Explore The December Issue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
FEATURED STORY |
A Fresh Welcome To Our Newly Improved Campus |
|
|
|
On November 24, we celebrated the reopening of our
newly redesigned Menino lobby with patients, staff, and community partners. This milestone marks the final phase of our Campus Redesign, a multi-year effort to strengthen clinical care, modernize our spaces, and better support every patient who walks through our doors.
Since 2022, these campus enhancements have expanded access to high-quality, coordinated care across many services, including:
|
70 new inpatient beds and five new operating rooms, increasing our ability to deliver timely, advanced surgical and hospital care
New and improved outpatient clinics for Pediatrics, Women’s Health, and Adult Psychiatry, creating more comfortable and efficient care environments
The BMC Clinical Research Unit (CRU), a 3,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art space dedicated to advancing complex and equitable clinical research with specially trained inpatient nurses, research coordinators, 24-hour study capability, and on-site lab services
Expanded services in the Crosstown Building, serves patients on campus for adult primary care, pediatrics, and outpatient treatment in a one-stop shopping approach, including a retail pharmacy, outpatient imaging, mammography, and a blood draw suite
Medical, surgery, and critical care inpatient suites in the Yawkey Center, supporting high-acuity patient car
|
The redesigned Menino lobby now offers: ·
Improved patient drop-off and valet areas
Wider roadways and a reconfigured accessible parking lot
Better access between the Menino, Yawkey, and Moakley buildings
A new convenient location for the Yawkey Pharmacy
Expanded cafeteria seating
|
These updates reflect our continued commitment to delivering safe, high-quality, and patient-centered care in spaces designed to support healing. If you’re visiting one of our new areas for the first time, please allow extra time for your appointment. We look forward to welcoming you.
|
| Learn More About Our New Campus Enhancements→
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fedel Feels Reborn After Hearing Is Restored
|
|
|
For over 10 years, Fedel Betances was slowly losing her hearing. She was scared, sad, and self-conscious. “I was ashamed to have to ask people to speak louder,” she remembers. “I would
explain that I’m deaf and that I have to watch the movement of your lips while you talk so I can understand what you’re saying to me.”
Everything changed the day Fedel met BMC
|
|
|
otolaryngologist Dr. Avner Aliphas. Dr. Aliphas explained to Fedel in her native Spanish that her hearing loss was caused by otosclerosis, a condition that affects the tiny bone in the middle ear, called the stapes. The good news was that she could have surgery in both ears to reverse her hearing loss, and Dr. Aliphas is an expert in this type of surgery, called stapedectomy. Dr. Aliphas assured Fedel that it was very likely she would hear again soon after surgery. “Dr. Aliphas explains things to you in a way that you can understand,” says Fedel. “He has a serenity to him.”
Fedel had her first surgery in early 2025, and the second later in the Fall. Her hearing was restored quickly. “As soon as I woke up from the surgery, I could hear,” she says. “I never had any pain, no infections, no issues—everything was excellent."
Today, Fedel is happy to have put away her hearing aids and is enjoying a full life with her husband, their four children and five grandchildren. “My life has completely changed for the better,” she says. “I was born again.”
|
| Read Fedel’s Full Story Here →
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fedel Feels Reborn After Hearing Is Restored
|
|
|
For over 10 years, Fedel Betances was slowly losing her hearing. She was scared, sad, and self-conscious. “I was ashamed to have to ask people to speak louder,” she remembers. “I would explain that I’m deaf and that I have to watch the
movement of your lips while you talk so I can understand what you’re saying to me.”
Everything changed the day Fedel met BMC otolaryngologist Dr. Avner Aliphas. Dr. Aliphas explained to Fedel in her native Spanish that her hearing loss was caused by otosclerosis, a condition that affects the tiny bone in the middle ear, called the stapes. The good news was that she could have surgery in both ears to reverse her hearing loss, and Dr. Aliphas is an expert in this type of surgery, called stapedectomy. Dr. Aliphas assured Fedel that it was very likely she would hear again soon after surgery. “Dr. Aliphas explains things to you in a way that you can understand,”
says Fedel. “He has a serenity to him.”
