April 16, 2004

New Durant Fellows named

Grace Deveney, RN, staff nurse on Bigelow 11, and Katie Fallon, RN, staff nurse on Ellison 20, recently were named the two newest recipients of the Thomas S. Durant, MD, Fellowship in Refugee Medicine.

Surrounded by friends, colleagues and hospital administrators, Deveney and Fallon were honored as fellowship recipients at a special reception in the Trustees Room April 2. Jeanette Ives Erickson, RN, MS, senior vice president for Patient Care Services and chief nurse, introduced this year's fellows, both of whom are nurses in the General Medical Service. Above, Fallon, left, and Deveney at the reception

"I look forward to this opportunity to make a difference — to not just be saddened by the way the world is but attempt to make it better in some small way," says Deveney.

The Durant Fellowship was established by friends and colleagues of Durant — who served as assistant director of the MGH — shortly after his death in 2001. The fellowship honors Durant's memory and dedication to service by sponsoring health care professionals who follow in his footsteps serving refugee populations and victims of war and natural disasters.

In Fallon's fellowship application, she recalled learning about Durant's contributions to the world and wrote, "I was struck with admiration. I remember thinking to myself, 'that's what I want to do.' Dr. Durant's willingness to help others and his selfless sharing of his knowledge, skill and time inspired me."

Also at the event, the Corcoran family was recognized for their support of the fellowship. They have generously given to the fellowship in memory of John Corcoran who was a close friend of Durant's.

For more information about the Thomas S. Durant, MD, Fellowship in Refugee Medicine, visit www.durantfellowship.org.