July 1, 2005

Department of Medicine blood donor challenge benefits MGH patients

One month after the MGH Department of Medicine issued a blood donation challenge to the residents and attending physicians within the department, a clear winner emerged. On June 16, Christopher Stowell, MD, PhD, and Walter Dzik, MD, co-directors of the MGH Blood Transfusion Service, presented a plaque to Hasan Bazari, MD, Internal Medicine residency director, to recognize the junior residents for donating the most blood to the MGH Blood Donor Center. The junior class had more than a 52 percent participation rate. The friendly competition lasted throughout the month of May and all residents — interns, juniors, seniors — and house teaching staff were encouraged to visit the Blood Donor Center and donate blood or platelets for their team. Those who were ineligible to donate could still participate by getting a buddy — a co-worker, a family member or friend — to donate for them.

From left, Stowell, Bazari, Dzik

"We are thrilled with the outcome of this challenge," says Allan Moore, MD, a junior resident and organizer of the challenge. "It not only benefited our patients and the hospital but also helped the residents and staff work together as a team." The challenge is scheduled to happen every May when blood donations are typically lower because of summer activities.