Fedel had her first surgery in early 2025, and the second later in the Fall. Her hearing was restored quickly. “As soon as I woke up from the surgery, I could hear,” she says. “I never had any pain, no infections, no issues—everything was excellent."
Today, Fedel is happy to have put away her hearing aids and is enjoying a full life with her husband, their four children and five grandchildren. “My life has completely changed for the better,” she says. “I was born again.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Staying Healthy This Holiday Season
|
|
|
National
Influenza Vaccination Week, observed December 1–5, is a reminder that it is not too late to get your flu shot. As holiday travel picks up and people gather to celebrate, the risk of illness increases. Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. The flu can be especially dangerous for older adults, young children, pregnant people, and individuals living with
|
|
|
chronic conditions. A flu shot helps lower your risk of getting sick, reduces the severity of illness if you do
get the flu, and helps prevent the spread to others.
If you plan to travel this season, simple steps can also help you stay healthy:
Get your flu shot before you travel
Wash your hands often or use hand sanitize
Cover coughs and sneezes
Stay home if you feel sick
Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces
Flu vaccines are safe, effective, and widely available through BMC and community locations. Talk with your care team about getting vaccinated or schedule your flu shot today. Protect your health so you can spend more time focused on what matters most this season.
|
| Take Care Of Yourself And Your Loved Ones. Schedule An Appointment Today →
|
|
|
|
|
|
Staying Healthy This Holiday Season
|
|
|
National Influenza Vaccination Week, observed December
1–5, is a reminder that it is not too late to get your flu shot. As holiday travel picks up and people gather to celebrate, the risk of illness increases. Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. The flu can be especially dangerous for older adults, young children, pregnant people, and individuals living with chronic conditions. A flu shot helps lower your risk of getting sick, reduces the severity of illness if you do get the flu, and helps prevent the spread to others.
If you plan to travel this season, simple steps can also help you stay healthy:
Get your flu shot before you travel
Wash your hands often or use hand sanitize
Cover coughs and sneezes
Stay home if you feel sick
Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces
Flu vaccines are safe, effective, and widely available through BMC and community locations. Talk with your care team about getting vaccinated or schedule your flu shot today. Protect your health so you can spend more time focused on what matters most this season.
|
|
|
|
|
|
BMC Leads the Way in Health Equity at EQTY 2025
|
BMC recently hosted EQTY 2025: Progress Under Pressure, its annual national meeting bringing together leaders in research, clinical care, and community health to advance health equity.
The Advancing Medicine Research Symposium highlighted how inclusive science and community partnerships can help address disparities in conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.
This year also marked our largest attendance, with participants joining from across Massachusetts and around the country. Now in its third year, EQTY has grown into more than a conference, it’s a national movement committed to advancing health equity. See Highlights And Learn More About This Year’s EQTY Event.
|
|
|
|
|
BMC Leads the Way in Health Equity at EQTY 2025
|
BMC recently hosted EQTY 2025: Progress Under Pressure, its annual national meeting bringing together leaders in research, clinical care, and community health to advance health equity.
The Advancing Medicine Research Symposium highlighted how inclusive science and community partnerships can help address disparities in conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.
