University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center

04/30/2026

In the early 1900s, measles was a common problem. By 2000, the United States had declared that measles was no longer a threat, thanks to widespread vaccination and education. But now the virus is quickly returning. Learn about 5 Measles Myths and how you can protect your family on the UMMS Health Hub:

Looking for expert advice on measles prevention? Learn five common myths, and the truths that debunk them, plus measles symptoms everyone should know.

04/29/2026

Congratulations to Patricia Dunne, RN, from the ICU, for winning the DAISY Award for November 2025! Patricia was nominated by a colleague for providing special care above the call of duty to a recent patient.

"Pattie showed extraordinary care and compassion for her patient. This patient was known by her friends and family as a person who took great pride in their personal presentation, never leaving the house without being put together. Out of the goodness of her heart, Pattie took the time to style the patient’s hair and help them feel presentable.

The family didn’t ask Pattie to do this; she did it out of the kindness of her own heart. Her kindness brought comfort to not only to the patient, but to the family who expressed how much this meant to them.

Pattie’s willingness to go above and beyond represents the very heart of nursing. She saw her patient as a whole person – not just someone receiving medical care.”

Thank you, Patricia, for going above and beyond to care for our patients.

04/27/2026

Last month, UM BWMC hosted its third annual SPARQ Tank awards. The annual SPARQ Tank event gives UM BWMC team members the opportunity to pitch new technologies, practices and models that sustainably improve health outcomes and patient experience. Three out of seven finalists were selected to receive funding to advance their project proposals, including:

• The Compassion Fund, presented by Elizabeth Grady, DO and Jennifer Bistrack, MPH, MS, RN — received $35,000

• The REST (Restorative Environment and Sleep Transformation) Initiative, presented by Courtney Clampitt, MS, CCC-SLP; Mira Baum, OTD, OTR/L; Megan McGowan, MS, OTR/L; Felecia Morris, BSN, CMSRN; Marivale Kriewald, BSN, CMSRN; Brandon Avrett, RN; Suzette Tadlock, PCT — received $7,500

• Bringing Vital Health Monitoring Home, presented by Audra Hernandez, BA, AAS, CCHW, CCM, CMA — received $7,500

Funding for this year's program was generously provided by Anne Arundel County philanthropists John and Cathy Belcher through the BWMC Foundation. Learn more about SPARQ Tank and the winning projects at https://www.umms.org/bwmc/news/2026/sparq-tank

04/24/2026

04/22/2026

Congratulations to Thulashini Ramakrishnan, PCT, from 6 West, for winning the Sunshine Award for November 2025. Thulashini was nominated by a patient’s care partner.

“Thulashini has been a consistently dedicated technician throughout our stay. She performs her duties in a kind, caring manner, exhibiting a gentle and calming influence during each interaction.

She is full of joy and always smiling and always offering to provide a cold drink of water or a snack. When she has time, she even draws a picture of her favorite places to add to the artwork on the wall of our room.

She has gone out of her way to provide compassionate care. Thulashini deserves to be recognized for her outstanding care and compassion.”

Thank you, Thulashini, for providing such gentle, compassionate care to our patients!

04/21/2026

Hear Gavin Henry, MD, FACS, medical director for the Tate Cancer Center and thoracic surgeon at UM BWMC, on 92QJams Baltimore page this evening as he talks lung cancer awareness with host Chey Parker.

Join Chey Parker for “Building Up The Health of the Community – “Lung Cancer Awareness,” streaming LIVE tonight at 7pm on Facebook, Radio One Baltimore YouTube and 92Q.com!

Presented by University of Maryland Medical System

04/17/2026

Today we are proud to celebrate our Excellence in Nursing honorees as recognized by Baltimore magazine! Congratulations to Kendra Coles, Rosina Gonzales, Jean Jauregui, Joey Lee, Meghan Minor and Lena Sutch. Thank you all for your commitment to excellence in serving our patients, our colleagues and our community. See all of the honorees from across the University of Maryland Medical System at umms.org/ein.

04/15/2026

Congratulations to Ashley Fleishman, RN, from Pediatrics, for winning the DAISY Award for October 2025! Ashley was nominated by a patient’s parent for turning what could have been a frightening and painful hospital stay into a moment of empowerment.

“What made Ashley truly extraordinary was how she reframed hope for my child. After their conversations, my child told me that they are now considering working in a hospital or healthcare setting one day, so they can help others like themself.

Ashley’s compassion, advocacy and authenticity represent exactly what the DAISY Award stands for. She didn’t just treat our child — she helped them rediscover their voice, their strength and their hope.”

Thank you, Ashley, for showing exceptional compassion and understanding for your patient!

04/14/2026

Next Generation committee member, Tyler Staton, and his family recently partnered with the BWMC Foundation and Calvary Baptist Church Academy to gift over 800 Hershey Kisses to patients and team members at the Tate Cancer Center at UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center. Tyler and his son Andrew, along with Andrew’s teacher Mrs. Henderson and Principal Kirychuk, helped fundraise the candies to show their appreciation for all the hard work their community hospital does to provide excellent, compassionate care. The special donation came wrapped in a handmade gift box from Mrs. Henderson’s kindergarten class!

04/08/2026

Congratulations to Michelle Savage, PCT, from 5 West, for winning the Sunshine Award for October 2025.

In her nomination, Michelle’s a patient noted that “Michelle is an exceptional patient care technician who displays a genuine concern for her patients. She is friendly, has a positive energy flow and is eager to allow me to have my independence when doing things for myself. She has excellent communication skills that made it a pleasure communicating with her.

I could tell that she takes ownership for her work and that she really likes her job. Her positive attitude and passion gave me the boost that I needed to do what needed to be done for discharge home. Michelle is the best!”

Thank you, Michelle, for having such a great impact on your patients!

04/06/2026

Kathy McCollum, President of UM BWMC, recently shared about the Rapid Assessment Zone (RAZ) program with Becker's Hospital Review. RAZ is an innovative approach to emergency care in which emergency medicine physicians and advanced practice providers care for patients in specially designed pods outside of the main emergency department area. This means that not all patients have to wait to get a bed in the main area to be seen and helped. Learn more about the program and the results we're seeing in "Bold ideas to reshape healthcare from 50 executives." https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/ceo-cfo-speaker-series-q-a/bold-ideas-to-reshape-healthcare-from-47-executives/ #:~:text=Kathy%20McCollum.%20President%20of%20University%20of%20Maryland%20Baltimore%20Washington%20Medical%20Center%3A

04/03/2026

Remember to join us for Community Wellness Day on Saturday, April 18 from 10 am - 1 pm at Belle Grove Elementary School. Come by for a family-friendly day packed with free activities, healthy resources and hands-on fun! Plus, the first 200 people to register will receive a free gift. Visit umbwmc.org/wellnessday for more information and to register!