The Birth of Boston Medical

A new WBUR documentary takes an in-depth look at the innovative medical center and how its programs have benefited the Boston area.

THIS PAST JUNE, you may have heard an exclusive documentary about the 10th anniversary of the Boston Medical Center (BMC) on Morning Edition or during weekend programming. WBUR produced this feature about this inspiring city institution, and reporter Rachel Gotbaum traced the history and growing legacy of the BMC.

The roots of the Boston Medical Center were forged from a merger in 1996, when two Boston hospitals, Boston City Hospital and Boston University Medical Center, combined to form a new medical entity. Through extensive research and interviews conducted with current and former staff members, Gotbaum discovered that the original plan to combine the two was greeted by some with dismay and doubts for its future. One underlying issue was that both of these hospitals had very different cultures. The idea that these two hospitals could combine to form an all-inclusive medical center was unusual. It would certainly be a risk, to say the least.

Fast forward 10 years later. The BMC is now regarded as a national example for its success in the care of the vulnerable and poor in an urban environment. Its programs are both innovative and extensive, with everything from food pantries for the malnourished, to day care for children with HIV and interpreters for the dozens of languages spoken by the patients.

Listeners who heard the documentary already know what a valuable institution the BMC is for the Boston community. But if you were one of the ones who missed it, you can still download the podcast.