Our system Gastroenterology team has expanded. Welcome to our new GI practice at BMC South. |
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FEATURED STORY |
Don’t Skip Screening: Virtual Colonoscopies Offer a Patient-Friendly Alternative |
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Dr. Kevin Chang, Section Chief of Abdominal
Imaging and Director of MRI at BMC |
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Dr. Kevin Chang, Section Chief of Abdominal Imaging and Director of MRI at Boston Medical Center |
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A virtual colonoscopy, also known as CT colonography, is a quick (10 to 20 minutes), minimally invasive test that does not require sedation. Using X-rays and advanced imaging, the test creates detailed pictures of the colon that are reviewed by a radiologist. For many patients, this offers a more convenient and comfortable screening option.
The idea of a traditional colonoscopy can feel intimidating. |
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Concerns about sedation, preparation, or taking time off work often lead people to delay or avoid screening. But skipping screening can be risky, especially as colorectal cancer rates continue to rise in younger adults.
In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Kevin Chang, Section Chief of Abdominal Imaging and Director of MRI at Boston Medical Center, shares what patients should know about virtual colonoscopies and how they offer a more comfortable screening option.
“Colorectal cancer is changing, and so must the ways we screen for it,” Dr. Chang says.
Colorectal cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults and is now the leading cause of cancer death among Americans under age 50. Many younger patients are diagnosed at more advanced stages, which makes early screening especially important.
While common, colorectal cancer is highly preventable and treatable when caught early. Expanding access to screening options like virtual colonoscopy can help more people get tested sooner.
What is a Virtual Colonoscopy?
A computed tomography (CT) colonography, or a virtual colonoscopy, is a screening test that, like traditional coloscopies, is specially designed to look for bumps and polyps. This test is non-invasive, using X-rays and computers to produce detailed images of the body, including the colon.
Who Should Consider a Virtual Colonoscopy?
Generally speaking, patients who are of average risk of colon cancer should begin regular screening, such as a virtual colonoscopy, at age 45. Ask your provider if a virtual colonoscopy is right for you. Many insurance plans cover colorectal cancer screening as preventive care, but coverage may vary, so check with your insurer.
A virtual colonoscopy is very good at detecting polyps or other changes in the colon, including those most likely to require treatment. If the scan finds a polyp, a traditional colonoscopy may be recommended so that the polyp can be removed during the procedure. The good news is that about 9 out of 10 people who receive a virtual colonoscopy will not require a follow-up appointment for a traditional colonoscopy.
Expanding screening options like virtual colonoscopies can help more people get tested earlier and prevent cancer before it starts. |
| Learn More About Virtual Colonoscopy with BMC Radiology→ |
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Dr. Shean Rates Everyday Habits That Affect Your Circulation |
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Spring is in the air – and it’s the perfect time to get your circulation moving. Did you know that something as simple as walking is one of the best things you can do for vein health?
In this video, Katie Shean, MD, a board-certified vascular surgeon at Boston Medical Center, is putting popular trends and every day habits to the test – rating them for how well they support circulation and vein health. |
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From daily walks to compression socks, to the viral “legs on wall” trend, you might be surprised what makes a difference.
Dr. Shean brings deep expertise in leg and vein health, and cares for patients at BMC, BMC Brighton, BMC South in Brockton, and BMC Health System Multispecialty Care in Methuen. |
| Request an appointment with her today → |
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“Speak up for yourself. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion or try a different treatment. A good doctor will listen and work with you to find what’s best for your body.” |
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Living With Multiple Sclerosis: Liz’s Journey of Self-Advocacy and Resilience
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March is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis and recognize the experiences of people living with this complex neurological condition.
Liz Corsini woke up one morning in 2022 and couldn’t see out of her left eye. At 30 years old, active and busy with work and kids, she had no idea this moment would mark the beginning of a complex journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) that would fundamentally change her life.
She called her eye doctor at Boston Medical Center, who told her to come to the emergency department (ED) immediately.
That trip to the ED turned into a month-long hospital stay . When an MRI revealed lesions on her brain and spine, Liz’s care team suspected MS.
Because there is no single test that can confirm MS, it took several months to confirm Liz’s diagnosis. She was referred to the specialized Multiple Sclerosis Center at BMC, where nurse practitioner Kerin Flanagan serves as her anchor.
“We can openly communicate about everything, and she really listens. If a medicine is not working, she’ll say, ‘Okay, let’s try this.’ It’s not just percentages and statistics — she treats me as a person”, says Liz.
