October 6, 2006

MGH honors employees over 50

The Bulfinch Tent was the scene of a festive reception Sept. 29 as MGH employees over the age of 50 came together to celebrate the hospital's recent designation as one of the top employers for workers over 50 by the AARP. The MGH was selected because of the many services and benefits it offers to mature workers, including training and career development programs, health benefits for both current employees and retirees, a range of options for retirement savings plans, financial planning services, flexible work hours, accommodations in work environments and many recognition award programs and celebrations of service. The MGH was one of only two organizations in Massachusetts — along with Massachusetts Institute of Technology — to receive this honor. Above, MGHers over age 50

The event opened with remarks from Jeff Davis, senior vice president for Human Resources, who acknowledged the hospital's more than 5,100 employees over 50 for their many contributions and years of service to the MGH. "Since the MGH was founded in 1811, we have relied on the wisdom and talent of our experienced doctors, nurses, administrators and support staff to provide excellent patient care, conduct innovative research, make important business decisions for the hospital and to train the next generation of health care providers," he said. "It is because of the broad range of experience, knowledge and expertise of these employees that the MGH continues to be a national leader in providing excellent patient care and conducting cutting-edge medical research."

A special highlight of the celebration was guest speaker and longtime MGHer Walter Guralnick, MD, professor emeritus of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Guralnick shared his personal experience as an employee over 50 at the MGH. He announced to the crowd that he is probably the oldest MGH employee, as he is about to turn 90 years old. Since joining the hospital in 1951, Guralnick has had an impressive career at the hospital and among many other positions has served as the chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and medical director of the Operating Rooms. "Every day that I walk through various areas of the hospital, I have the pleasure of seeing numerous members of the MGH family who are among the over 50 staff members," he said. "It may be an OR or floor nurse with whom I have worked for the last 25 or 30 years. Or it can be those who started here as youngsters and continue to keep the hospital structure intact."

For more information about the award and the many benefits and services the MGH offers employees over age 50, visit www2.massgeneral.org/aarp.