December 31, 2002

MGH's Fab Four: Speaking words of wisdom . . .

In 1969 the Beatles – the Fab Four from Liverpool – released "Abbey Road," the last album recorded by the legendary group. Widely acclaimed for its musical leadership and innovation, "Abbey Road" was the extraordinary outcome of four artists at the top of their game.

Tonight, at the stroke of midnight, another Fab Four will take center stage, each stepping into a new leadership role at the MGH or Partners HealthCare. In photo from right, Samuel O. Thier, MD, who has served as president and CEO of Partners for the past six years, will return to the MGH as a practicing physician and will continue his involvement with national health care policy issues. James J. Mongan, MD, MGH president since 1996, will assume the post of president and CEO of Partners. Peter L. Slavin, MD, who has been chairman and CEO of the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization (MGPO) since 1999, will become president of the MGH. And David Torchiana, MD, who has served as MGH's chief of Cardiac Surgery since 1999, will become chairman and CEO of the MGPO.

This special issue of Hotline, celebrates and salutes MGH's own Fab Four – four physician leaders who are clearly at the top of their game. The health care challenges facing these leaders are many on this long and winding road. Success will depend on the ability of the system to come together, which can happen only with a little help from our friends.