The Importance of Multiple Opinions and Holistic Care |
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Dr. Tuhina Neogi |
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Ania Foerste has always lived an active life. A long-distance cyclist who owned and ran two businesses, she spent long days on her feet, embracing a fast-paced lifestyle near her home in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
When she entered her 40s, something began to change. What started as unusual pain and fatigue soon became debilitating. Simple daily tasks that once felt routine suddenly became incredibly difficult. Ania knew this wasn’t the normal aches and pains that come with life. However, her primary care provider (PCP) at
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the time disagreed. “I was first told it was nothing more than inflammation, and that inflammation can look different for everyone,” she says. “But the pain was disrupting my life so much that I knew I needed a second opinion. I went to see an orthopedist, who told me the problem was surgical and that I would need both knees replaced.”
Still, Ania didn’t believe the issue was limited to her knees, and she wasn’t convinced that inflammation alone could explain what she was experiencing. Her body was telling her something bigger was going on.
Still searching for answers and hoping to avoid surgery, she asked the orthopedist if there was a doctor who could take a more holistic view and help her get to the root of what was going on. That is when she found Boston Medical Center’s Chief of Rheumatology, Tuhina Neogi, MD, PhD.
In their first appointment, Dr. Neogi asked more questions and ordered more tests than any provider Ania had seen previously. She took a holistic approach to Ania’s care, carefully considering her full medical history and symptoms.
“I remember telling Dr. Neogi that I was in my mid-40s and wondered if maybe it was just aging,” Ania recalls. “She looked me in the eye and told me that this was not normal aging and that I was too young to feel like this.”
That moment of validation meant a great deal to Ania.
Discover Ania’s full story and learn how a whole-body, team-based approach at Boston Medical Center helped her finally find answers, feel heard, and start getting back to the life she loves. |
| Read Ania’s Full Story Here → |
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Could Your Symptoms Be an Autoimmune Disease? |
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Many women say it starts with a feeling that “something just isn’t right.” You may feel more tired than usual, notice new aches, or feel fatigued even after a good night’s sleep. For years, symptoms like fatigue, aching, or joint pain were often blamed on stress, aging, or hormones, and women in their midlife went a long time without answers. Now, doctors understand these symptoms better and are diagnosing autoimmune diseases earlier.
When an autoimmune disease presents, the immune system—which normally protects you—starts attacking healthy parts of the body by mistake. This can cause swelling and pain, and due to inflammation in areas such as your joints, skin, or other organs. Today, more than 50 million Americans live with an autoimmune disease, and women make up almost 80% of those cases.
Why Autoimmune Diseases Often Show up in Midlife
Several changes happen during this stage of life that can make autoimmune conditions more noticeable:
- Hormone changes — During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels become variable before declining. These shifts can affect how the immune system behaves and may make autoimmune issues more likely.
- Environmental triggers — Stress, certain infections, smoking, and inflammation linked to diet or lifestyle can “wake up” an autoimmune response that was quiet before.
- Genetics and changes to gene function – Women have two X chromosomes, which have immune-related genes. Changes to how genes function can accumulate over time that may influence how the immune system functions.
- Better testing — Rheumatologists now use improved tools and data to find autoimmune diseases earlier and create more personalized treatment plans.
- More awareness — Women and their doctors are paying closer attention to symptoms that used to be dismissed. Early care can help protect joints and organs and improve long‑term health.
How Rheumatology Can Help
Because autoimmune diseases can develop slowly and look like normal aging or hormonal changes, rheumatologists play an important role in helping women understand what’s going on in their bodies.
At BMC’s Department of Rheumatology, patients can receive many types of care, including joint injections, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and infusion treatments for autoimmune diseases. Our rheumatologists work closely with pharmacists and other specialists to make sure every part of your health is supported. Many patients can even see multiple providers in one visit, making care easier and more coordinated.
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| Learn About Autoimmune Care at BMC → |
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Celebrating Nurses Week Across BMC Health System |
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During Nurses Week (May 6-12), BMC Health System celebrated the compassion, skill, and dedication of nurses across BMC, BMC Brighton, and BMC South. Every day, our nurses support patients and families through life’s most important moments. We are grateful for the vital role our nursing teams play in strengthening the health of our communities. Our community of patients, colleagues, donors, and friends shared well wishes and gratitude for the excellent care all nurses provide every day. |
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BMC Honors Mother’s Day Duos |
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Alex and Dawn |
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Across BMC Health System, Mother’s Day was a time to honor the compassion, strength, and dedication of mothers and caregivers in our community. From participating in the Mother’s Day Walk for Peace, to celebrating inspiring family duos across our campuses, the day reflected our deep commitment to care, connection, and community.
