December 13, 2002

As a tradition continues, a legacy ends

The MGH took a break from the everyday hustle and bustle of the
inner workings of the hospital Dec. 11 when it recognized and
honored 284 individuals and 84 MGH teams —a total of more than
1,800 MGHers —at the seventh annual Partners in Excellence Awards.

This year, the awards ceremony took on an even more sentimental note, as it was the last year that Samuel O. Thier, MD, president and CEO of Partners, would preside over the event. The ceremony had a special meaning in that Thier will be returning to the MGH as he steps down from his Partners position, and James J. Mongan, MD, will host the awards in his new role as president and CEO of Partners.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to work with such outstanding individuals," Mongan said. He also took a moment to recognize Thier for his dedication to the hospital. "I would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thanks to Sam for his contributions to the health and success of the MGH while he was president of Partners."

At the ceremony, each individual and team leader received a personal thank you and handshake from Mongan and Thier and had a photo taken receiving the Partners in Excellence pin. The ceremony concluded with a humorous video presentation entitled "Late Shift with Brit Nicholson."

Thier, who received a standing ovation, ended the ceremony by offering his thanks to each award recipient. "These awards are our chance to recognize and thank you for all of your hard work," he said. "Our employees have been a key factor in forming this institution and making it what it is today. You deserve to be honored, and I'm delighted to be here with you today."