From Health Executive Magazine
Written by Amanda Gaines
Sunday, 01 June 2008
In 1954, while Oliver Brown battled to overturn the doctrine of “separate but equal” in school systems, halfway across the country, the founding fathers of Brigham and Women’s Hospital completed the first successful human kidney transplant. Both are important milestones in our nation’s history, and both illustrate the point that to understand the future, you can’t forget the past.
Decades later, the Harvard teaching hospital continues to build on a centuries-old commitment to excellence that enables it to use the achievements of the past to evolve and meet the challenges ahead.
“This hospital has always been committed to excellence in patient care and has translated the findings of science into easing pain, curing illness, and restructuring healthcare delivery,” said Dr. Gary Gottlieb, president of Brigham and Women’s. “We also have the great privilege of participating in the education and training of a group of people who ultimately become leaders in the delivery of healthcare and science in the country.”
BWH’s residents leverage the hospital in a way that defines the hospital’s leadership and builds on the institution’s commitment to taking risk in the face of substantial challenges. Founded in 1980 by the merger of three Harvard-affiliated hospitals, BWH’s history dates back to the 19th century, bringing to the 21st century a rich history of healthcare firsts.
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