At BMC, we celebrated Alex and Dawn, a mother-daughter duo who work in the Catheterization Lab and Interventional Radiology. They have recently been busy running the Boston Marathon with Team BMC and celebrating Nurses Week side by side. Their shared commitment to compassion and clinical excellence reflects a strong family legacy in nursing.
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At BMC South, we celebrated mother-daughter duo Kristen Higgins, RN, Nursing Director, and Jillian Higgins, RN, ED nurse, whose shared passion for healthcare reflects generations of family dedication. Together, they highlight the supportive culture, meaningful growth, and strong sense of community.
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At BMC Brighton, we honored Jane Chang, who works in Medical Records, and Phil Chang, who works in IT, who are a mother son duo who have been with the hospital for over a decade. Their work behind the scenes helps ensure seamless care, and their shared experience reflects a deep commitment to teamwork and excellence.
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This Mother's Day and beyond, we extend our gratitude for all mothers and mother figures who make a lasting difference in the lives of our patients and each other.
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Stroke Awareness Month: Knowing The BEFAST Signs |
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May is Stroke Awareness Month. A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts. When this happens, brain cells do not get the oxygen they need and can begin to die within minutes.
In the United States, stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and one of the top causes of death, affecting nearly 800,000 people each year. Knowing the signs and acting quickly can make a life-saving difference.
These signs are known as BEFAST and can help you recognize a stroke quickly:
- Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Face: One side of the face droops or looks uneven
- Arms: One arm is weak or drifts downward
- Speech: Speech is slurred or hard to understand
- Time: Call 911 right away if you notice any of these signs
If you think you or someone else may be having a stroke, do not wait. Getting care as quickly as possible can help reduce long-term effects and improve recovery.
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| Learn About Stroke Care at BMC Health System → |
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5/30 Boston Wellness Day: Join Us for a Citywide Day of Health, Access, And Community
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Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and Boston Medical Center, in partnership with the Boston Public Health Commission, are bringing the community together for a day focused on health, connection, and support.
Boston Wellness Day: Building a Healthier City for All
Saturday, May 30, 2026, 11:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Berkshire Partners Blue Hill Club and Harambee Park
This free, family-friendly event is designed to connect Boston residents with care, resources, and local experts. Throughout the day, you can hear from pediatric specialists, join interactive sessions, and learn practical ways to support the health and wellbeing of children and families.
The event builds on community-identified needs, including rising rates of diabetes, neurodivergence, and trauma among youth. It is also an opportunity for families, caregivers, and youth-serving staff to connect directly with care teams and walk away with tools they can use every day. Save Your Spot for This Free Community Event.
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5/30 Boston Wellness Day: Join Us for a Citywide Day of Health, Access, And Community
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Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and Boston Medical Center, in partnership with the Boston Public Health Commission, are bringing the community together for a day focused on health, connection, and support.
Boston Wellness Day: Building a Healthier City for All
Saturday, May 30, 2026, 11:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Berkshire Partners Blue Hill Club and Harambee Park
This free, family-friendly event is designed to connect Boston residents with care, resources, and local experts. Throughout the day, you can hear from pediatric specialists, join interactive sessions, and learn practical ways to support the health and wellbeing of children and families.
The event builds on community-identified needs, including rising rates of diabetes, neurodivergence, and trauma among youth. It is also an opportunity for families, caregivers, and youth-serving staff to connect directly with care teams and walk away with tools they can use every day. Save Your Spot for This Free Community Event. |
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BMC Rooftop Farms Welcome a New Growing Season
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Spring is bringing new growth to the BMC Rooftop Farms. Over the past few months, farm managers have been preparing seedlings in the greenhouse and getting planting beds ready for the warmer weather ahead. Even with a stretch of chilly nights, the season is already off to a strong start with early harvests of fresh spinach and chives.
The farms help provide fresh, locally grown produce to patients, BMC’s Preventive Food Pantry, cafeterias, and community partners across Boston.The season also welcomed its first volunteer groups from John Hancock and the MIT Farm Club, whose partnership helps support the farms throughout the growing season. Learn More About Our Rooftop Farms.
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BMC Rooftop Farms Welcome a New Growing Season
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Spring is bringing new growth to the BMC Rooftop Farms. Over the past few months, farm managers have been preparing seedlings in the greenhouse and getting planting beds ready for the warmer weather ahead. Even with a stretch of chilly nights, the season is already off to a strong start with early harvests of fresh spinach and chives.
The farms help provide fresh, locally grown produce to patients, BMC’s Preventive Food Pantry, cafeterias, and community partners across Boston.The season also welcomed its first volunteer groups from John Hancock and the MIT Farm Club, whose partnership helps support the farms throughout the growing season. Learn More About Our Rooftop Farms.
