Seeded amid the many surprises of COVID times, some unexpected positives

The Gazette recently contacted experts to ask about a few surprising, unanticipated positives that have emerged midst pandemic. In the area of health care delivery, almost 90 percent of the visits at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center’s primary care practice had to switch to telephone or video interviews which makes for fully open and transparent communication even more important. (Harvard Gazette, February 18, 2021)

Do I qualify? Vaccine confusion for patients with multiple serious medical conditions

As Massachusetts and several other states prioritize vaccine distribution to residents with cancer, heart disease, obesity and other medical concerns, many are still trying to figure out if they qualify as criteria with these diseases remain unclear. Sean Levy, MD of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, noted some eligible risk factors like smoking are open to interpretation. (WBUR, February 18, 2021)

There are new all-stars at Fenway Park, carrying syringes of vaccine and doses of hope

The state has been criticized for its inoculation work, absorbing complaints about logistical hurdles and cumbersome technology. Edward Ullman, MD of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, noted the only way to address those complaints is to take the criticism, listen to it and figure out how to make it better. (Boston Globe, February 17, 2021)

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham receives $4.3 million gift to support ICU expansion and behavioral health services

BID-Needham receives its largest donation in the hospital's history from the Trotman Family, which will go towards establishing the Trotman Family Behavioral Health Patient Navigator and expanded intensivist medicine coverage in the ICU. (Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham, February 16, 2021)

How soon will COVID-19 vaccines return life to normal?

In the fight toward herd COVID-19 immunity, Dan Barouch, MD, PhD of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, spoke to the importance of vaccine-induced T cell responses, particularly for resistant variants that might partially evade neutralizing antibodies. (Science Magazine, February 16, 2021)

4 ways for physicians to overcome the perfectionist mindset

As COVID-19 continues to devastate the country, physician burnout remains an ongoing issue. Alexa Kimball, MD, MPH, President & CEO of Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, shared tips to develop self-awareness and overcome perfectionist tendencies to battle physician burnout. (American Medical Association, February 16, 2021)

‘Severely limited’ vaccine supply could be ‘disruptive’ to Massachusetts hospitals

The Baker administration announced that the state will not send additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Massachusetts hospitals for the time being. Already-scheduled first or second dose vaccines at BILH will be administered as planned, but new appointments are not being scheduled at this time. (Boston Herald, February 13, 2021)

Hospital CEO: Start making routine doctor’s visits

As fewer people see their doctors for routine visits during the pandemic, the number of cancer diagnoses at BILH-affiliated health care providers dropped 20%. Phil Cormier, President of Beverly & Addison Gilbert Hospitals, noted those cancers did not disappear, just did not get diagnosed. (Gloucester Daily Times, February 11, 2021)

Hospitals fume as Governor shifts Coronavirus vaccine strategy

The Baker administration announced that the state will not send additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Massachusetts hospitals for the time being. Already-scheduled first or second dose vaccines at BILH will be administered as planned. (WBUR, February 11, 2021)

COVID testing for domestic flights faces strong headwinds

In this article, Lin Chen, MD, of Mount Auburn Hospital, discussed COVID-19 testing for travelers and why it is a complex issue. (WJLA, February 10, 2021)

Separating mothers with COVID-19 from their newborns may be unnecessary and cause long-term harm, researchers find

Study shows that the benefits of keeping mothers and infants together likely outweigh the risks of infection to babies born to mothers with COVID-19. Learn more about this study led by Dr. Bartick. (Mount Auburn Hospital, February 10, 2021)

Beth Israel Lahey Health awards $600,000 in grant funding to the City of Chelsea

Beth Israel Lahey Health announces $600,000 in grant funding to the City of Chelsea to support efforts to address food insecurity and housing stability. Read about the organizations being supported by the grant. (Beth Israel Lahey Health, February 9, 2021)