April 18, 2003

In the aftermath of tragedy, healing begins

The tragedy is incomprehensible. MGHers still are in shock from the unthinkable shootings that took place April 8 that resulted in the deaths of MGH employees Brian McGovern, MD, and Colleen Mitchell. There seems to be no possible indication that could have predicted the horrific murder-suicide that took place in the hospital's Electrophysiology Laboratory.

McGovern was a well-respected cardiologist, who was known to be a thoughtful, kind and caring physician to his patients as well as a wonderful colleague and friend. Mitchell, a secretary in the Electrophysiology Laboratory and a former social worker who had worked as a Bulfinch temp for nearly two years, was described as pleasant, delightful, capable and confident.

In the days that have followed the incident, MGHers still are trying to make sense of what can't be explained. The question "why" may never be answered. Members of the hospital community, however, continue to support one another and do the work at hand to maintain hospital operations under extraordinary circumstances.

During the past week, hospital leadership has made every effort to assure employees that the hospital is a safe place to work. MGH Police and Security has many
programs and services in place designed to minimize crime and violence at the
hospital while enabling enough access and flexibility for employees, patients and visitors to function freely.

To help employees and staff cope with the emotional aftermath of the tragedy, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) continues to offer support to departments or assist individuals who are upset or feel overwhelmed by the situation. To contact the EAP, call (617) 726-6976.

A hospitalwide leadership meeting was convened April 17 to honor the lost lives and to help managers and supervisors address any concerns that employees may have during this difficult time. Jeremy Ruskin, MD, of MGH Cardiology, paid tribute to McGovern, and Jeanette Ives Erickson, RN, MS, senior vice president for Patient Care Services and chief nurse, read a message from Mitchell's family.

In addition, Bonnie Michelman, director of MGH Police and Security, gave an overview of workplace violence and the services the Police and Security Department provides. Jerrold Rosenbaum, MD, chief of MGH Psychiatry, offered information about the clinical aspects of depression. The meeting ended with a moment of prayer and reflection led by Rev. Mary Martha Thiel, director of MGH Chaplaincy.

During the last few days, McGovern's former patients as well as colleagues in other hospital departments have extended their heartfelt sympathies to his co-workers and friends in the hospital's Cardiology Division and Arrhythmia Service. A special memorial service for McGovern will be held for employees and patients Saturday, April 19 at 10 am in the O'Keeffe Auditorium. There will be a reception following the service in the WACC cafe.

Those wishing to send messages to the McGovern family may do so through a special website for McGovern linked to the MGH homepage at www.massgeneral.org. Messages also may be sent to the McGovern or Mitchell families to the attention of Jeff Davis, senior vice president for MGH Human Resources, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA, 02114.