December 2024

Your BMC

Understanding Sickle Cell Symptoms & Achieving Breakthroughs

Winter can be especially challenging for people with sickle cell disease, as cold weather can trigger a pain crisis. As the largest sickle cell disease center in New England, Boston Medical Center is proud to lead the way in raising awareness and providing comprehensive care to support patients in our communities. Discover how we make a difference through Ernest’s inspiring story.

Ernest didn’t find out he had sickle cell disease (SCD) until he was in 30s. After living with the pain for years, he was officially diagnosed and started seeing Dr. Elizabeth Klings and nurse practitioner Charlene Sylvestre at BMC’s Sickle Cell Disease Center. Since his diagnosis, Ernest has tried to learn as much as he can about SCD and appreciates the support of his team at BMC. “They are always trying to help me cope with any issues that come up.”

Two years ago, Ernest started on a newer medication. “My health has been good this past year,” he says. “The treatment has been very effective, and I haven't had any major chronic pain that requires an emergency room visit.”

The BMC Sickle Cell Disease Center is changing the lives of patients with SCD, like Ernest, by making cutting-edge treatments accessible. Our multidisciplinary team of experts work with you and your families to deliver highly personalized care for children, teens, and adults including the latest gene therapies for eligible adult patients.

Explore more about BMC’s Center of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease →

Because of You: Reflecting on 2024 and Inspiring Hope for 2025

As we close out 2024, we reflect proudly on the advances we have made in delivering innovative solutions to improve health and wellbeing. This would not have been possible without collaboration and support from our colleagues and from the communities we serve. This year, BMC Health System welcomed Good Samaritan Medical Center and St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center into our health system. Together, our integrated healthcare

system models a new kind of excellence in healthcare where clinical and operational innovation meets health equity and access. Thank you for your support this past year. We look forward to continuing our work in the year ahead.

Watch the full Because of You video →

Cross a gift off your list and strengthen patient care

BMC Patients standing in front of hospital

Need a last-minute gift? Donate to BMC in the name of a friend or loved one to support expert care that you and our community can rely on. Click the link below and check “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 in need.

Honor Someone Special →

Nubian Markets: Continuing to Thrive as a Health and Community Hub to Roxbury

In the Roxbury neighborhood? Be sure to check out Nubian Markets a unique Black-owned grocery, café, halal butcher, and gathering space. The market offers an array of food options ranging from North Africa, West Africa, Central, South Africa, the Caribbean, the African American experience and more. Equipped with a dedicated meeting room, the market also serves as a hosting space for public and private events.

While roughly 1 in 5 small businesses in the U.S. fail in their first year — and 8 in 10 Black-owned businesses fail within a year and a half — with early and ongoing support from BMC and the community, the owners of Nubian Markets have grown its workforce to 13 employees (and are still hiring), substantially built up its catering capacity, expanded the cafe menu to include breakfast, and are eyeing expansion into other Boston neighborhoods in 2025.

So stop by to try the house-made honey turmeric pita bread or the ginger beef with injera and find yourself amongst friends in this thriving community hub.

Learn more about the Nubian Markets on HealthCity →

Reminders

Five Tips to Prepare for Your Visit to Boston Medical Center

Make sure you plan ahead before your next appointment at BMC! We hope these tips will help you make the most of your visit:

Confirm your appointment: Double-check the date, time, and location of your visit. Appointment details can be found in MyChart.
Bring essentials: Don’t forget your valid photo ID and insurance card, a list of current medications and allergies, and any necessary paperwork or referrals.
Arrive early: Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment to allow time for check-in.
Bring copayment for your visit: If you have a copayment, it will be collected when you check in for your appointment.
Ask questions: Write down any questions or concerns so you can discuss them with your care team during your visit.

Awards

Dr. Thea James Receives 2024 Living Legends Award

Congratulations to Dr. Thea James, who has received the Living Legends Award from the Museum of African American History. This award recognizes outstanding lifetime accomplishments in civil and human rights. Dr. James is a distinguished advocate for healthcare equity and serves in multiple leadership roles at BMC, including vice president of mission, associate chief medical officer, and director of the Violence Intervention Advocacy Program. Her focus on creating a strategic ecosystem of growth, innovation, and effective models of care is rooted in equity, clinical excellence, and economic mobility. Discover more about Dr. James’s impact and the Living Legends Award.

BMC’s Orthopedics Program Recognized by Becker's Healthcare

We're proud to be included on Becker's list of "100 hospitals and health systems with great orthopedic programs." Also recognized as one of Newsweek's top orthopedic hospitals for 2024, BMC offers expert, comprehensive services, including hip and knee replacement, spine surgery, joint reconstruction, orthopedic trauma, elbow and hand treatments, shoulder surgeries, spine procedures, and pediatric orthopedics. Led by the President of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Dr. Paul Tornetta, our Department of Orthopedic Surgery has the extensive training, experience, and expertise to ensure patients and communities have the best possible outcome. Learn more about BMC’s award-winning orthopedics team.

Events

Dr. Komaromy at the White House Panel on The Future of Quality Measurement for Opiod Use Disorder Treatment

BMC’s Miriam Komaromy, MD, Shares Expertise on Opioid Use Disorder at the White House

Miriam Komaromy, MD, medical director of BMC's Grayken Center for Addiction, visited the White House to discuss ways to improve quality measures for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) treatment. Dr. Komaromy provided expertise on access to high-quality treatment and support for the workforce in OUD care. BMC's Grayken Center is a national leader in clinical care, research and policy related to substance use disorders. Learn more about BMC’s Grayken Center for Addiction.

In Your Words

"It is truly a hospital of compassion , which includes everyone tending to your care. My provider has exceptional listening and communication skills in addition to medical expertise and personal warmth. It does not get any better." - Patient at BMC’s Geriatric Clinic

“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.

Helpful Links

Reminder: You can send your doctor non-urgent medical questions through MyChart. Create your account or sign in today!