their future.
The timeline is one of more than 250 works of art commissioned specifically for the Klarman Building, which opened in 2023 thanks to generous philanthropic support. Incorporating artwork throughout the building was an intentional part of its design that is rooted in evidence that art and aesthetics can positively affect patient outcomes and length of stay. “The pieces displayed in the Klarman Building promote a sense of genuine care and comfort, creating an inspiring experience for everyone who walks through our doors,” says Nicholas Kriketos, Operations Manager of the Division of Information Services. “Promoting well-being through art enhances the extraordinary care we provide to our patients, as well as families and visitors.” Featuring primarily local creators like Artists for Humanity, the artwork in the Klarman Building is also a testament to BIDMC’s dedication to representing voices and perspectives from the communities it serves.
Honoring BIDMC’s legacy of caring for all and its role as a pioneer in medicine, the timeline features accomplishments that span the full scope of the medical center’s mission. Highlights include breakthroughs in clinical care, such as the administration of the first insulin treatment in the U.S., as well as meaningful advances in research, like the discovery of a novel, personalized therapy to condition the immune system to fight cancer. The timeline also reflects BIDMC’s longtime commitment to developing future leaders, including the launch of BIDMC’s first-of-its-kind Transition to Practice Nursing Residency Program.
Importantly, the timeline captures how BIDMC has led the way in putting patients at the forefront and expanding access to word-class care—from Beth Israel Hospital being the first in the nation to create a Patient Bill of Rights to the formation of the Community Care Alliance, which unites BIDMC-affiliated community health centers in serving more than 120,000 patients annually throughout Greater Boston.
Ultimately, the timeline stands as a tribute to the trailblazing physicians, researchers, and leaders who have shaped BIDMC as an institution. “This piece is a wonderful representation of BIDMC’s rich history and the values that guide our work to this day,” says Kevin McAteer, Divisional Vice President of Philanthropy. “We are very grateful to the individuals and communities who laid the foundation for BIDMC’s growth and success, and we look forward to what the next century will bring.”