This year also marked our largest attendance, with participants joining from across Massachusetts and around the country. Now in its third year, EQTY has grown into more than a conference, it’s a national movement committed to advancing health equity. See Highlights And Learn More About This Year’s EQTY Event.
|
|
|
|
Cross A Gift Off Your List And Strengthen Patient Care
|
Need a meaningful holiday gift idea? Donate to BMC in the name of a loved one, and your donation would be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000. That means you will have twice the impact for expert care that you and our community rely on. Click the link below and select “Dedicate this donation” to get started. Choose from four holiday e-card designs and provide your loved one’s email address. The notification will be sent straight to their inbox! You’ll both feel good knowing that you’re helping families, like Rhea and Ryn’s (pictured). Donate By December 31 To Have Your Gift Matched.
|
|
|
|
Cross A Gift Off Your List And Strengthen Patient Care
|
Need a meaningful holiday gift idea? Donate to BMC in the name of a loved one, and your donation would be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000. That means you will have twice the impact for expert care that you and our community rely on. Click the link below and select “Dedicate this donation” to get started. Choose from four holiday e-card designs and provide your loved one’s email address. The notification will be sent straight to their inbox! You’ll both feel good knowing that you’re helping families, like Rhea and Ryn’s (pictured). Donate By December 31 To Have Your Gift Matched.
|
|
|
Celebrate the Season with BMC’s Teaching Kitchen
|
This December, BMC’s Teaching Kitchen brought patients and community members together to celebrate the season through food, culture, and connection. From Hanukkah to Christmas and Kwanzaa, each class shared simple recipes, nutrition tips, and the stories behind beloved holiday dishes. If you missed the first two sessions, you can still enjoy the featured recipes at home.
Hanukkah Latkes with Mara Garwood, RDN
Our December series kicked off with crispy, golden latkes and a meaningful conversation about the traditions of Hanukkah. Registered Dietitian Mara Garwood shared her healthy twists on this classic favorite, along with tips for balanced holiday eating. Recipe Link.
Christmas Crostinis with Tim Murphy, RN, and Gaby Simons, RDN
Tim Murphy, BMC Nurse, and Teaching Kitchen Manager Gaby Simons guided participants through easy, festive crostini ideas perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. View the featured crostini recipes and try them in your own kitchen. Recipe Link.
Still to Come: Quick N’ Tasty Kwanzaa Celebration
Thursday, December 18, 12:30–1:15 p.m.
Join Adora Gaul, Birth Sister at BMC, for a special Kwanzaa cooking class focused on nourishing greens. Adora prepares this dish for postpartum parents to help restore strength and support healing.
Can’t join live? See the nourishing greens recipe so you can prepare it at home.
Join Us In-Person or Virtually By Signing Up
|
|
|
Celebrate the Season with BMC’s Teaching Kitchen
|
This December, BMC’s Teaching Kitchen brought patients and community members together to celebrate the season through food, culture, and connection. From Hanukkah to Christmas and Kwanzaa, each class shared simple recipes, nutrition tips, and the stories behind beloved holiday dishes. If you missed the first two sessions, you can still enjoy the featured recipes at home.
Hanukkah Latkes with Mara Garwood, RDN
Our December series kicked off with crispy, golden latkes and a meaningful conversation about the traditions of Hanukkah. Registered Dietitian Mara Garwood shared her healthy twists on this classic favorite, along with tips for balanced holiday eating. Recipe Link.
Christmas Crostinis with Tim Murphy, RN, and Gaby Simons, RDN
Tim Murphy, BMC Nurse, and Teaching Kitchen Manager Gaby Simons guided participants through easy, festive crostini ideas perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. View the featured crostini recipes and try them in your own kitchen. Recipe Link.
Still to Come: Quick N’ Tasty Kwanzaa Celebration
Thursday, December 18, 12:30–1:15 p.m.
Join Adora Gaul, Birth Sister at BMC, for a special Kwanzaa cooking class focused on nourishing greens. Adora prepares this dish for postpartum parents to help restore strength and support healing.
Can’t join live? See the nourishing greens recipe so you can prepare it at home.
Join Us In-Person or Virtually By Signing Up
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Celebrating Partnership and Clinical Excellence
|
Recently, Boston University Medical Group (BUMG) recognized its providers during the 2025 Clinical Excellence Awards. These awards honor clinicians who advance health and well-being through excellence, innovation, and equity in patient-centered care, education, and research.
