October 20, 2006

Ether Day marks MGH milestones

On Oct. 16, 1846, the practice of medicine changed forever when Boston dentist William T.G. Morton successfully demonstrated the use of ether during a surgical procedure on patient Gilbert Abbott. Using a specially designed glass inhaler containing an ether-soaked sponge, Morton rendered the patient unconscious, allowing MGH co-founder John Collins Warren, MD, to remove a vascular tumor from the patient's jaw in the first ever pain-free surgical procedure. Today, this milestone is celebrated in a longstanding MGH tradition – Ether Day.
For the past 61 years, the MGH has selected a day in October, the Friday closest to the anniversary of that historic surgery, to honor and recognize MGH employees and staff for their dedication, commitment and length of service to the hospital. This year's celebration, held Oct. 13 under the Bulfinch Tent, honored the 2,747 employees who have worked at the hospital for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 60 years. It also marked the 160th anniversary of the first surgery using ether.

"We are gathered here to celebrate the hard work that all our physicians, nurses, support staff and administrators perform each day that makes the MGH an exceptional place to work," said Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH. "Your steadfast commitment to the MGH's mission of providing first-rate clinical care, conducting groundbreaking research and educating medical professionals has made our hospital one of the best in the world. It is a privilege to be part of the MGH family." The program was emceed by Jeff Davis, senior vice president for Human Resources, and included remarks from Edward Lawrence, chairman of the MGH Board of Trustees, and David Torchiana, MD, chairman and chief executive officer of the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization and a 25-year honoree.

The popular Ether Day dancers made a return appearance, performing numbers set to songs that were hits during the years that the honorees first began their careers at the MGH. The tribute featured lively dances to songs ranging from "Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley (1956) to "Macarena" by Los Del Rio (1996).