October 21, 2005

MGH employees celebrate Ether Day tradition

On Oct. 16, 1846, the practice of medicine changed forever when Boston dentist William T.G. Morton first 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 to remove a vascular tumor from the patient's jaw in the first ever pain-free surgical procedure. Today, this milestone is celebrated as a longstanding MGH tradition — Ether Day.

For the past 60 years, the MGH has selected a day in October, close 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. 14 under the Bulfinch Tent, honored the 2,470 employees who have worked at the hospital for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years. This year, all honorees received an Ether Day pin and ribbon, a change from past years when employees received a pin and carnation. Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH, thanked all of the employees for their contributions and for "making the MGH a community of healing, giving and respect."

The popular Ether Day dancers also made a return appearance, performing numbers set to songs that were hits during the years that honored MGHers first began their careers at the hospital. The tribute featured songs ranging from 1955's "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley and the Comets to 2000's "Who Let the Dogs Out" by the Baha Men.