This recognition reflects the dedication of BMC and BUMG providers to the community every day, highlighting a shared commitment to high-quality care, groundbreaking research, and training the next generation of healthcare professionals. Learn More About BMC Health System.
|
|
|
Celebrating Partnership and Clinical Excellence
|
Recently, Boston University Medical Group (BUMG) recognized its providers during the 2025 Clinical Excellence Awards. These awards honor clinicians who advance health and well-being through excellence, innovation, and equity in patient-centered care, education, and research.
This recognition reflects the dedication of BMC and BUMG providers to the community every day, highlighting a shared commitment to high-quality care, groundbreaking research, and training the next generation of healthcare professionals. Learn More About BMC Health System.
|
|
|
BMC Recognized as a National Leader in Brain and Spine Care
|
We’re #BMCProud to be named to Becker’s Healthcare list of Great Neuro and Spine Programs! This list recognizes programs with outstanding patient outcomes, advanced surgical expertise, and groundbreaking research.
BMC’s Neurology and Neurosurgery teams care for patients with a wide range of conditions, including stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report, our programs are nationally ranked
for excellence in neurological care. See the full list here.
|
|
|
BMC Recognized as a National Leader in Brain and Spine Care
|
We’re #BMCProud to be named to Becker’s Healthcare list of Great Neuro and Spine Programs! This list recognizes programs with outstanding patient outcomes, advanced surgical expertise, and groundbreaking research.
BMC’s Neurology and Neurosurgery teams care for patients with a wide range of conditions, including stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report, our programs are nationally ranked
for excellence in neurological care. See the full list here.
|
|
|
|
|
BMC In The News
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
HEART of Communities Brings Care to Mattapan
|
Boston Medical Center and its HEART of Communities program were recently highlighted in The Bay State Banner for bringing care directly to Mattapan. This partnership with Mass General Brigham and Mattapan Community Health Center addresses disparities in heart disease, diabetes, and obesity by combining clinical care with support for daily life.
The program works with eligible cohorts of Mattapan residents for six-month periods and connects them to additional ways to track and care for their blood pressure and diabetes.
Dr. Thea James, BMC Vice President of Mission and Co-Executive Director of the Health Equity
Accelerator, highlighted the local focus in the program’s design process, which involved community meetings with patients and stakeholders to identify what a better model of health care delivery would look like. Read More About Heart of Communities In The Bay State Banner
|
|
|
HEART of Communities Brings Care to Mattapan
|
Boston Medical Center and its HEART of Communities program were recently highlighted in The Bay State Banner for bringing care directly to Mattapan. This partnership with Mass General Brigham and Mattapan Community Health Center addresses disparities in heart disease, diabetes, and obesity by combining clinical care with support for daily life.
The program works with eligible cohorts of Mattapan residents for six-month periods and connects them to additional ways to track and care for their blood pressure and diabetes.
Dr. Thea James, BMC Vice President of Mission and Co-Executive Director of the Health Equity
Accelerator, highlighted the local focus in the program’s design process, which involved community meetings with patients and stakeholders to identify what a better model of health care delivery would look like. Read More About Heart of Communities In The Bay State Banner
|
|
|
Nondiscrimination Statement
Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate based on age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English. To see our full nondiscrimination statement, click
here.
|
|
|
|
|
“The doctor was very caring. He listened very carefully, thought through all possible treatment options, and discussed them openly and clearly with me. He made me feel like he had my best interest at heart. I
really loved my experience with him.” - BMC Neurology Patient
|
|
|
“The doctor was very caring. He listened very carefully, thought through all possible treatment options, and discussed
them openly and clearly with me. He made me feel like he had my best interest at heart. I really loved my experience with him.” - BMC Neurology Patient
|
|
|
“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.
|
|
|
|
|
Find a Doctor
Visitor Information
Code of Conduct
Make an Appointment
