Trusted Vision
Gift advances innovation and care through trust
A $5 million gift by Board of Trustees Vice Chair Pamela Lesser and her husband, Steven Lesser, is accelerating innovation in cardiology and radiation oncology. Their investment will support the recruitment of leading physician-scientists, accelerate innovation, and expand access to advanced treatments for patients.
Half of the Lessers’ gift supported the recruitment of James M. McCabe, MD, Section Chief for Structural Heart Therapies and faculty member of the Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research. McCabe is leading the establishment of a new research center focused on cardiovascular devices and procedural innovation, helping bring promising therapies to patients more quickly. The other half of the Lessers’ gift will support new, advanced technologies in radiation oncology, which will further advance BIDMC’s ability to care for patients with gynecologic and other cancers.
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The Lessers’ generosity reflects deep trust in BIDMC and the people who lead it. Their connection to the medical center began with a personal patient experience, including care from the late Mark Josephson, MD, and grew into sustained leadership and meaningful philanthropy. What started as an introduction to the institution evolved into lasting relationships and a deep appreciation for the care they received.
At its core, their philanthropy is grounded in deeply held values. “We want to give back everything we can,” says Steve. “For us, philanthropy is about supporting the people and institutions that mean a lot to us and helping them continue their important work.”
Pam shares a complementary perspective. “We feel strongly about giving while we’re still here to see the difference it can make,” she says. “There is something especially meaningful about being able to witness the impact of our philanthropy firsthand, to stay connected to the people and programs we’re supporting, and to see that work flourish. That’s an experience we hope others will consider as they think about their own giving.” Together, these beliefs continue to shape both their philanthropy and their role as active partners in BIDMC’s future.
Rather than directing their gift, the Lessers chose to invest in people they trust to use the resources where they will have the greatest impact. Their support of cardiology and oncology was inspired by longstanding relationships with physician-leaders, including Associate Chief and Director of Clinical Cardiology and Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Professor of Medicine Peter Zimetbaum, MD, and Chief of the Department of Radiation Oncology Mary Ann Stevenson, MD, PhD.
“We wanted to be able to have an impact in areas that the hospital leadership felt were priorities,” explains Pam. “We didn’t want to define that—we wanted to leave that up to the individuals leading those efforts.”
That confidence comes at a transformational time for BIDMC, as the medical center expands clinical programs and recruits 200 new faculty through the Dana-Farber Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Collaboration. “There’s just so much positive momentum,” Pam notes. “I can’t think of a more exciting, interesting, rewarding place to spend my time.”
What distinguishes BIDMC most, in their view, is the combination of clinical excellence and compassion. “Patient-centric, compassionate, human care paired with the best possible clinical care,” as Pam describes it, creates a culture that attracts exceptional talent and allows it to thrive.
Together, Pam and Steve Lesser exemplify how philanthropy defined by trust and partnership is essential to shaping what comes next. Their leadership and generosity reflect confidence not only in BIDMC’s current strength, but in its future—as an institution evolving rapidly, attracting world-class talent, and expanding what is possible in patient care. At a time when health care is advancing at an unprecedented pace, their story underscores a powerful idea: there is no better moment to invest in the future.