April 12, 2003

Dear Friends,

Most of you may have heard by now that the entire Massachusetts General Hospital community is mourning the tragic death of one of our most respected and loved cardiologists, Dr. Brian McGovern. In the days since this shocking and senseless event, we have heard from many of Dr. McGovern's patients and their families, expressing heartfelt sympathy and deep affection for this extraordinary physician who cared for them with such exceptional expertise and kindness, and who touched their lives in so many ways. Your sentiments are much appreciated and have been a great comfort to all of our staff. As you are touched by this terrible loss, we would also like to extend our deepest sympathies to all of you.

In this most difficult and painful time, members of the Arrhythmia Service have found comfort in coming together to talk, grieve and remember. We recognize that Dr. McGovern's patients also may find solace and support in having an opportunity to gather with us to pay tribute to our beloved colleague. On behalf of the Arrhythmia Service and Dr. McGovern's family, we invite you to a special service to celebrate Dr. McGovern's life, accomplishments and his more than two decades of dedication to providing the finest care to patients. The memorial service is scheduled for:

Saturday, April 19, 2003, from 10a -12n in the O'Keeffe Auditorium on the first floor of MGH

For those patients unfamiliar with the location of the O'Keeffe Auditorium please feel free to come to Dr. McGovern's office and we will direct you to the memorial service. We would also like to invite you to share your thoughts and condolences for Dr. McGovern with his family and the members of the Arrhythmia Service. Please feel free to email a tribute to: PA@partners.org, or send us a letter to: Dr. McGovern Memorial Service, c/o Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, GRB 109, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114.

Amidst the tragedy of the recent days, we also want you to know that we are committed to ensuring that you continue to receive the cardiac care that you need now and in the future. For those patients of Dr. McGovern, his colleagues in the Arrhythmia Service and the Cardiology Division will be available to assume your medical care, and further details on this will follow in the upcoming weeks. In the interim, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Arrhythmia Service at (617) 726-5557. Rest assured, there will always be a physician available to address any immediate medical needs that may arise.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this painful time for all of us. We will look forward to seeing you on Saturday.

Sincerely yours,

On behalf of all of the members of the McGovern Family and the Cardiac Arrhythmia Service