For anyone facing an MS diagnosis, Liz has this advice:
“Don’t compare yourself to other people with MS, because everyone’s journey is different...Speak up for yourself. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion or try a different treatment. A good doctor will listen and work with you to find what’s best for your body.” Read How Liz is Navigating Life with MS
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“Speak up for yourself. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion or try a different treatment. A good doctor will listen and work with you to find what’s best for your body.” |
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Living With Multiple Sclerosis: Liz’s Journey of Self-Advocacy and Resilience
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March is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis and recognize the experiences of people living with this complex neurological condition.
Liz Corsini woke up one morning in 2022 and couldn’t see out of her left eye. At 30 years old, active and busy with work and kids, she had no idea this moment would mark the beginning of a complex journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) that would fundamentally change her life.
She called her eye doctor at Boston Medical Center, who told her to come to the emergency department (ED) immediately.
That trip to the ED turned into a month-long hospital stay . When an MRI revealed lesions on her brain and spine, Liz’s care team suspected MS.
Because there is no single test that can confirm MS, it took several months to confirm Liz’s diagnosis. She was referred to the specialized Multiple Sclerosis Center at BMC, where nurse practitioner Kerin Flanagan serves as her anchor.
“We can openly communicate about everything, and she really listens. If a medicine is not working, she’ll say, ‘Okay, let’s try this.’ It’s not just percentages and statistics — she treats me as a person”, says Liz.
For anyone facing an MS diagnosis, Liz has this advice:
“Don’t compare yourself to other people with MS, because everyone’s journey is different...Speak up for yourself. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion or try a different treatment. A good doctor will listen and work with you to find what’s best for your body.” Read How Liz is Navigating Life with MS
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Child Life Month: Helping Children Feel Safe During Care |
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A hospital visit can feel overwhelming for children and their families. March is Child Life Month, a time to recognize Certified Child Life Specialists who help make these experiences easier through play, education, and emotional support. At Boston Medical Center, Child Life Specialists are part of the care team, helping children feel more comfortable, prepared, and supported throughout their visit. |
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Child Life Specialists are trained professionals with backgrounds in child development who work alongside doctors, nurses, and other care team members to support each child’s emotional and developmental needs. This team-based approach helps create a more supportive, family-centered experience during care.
Before a procedure, a Child Life Specialist helps children understand what will happen using clear, age-appropriate explanations. They may introduce medical equipment, use play to walk through each step, and answer questions so children know what to expect. This preparation can help reduce fear and build confidence.
During care, Child Life Specialists offer comfort through techniques like guided breathing, relaxation strategies, and distraction activities. They also use play to help children express their feelings and maintain a sense of normalcy while in the hospital.
By supporting both patients and families, the Child Life team helps children feel safer, calmer, and more prepared during medical visits. |
| Learn How BMC’s Child Life Specialists Support Children and Families → |
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Expanded Sports Medicine Care Now Available at BMCHS |
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The warmer weather is fast approaching – and for weekend warriors and active families, this means getting back out on the field, court, and road. But with activity often comes the occasional sprain, strain, or sports-related injury.
The good news is you don’t have to sit on the sidelines waiting for care. BMC Health System offers two convenient, local options designed to get you moving again – quickly. With sports medicine practices at the Ryan Center for Sports Medicine at Boston University, and the new BMC Health Sports Medicine Center now open in Wellesley, we’re delivering expert care for sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions directly to the communities where we live, work, and play.
Both practices welcome athletes of all ages and activity levels, and offer short to no wait times, so you can be seen quickly by specialists who have supported the most elite collegiate and professional athletes in New England. For added convenience and flexibility, walk-in and same-day appointments are available on Mondays in Wellesley. |
| Learn More About Sports Medicine Care Available at BMCHS → |
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Now Open: New Emergency Department Pod at BMC |
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We’re excited to share that earlier this month we opened a new 11-bed Emergency Department (ED) pod. Designed to improve patient flow and enhance care delivery, this new pod primarily serves patients in the ED observation area and operates 24/7. In addition, one new bed within the Pediatric ED is now open, helping us provide more timely care for children and families.
These updates are the final phase of the Campus Redesign project, By increasing capacity and streamlining care, BMC is working to reduce wait times, improve patient experience, and support our ED teams around the clock.
Patients also have access to high-quality emergency care at multiple BMC Health System locations. BMC Brighton offers 24/7 emergency services for both adults and children, with board-certified physicians, expedited triage, and a patient-centered approach designed to deliver timely, efficient care.
At BMC South in Brockton, patients can access a designated Level III Trauma Center serving more than 65,000 patients each year, with specialized spaces for pediatric care and patients with unique clinical needs.
