From the President

When you review this copy of Mass General Magazine we will have concluded Massachusetts General Hospital’s bicentennial celebration. It was an exciting, eventful year for all of us as we commemorated 200 years since the signing of the original charter for the hospital.

From the President

Massachusetts General Hospital is currently celebrating its bicentennial. Two hundred years ago, in 1811, the charter was signed to build a general hospital in Boston, the third such hospital in the nation. Since then, MGH has been making a significant difference in people’s lives and in the world of medicine.

Celebrating our Bicentennial

This past winter, Mass General’s unparalleled commitment to making a global impact was put to the test when a massive earthquake devastated the island republic of Haiti. Hundreds of MGH staff members hail from Haiti, and as the entire hospital community came together to mourn, nearly 100 of our employees deployed as part of a large-scale relief effort to aid victims struggling with the unanticipated tragedy. In this issue, you have a chance to read about the incredible work of our volunteers — the unique set of challenges they faced in the immediate aftermath, the country’s difficult road to recovery and the courage of the Haitian people. I have never been more proud to be a part of this institution and to know that when disaster strikes, Mass General can and will respond.