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Access to Action: Building Healthier Neighborhoods Together
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Join Boston Medical Center and Blue Bridge for a community conversation focused on improving health and expanding access to care and resources.
Friday, May 29, 2026, 5:30 PM To 8:30 PM
Bethel AME Church, Boston
This panel brings together clinical experts and community leaders to talk about how food access, environment, and everyday conditions shape health, especially when it comes to metabolic health and chronic disease.
You will hear practical ideas and real solutions that reflect the needs of Boston communities, along with ways to take action locally. The discussion is designed to connect research and care with what people experience day to day, with a focus on culturally relevant, community-driven change.
Whether you are a community member, caregiver, or work with local organizations, this event offers a chance to learn, share, and be part of the conversation. Reserve Your Spot for the Event Here.
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Access to Action: Building Healthier Neighborhoods Together
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Join Boston Medical Center and Blue Bridge for a community conversation focused on improving health and expanding access to care and resources.
Friday, May 29, 2026, 5:30 PM To 8:30 PM
Bethel AME Church, Boston
This panel brings together clinical experts and community leaders to talk about how food access, environment, and everyday conditions shape health, especially when it comes to metabolic health and chronic disease.
You will hear practical ideas and real solutions that reflect the needs of Boston communities, along with ways to take action locally. The discussion is designed to connect research and care with what people experience day to day, with a focus on culturally relevant, community-driven change.
Whether you are a community member, caregiver, or work with local organizations, this event offers a chance to learn, share, and be part of the conversation. Reserve Your Spot for the Event Here.
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BMC Celebrates Haitian Heritage Month Across Boston
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In May, BMC proudly celebrated Haitian Heritage Month by joining community leaders and members of the diaspora across Boston for Haitian Heritage Parade and Haitian Flag Day events honoring Haitian culture, history, and resilience.
On May 15, community leaders, residents, and supporters gathered at Boston City Hall Plaza for the annual Haitian Flag Raising Ceremony in recognition of Haitian Flag Day. Throughout the weekend, the celebration continued at Boston’s Haitian Heritage Day Parade on May 17, where thousands gathered in Mattapan for a day filled with music, culture, food, and community pride.
As a proud sponsor of the parade, BMC connected community members with resources and health information to support health and well-being for individuals and families across Boston.
We are honored to stand with the Haitian community and remain committed to advancing health equity so every patient in thriving. See More Coverage from Haitian Heritage and Flag Day Celebrations.
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BMC Celebrates Haitian Heritage Month Across Boston
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In May, BMC proudly celebrated Haitian Heritage Month by joining community leaders and members of the diaspora across Boston for Haitian Heritage Parade and Haitian Flag Day events honoring Haitian culture, history, and resilience.
On May 15, community leaders, residents, and supporters gathered at Boston City Hall Plaza for the annual Haitian Flag Raising Ceremony in recognition of Haitian Flag Day. Throughout the weekend, the celebration continued at Boston’s Haitian Heritage Day Parade on May 17, where thousands gathered in Mattapan for a day filled with music, culture, food, and community pride.
As a proud sponsor of the parade, BMC connected community members with resources and health information to support health and well-being for individuals and families across Boston.
We are honored to stand with the Haitian community and remain committed to advancing health equity so every patient in thriving. See More Coverage from Haitian Heritage and Flag Day Celebrations.
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BMC Seasons: Celebrating 30 Years of Care and Community
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On Saturday, May 9, Boston Medical Center leaders, friends, and supporters gathered at Seasons, BMC’s largest fundraiser, to celebrate 30 years since the 1996 merger of Boston City Hospital and Boston University Medical Center that created BMC as an academic medical center. This special night raised $3.4 million to ensure expert care is accessible to all patients. Together, we celebrated the millions of caring moments made possible by generous supporters. We proudly honored Martha Samuelson, Richard Slifka (in memoriam), and corporate champion Takeda for the pivotal roles they have played in BMC’s growth.
Funds raised at Seasons support accessible, exceptional care for our community, inclusive research that drives better health outcomes for everyone, and whole-health help to address barriers to care. See Photos and More Highlights.
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BMC Seasons: Celebrating 30 Years of Care and Community
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On Saturday, May 9, Boston Medical Center leaders, friends, and supporters gathered at Seasons, BMC’s largest fundraiser, to celebrate 30 years since the 1996 merger of Boston City Hospital and Boston University Medical Center that created BMC as an academic medical center. This special night raised $3.4 million to ensure expert care is accessible to all patients. Together, we celebrated the millions of caring moments made possible by generous supporters. We proudly honored Martha Samuelson, Richard Slifka (in memoriam), and corporate champion Takeda for the pivotal roles they have played in BMC’s growth.
