200 Years of Patient Care: First Patients

As part of the 200th anniversary of the first patient admission to the hospital, we take a look at other significant first patient moments throughout Mass General’s history. The videos below celebrate these patient firsts.
Engraving of the Bulfinch Building with the words 200 Years of Patient Care, Massachusetts General Hospital
Engraving of the Bulfinch Building with the words 200 Years of Patient Care, Massachusetts General Hospital

As the Mass General community celebrates two centuries of patient care, we are highlighting momentous “first patients”—trailblazers who have put their trust in this hospital in times of need and who have played leading roles in advancing care for all.

Peter Viera: Ray of Hope

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The Story of Courtney Joyce

Courtney Joyce, the first patient to receive high-dose nitric oxide at Mass General, tells her story.

A CAR-T Tackle

David Monnot, the first patient to receive CAR-T therapy for CNS lymphoma at Mass General, recounts the arduous medical odyssey that led him to an exciting new cancer treatment option.

An Instrumental Innovation

Edward Mari, the first patient to undergo a minimally invasive tricuspid valve replacement at Mass General, talks about how the pioneering procedure allows him to remain a professional musician.

It Started With a Little Girl

Maureen Chapman—the first non-infant patient placed on ECMO at Mass General—and her care team and family recall the experience of receiving this first-of-its-kind care.