Together, these locations provide more options for patients to receive urgent care when and where they need it. |
| Learn More About Our Emergency Department → |
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Running Toward Gratitude: Why Kerry Gives Back to BMC |
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For Kerry Fajardo, running the 130th Boston Marathon with Team BMC is deeply personal. It is a way to support Boston Medical Center’s mission and honor her recent journey with breast cancer.
Fajardo is director of case management at BMC South, where for more than 10 years she has led nurse case managers and social workers who support patients and families during difficult moments.
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But facing cancer herself in 2024 was entirely different. “When the biopsy came back, I couldn’t even process what they were saying to me,” she remembers. “I understood their words, but I felt they couldn’t possibly apply to me.”
Her treatment included surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy. Through it all, she kept running. “I need to run,” she says. “That’s my meditation and my connection to the world.” Even on hard days, a slow mile helped her feel like herself. “I didn’t run very fast, and I didn’t run very far. But I did it for me.”
She also felt supported by her colleagues. “They never left my side,” she says. “I wasn’t just their leader. They cared, and that was huge.”
Now cancer-free, Kerry is focused on her long-term health. On April 20, she will lace up in Hopkinton with 72 Team BMC runners aiming to raise $850,000 to advance BMC’s mission.
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Explore Me Period: A Special Film Screening and Community Conversation
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Boston Medical Center Health System is proud to bring the documentary Me Period to the community. Presented by the Black Women’s Health Imperative, this powerful film delves into the experiences of menstruation, puberty, and motherhood through candid, intergenerational conversations.
Following the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to join a panel discussion and audience Q&A featuring leaders from Boston Medical Center and the community, including Dr. Nyia Noel, Director of Gynecology at Boston Medical Center, and Petrina Martin Cherry, Vice President of Community Engagement & External Affairs at BMCHS.
When: Saturday, April 12, 2026 | 12 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: WBUR CitySpace, 890 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA
This event is a unique chance to engage with meaningful stories, ask questions, and connect with experts on topics that impact health and wellbeing across generations. Learn More and Register Today.
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Explore Me Period: A Special Film Screening and Community Conversation
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Boston Medical Center Health System is proud to bring the documentary Me Period to the community. Presented by the Black Women’s Health Imperative, this powerful film delves into the experiences of menstruation, puberty, and motherhood through candid, intergenerational conversations.
Following the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to join a panel discussion and audience Q&A featuring leaders from Boston Medical Center and the community, including Dr. Nyia Noel, Director of Gynecology at Boston Medical Center, and Petrina Martin Cherry, Vice President of Community Engagement & External Affairs at BMCHS.
When: Saturday, April 12, 2026 | 12 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: WBUR CitySpace, 890 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA
This event is a unique chance to engage with meaningful stories, ask questions, and connect with experts on topics that impact health and wellbeing across generations. Learn More and Register Today
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Together for Hope 2026: Strength in Community. Resilience in Recovery
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Join us this spring for Together for Hope 2026, a Massachusetts-wide gathering focused on connection, perseverance, and progress in addiction care. Taking place April 29–30, 2026, at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, this two-day event will bring together leading addiction experts and advocates from across the state.
Together for Hope is built on the belief that every voice matters and that meaningful change happens when we work side by side. Register by Saturday, February 28 to take advantage of early bird pricing. We welcome you, whether you are a harm reductionist, addiction doctor or nurse, a social worker, recovery coach, researcher, educator, a person with lived or living experience, family members, or advocate for change in addiction care. Join Us as We Come Together to Move Addiction Care Forward.
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Together for Hope 2026: Strength in Community. Resilience in Recovery
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Join us this spring for Together for Hope 2026, a Massachusetts-wide gathering focused on connection, perseverance, and progress in addiction care. Taking place April 29–30, 2026, at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, this two-day event will bring together leading addiction experts and advocates from across the state.
Together for Hope is built on the belief that every voice matters and that meaningful change happens when we work side by side. Register by Saturday, February 28 to take advantage of early bird pricing. We welcome you, whether you are a harm reductionist, addiction doctor or nurse, a social worker, recovery coach, researcher, educator, a person with lived or living experience, family members, or advocate for change in addiction care. Join Us as We Come Together to Move Addiction Care Forward.
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Team BMC Shines at the 2026 Winter Walk
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On Sunday, March 22, more than 160 BMC champions came together at Boston Common for the 2-mile Winter Walk, raising vital funds for Living Well at Home, BMC’s initiative supporting patients with safe, stable housing.
Walkers of all ages joined the effort to make a tangible difference for patients like Calvin, who shared:
“The housing team is extremely helpful and a great resource. I now live in a nice neighborhood, and I’m more consistent with my medication thanks to their help.”
