October 18, 2002

Ether Day 2002: A new chapter for a venerable story

Ether Day, the MGH's annual celebration recognizing the length of service of its employees and also marking the anniversary of the first demonstration of the use of ether as an anesthetic, was celebrated Oct. 11 with a special ceremony under the Bulfinch Tent.

It was 156 years ago at the MGH that a Boston dentist changed the face of the surgical world forever. On Oct. 16, 1846, William T.G. Morton demonstrated the use of ether while a vascular tumor was removed from the jaw of patient Gilbert Abbott. The surgery took place in front of dozens of physicians in the operating theater on the top floor of the Bulfinch Building, which has been affectionately re-named the Ether Dome. Using a specially designed glass inhaler containing an ether-soaked sponge, Morton administered the anesthetic to the patient and ushered in the modern era of pain-free surgery.

Given the importance of the anniversary of the first administration of ether to the MGH community, Ether Day has become a time of celebration for MGHers. For the past 57 years, the MGH has selected a day in October close to the anniversary of the first demonstration of ether to recognizeand honor MGH employees and staff for their dedication, commitment and years of service to the MGH community.

This year's Ether Day celebration honored the more than 1,900 employees and staff who have worked at the hospital for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years. Paul Zamecnik, MD, who has worked at the MGH for 60 years, was recognized specifically for his dedication to the hospital. The honored employees received pins, colored flowers and a special musical tribute that represented their generation - from the contemporary group Boyz II Men, to Don McLean's timeless "American Pie" to Glenn Miller's legendary "Kalamazoo."

This Ether Day also featured a group of administrative fellows turned MGH dancers, who shook and shimmied in front of the crowd to "Walk Like an Egyptian," "Stayin' Alive" and other musical numbers.

"On Ether Day, we take a moment to remember our proud history and celebrate the extraordinary length of service by wonderful employees," said James J. Mongan, MD, president of the MGH. "This is my last year to preside over the Ether Day events, and I can't help but be a little sentimental."