Funds raised at Seasons support accessible, exceptional care for our community, inclusive research that drives better health outcomes for everyone, and whole-health help to address barriers to care. See Photos and More Highlights.
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BMCHS President And CEO Alastair Bell Named One of Boston’s Most Influential Leaders |
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Boston Medical Center Health System President and CEO, Alastair Bell, MD, has been named one of Boston Magazine’s Most Influential Bostonians. This recognition reflects his leadership in expanding access to care and strengthening services for patients and communities across the region.
Under his leadership, the health system has continued to grow, bringing together more providers, services, and resources to better meet the needs of the people it serves. Learn More About This Recognition. |
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BMCHS President And CEO Alastair Bell Named One of Boston’s Most Influential Leaders |
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Boston Medical Center Health System President and CEO, Alastair Bell, MD, has been named one of Boston Magazine’s Most Influential Bostonians. This recognition reflects his leadership in expanding access to care and strengthening services for patients and communities across the region.
Under his leadership, the health system has continued to grow, bringing together more providers, services, and resources to better meet the needs of the people it serves. Learn More About This Recognition.
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Robert J. Vinci, M, Receives A National Leadership Honor in Pediatrics |
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Boston Medical Center Health System is proud to share that Robert J. Vinci, MD, Chief of Pediatrics (Emeritus), has been named the recipient of the 2026 Joseph W. St. Geme, Jr. Leadership Award from the Federation of Pediatric Organizations.
This national honor recognizes Dr. Vinci’s decades of leadership as a clinician, educator, and mentor, and his lasting impact on pediatric care, training, and workforce development. Throughout his career, he has helped shape programs that improve how children receive care, while supporting generations of clinicians who continue to serve communities across the country.
Dr. Vinci’s work has consistently focused on strengthening access to care for children and families, advancing medical education, and building systems that support more equitable outcomes in pediatrics.
We celebrate this well-deserved recognition and his continued influence on the field of pediatrics. Read More About This Award.
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Robert J. Vinci, M, Receives A National Leadership Honor in Pediatrics |
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Boston Medical Center Health System is proud to share that Robert J. Vinci, MD, Chief of Pediatrics (Emeritus), has been named the recipient of the 2026 Joseph W. St. Geme, Jr. Leadership Award from the Federation of Pediatric Organizations.
This national honor recognizes Dr. Vinci’s decades of leadership as a clinician, educator, and mentor, and his lasting impact on pediatric care, training, and workforce development. Throughout his career, he has helped shape programs that improve how children receive care, while supporting generations of clinicians who continue to serve communities across the country.
Dr. Vinci’s work has consistently focused on strengthening access to care for children and families, advancing medical education, and building systems that support more equitable outcomes in pediatrics.
We celebrate this well-deserved recognition and his continued influence on the field of pediatrics. Read More About This Award.
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BMC In The News |
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We’re excited to spotlight recent media coverage that features BMC experts sharing insights on timely health topics. From national outlets to local platforms, these stories reflect our commitment to improving care, advancing equity, and supporting our patients and communities every step of the way. |
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6 Things Doctors Wish You Knew About Shingles
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Many people assume shingles is a one-time illness, but recurrence is possible, especially for older adults, women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In a recent feature, Sabrina A Assoumou, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist at Boston Medical Center, addresses this misconception directly, noting: “An important misconception to address is that you can only get shingles once.”
She explains that shingles “can occur more than once, and it is more likely to recur in women and older individuals.” The piece also underscores that prior infection does not eliminate risk and reinforces why vaccination remains an important preventive step even after someone has had shingles. Read the Full Article Here.
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6 Things Doctors Wish You Knew About Shingles
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Many people assume shingles is a one-time illness, but recurrence is possible, especially for older adults, women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In a recent feature, Sabrina A Assoumou, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist at Boston Medical Center, addresses this misconception directly, noting: “An important misconception to address is that you can only get shingles once.”
She explains that shingles “can occur more than once, and it is more likely to recur in women and older individuals.” The piece also underscores that prior infection does not eliminate risk and reinforces why vaccination remains an important preventive step even after someone has had shingles. Read the Full Article Here. |
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In Your Words |
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“In Your Words” features patient comments from patient experience outreach surveys. We appreciate your time completing these surveys and for sharing your thoughts with us. The information gathered in these surveys is used to learn where we can improve, to continue to provide exceptional care to all. |
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“Dr Dubreuil is the absolute best. She saw me really quickly after I contacted her… She explained all of the tests and everything… I just continue to feel so, so lucky to have her in my corner.” – BMC Rheumatology Patient |
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“Dr Dubreuil is the absolute best. She saw me really quickly after I contacted her… She explained all of the tests and everything… I just continue to feel so, so lucky to have her in my corner.” – BMC Rheumatology Patient |
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