Thanks to the generosity of grateful patients Diane and Gary Glick and the Glick Family, every dollar raised by BMC was matched up to $55,000, doubling the impact for patients.
In addition to raising critical funds, the walk also increased awareness of the key role that housing plays in health. With every step, walkers helped patients like Calvin take one more step toward stability, independence, and wellbeing.
Thank you to everyone who walked, donated, or cheered on our team. Your support makes a lasting impact in the lives of Boston patients. See More Details and Photos from the Event.
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Team BMC Shines at the 2026 Winter Walk
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On Sunday, March 22, more than 160 BMC champions came together at Boston Common for the 2-mile Winter Walk, raising vital funds for Living Well at Home, BMC’s initiative supporting patients with safe, stable housing.
Walkers of all ages joined the effort to make a tangible difference for patients like Calvin, who shared:
“The housing team is extremely helpful and a great resource. I now live in a nice neighborhood, and I’m more consistent with my medication thanks to their help.”
Thanks to the generosity of grateful patients Diane and Gary Glick and the Glick Family, every dollar raised by BMC was matched up to $55,000, doubling the impact for patients.
In addition to raising critical funds, the walk also increased awareness of the key role that housing plays in health. With every step, walkers helped patients like Calvin take one more step toward stability, independence, and wellbeing.
Thank you to everyone who walked, donated, or cheered on our team. Your support makes a lasting impact in the lives of Boston patients. See More Details and Photos from the Event.
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Castle Connolly Names BMC a Top Hospital |
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Boston Medical Center has been recognized by Castle Connolly as a Top Hospital for 2026. This year, we’re honored to be ranked in 8 procedures and several specialties, including Cancer Surgery, Heart & Vascular Surgery, and Orthopedic Surgery.
Castle Connolly recognizes hospitals nationwide for exceptional patient care and outstanding outcomes. This award reflects the dedication of our teams to providing high-quality, compassionate care to every patient. Learn More About the Award. |
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Castle Connolly Names BMC a Top Hospital |
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Boston Medical Center has been recognized by Castle Connolly as a Top Hospital for 2026. This year, we’re honored to be ranked in 8 procedures and several specialties, including Cancer Surgery, Heart & Vascular Surgery, and Orthopedic Surgery.
Castle Connolly recognizes hospitals nationwide for exceptional patient care and outstanding outcomes. This award reflects the dedication of our teams to providing high-quality, compassionate care to every patient. Learn More About the Award.
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BMC Recognized for Workplace Excellence for Culture, Belonging & Community |
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Boston Medical Center is proud to be recognized once again for our commitment to our employees, community, and culture. These honors reflect the dedication of our teams and the inclusive, supportive environment we strive to create every day.
Most recently, BMC was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Culture, Belonging & Community 2026 for cultivating a workplace culture where employees feel a strong sense of belonging and are empowered to contribute to a shared mission. Learn More About the Award.
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BMC Recognized for Workplace Excellence for Culture, Belonging & Community |
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Boston Medical Center is proud to be recognized once again for our commitment to our employees, community, and culture. These honors reflect the dedication of our teams and the inclusive, supportive environment we strive to create every day.
Most recently, BMC was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Culture, Belonging & Community 2026 for cultivating a workplace culture where employees feel a strong sense of belonging and are empowered to contribute to a shared mission. Learn More About the 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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BMC’s Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett on Boston Public Radio on GBH News
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Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett, Vice Chair of Primary Care Innovation and Transformation in the Department of Family Medicine and family medicine physician at BMC, shares her expertise on the latest health topics. She appears biweekly on the show, with her most recent interview. Watch and Listen to the Segment Here. |
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BMC’s Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett on Boston Public Radio on GBH News
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Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett, Vice Chair of Primary Care Innovation and Transformation in the Department of Family Medicine and family medicine physician at BMC, shares her expertise on the latest health topics. She appears biweekly on the show, with her most recent interview. Watch and Listen to the Segment Here. |
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“I trust [nurse] Arlene with my life. She has always been the best provider. She listens, she knows my history, she pays attention to what I'm telling her, and she is thorough and explains everything that's happening. I could not possibly want a better provider. I travel all the way down from Nashville, New Hampshire to Boston to see her, and have kept my relationship with this wonderful provider. She is the best there is, and I'm very fortunate to have her.” – BMC Patient |
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“I trust [nurse] Arlene with my life. She has always been the best provider. She listens, she knows my history, she pays attention to what I'm telling her, and she is thorough and explains everything that's happening. I could not possibly want a better provider. I travel all the way down from Nashville, New Hampshire to Boston to see her, and have kept my relationship with this wonderful provider. She is the best there is, and I'm very fortunate to have her.” – BMC Patient |
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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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