December has provided for some interesting "sights"  for the Institute community.   I had the chance to accompany some Partners' colleagues to Delhi, India in order to explore some collaborative opportunities for the future.  This picture, taken at India's largest mosque, is my favorite one from the trip!

Six faculty members representing our two Schools shared their research results with members of the Board at their recent Board of Trustees Dinner.   During a pre-dinner reception, faculty work was displayed on posters around the room and Trustees had a chance to visit with the faculty members and learn of their contributions.



Faculty members Pat Reidy and Dan Kane  (above)
hosted visitors in the ICU environment.

The lovely patient in the home care setting presented
an interesting mix of  challenges including her own
personal health habits and a bad wig!  By the way, the patient
is Dr. Deb Navedo!

Dr. Marianne Benninato (Physical Therapy) explained her work to Board Chair, Dr. George Thibault during the recent Board Dinner



On another note, Dec. 15 was the Institute Open House for the Simulation Center.  Many faculty members were able to see first hand the simulated home care environment and the ICU environment.  One of the goals of the event was to encourage faculty and student use of simulation in teaching activities.

By the way, the home simulation center is in need of a variety of products, furnishing, and assorted items.  Be sure to check out the list provided by the Simulation group that is posted in the main lobby of the Shouse Building.

Thanks to the faculty members who pulled the "open house" off and made it a big success!

CSD Faculty members Julie Atwood and Lesley Maxwell were seen attending the amazing holiday party hosted by the President!   What an event!   As usual, members of our Institute community raised money for a local shelter and donated two bins of toys for "Toys for Tots."   The marines were present to pick up the goods.  

Wake Up; It's December Already

     December Thought #1:  From all of my years in school (when have I ever NOT been in school?), December is always a memorable time.   In elementary school, December meant holiday planning and celebrations; in high school and college  it meant looking forward to a much desired break; and now in my professional life it almost always means time to "take stock."  One of the things that I have been thinking about as I take stock of this year is--how fast we are moving to the future.  I am so optimistic about our future at the Institute, that I almost can't remember all we have been accomplishing.   Rather, I keep wanting to jump ahead to that next exhilerating step.  I know that everyone doesn't always embrace my enthusiasm for change, and I am trying to be respectful of that.  At the same time, I am so excited about what is to come.
       This December, I am making a resolution to look back with appreciation for the wonderful environment in which I work (with each of our faculty members, staff, and students); the accomplishments of our faculty; and the responsibilities that we all take so seriously. As we look ahead together, I am promising myself and all of you to remember the Institute's long history of successful leadership and the recent work that has brought us to this exciting threshold.   More about that in January.....

December Thought # 2:  Today is December 1 and that means it is World AIDS Day.  How far our health care and social systems have come in prevention, treatment, and support of those with AIDS and HIV.  We work in an environment-Partners, MGH, Brigham and of course, the Institute-that has consistently demonstrated strong leadership about AIDS and also in serving those with this disease in a responsible, helpful, and respectful manner.  Today, I am particularly proud of those on our faculty, particularly some of our nursing colleagues, who have exemplified this leadership.   It is suggested that we wear "red" on AIDS awareness day.  Today, I am wearing and AIDS pin that was given to me by some health workers when I visited South Africa in honor of our nursing colleagues at the Institute.  Thanks for your leadership in our program, in Boston, and around the world.

December Thought #3:  Were you able to attend our first ACADEMIC TOWN MEETING?  It was held on November 22 and was well attended by the academic community.  If you missed it, the slides from my comments are available on the intranet.   As always, I am happy to answer any questions or hear comments from the Intstitute community.