FAQs: Coming to Mass General
I need to make an appointment for a non-COVID-19 health condition. Is it safe to come to the hospital? Answers to this and other FAQs about how Mass General is prepared to provide general care to patients.
Safe Care CommitmentGet the care you need even during COVID-19.Learn more
NewsApr | 27 | 2020
Like a lot of first-graders, Greg Buniak is a “Lego master,” says his mom, Christina Duzyj Buniak, MD, a maternal fetal medicine specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital.
But plastic bricks aren’t the only building medium for the 6-year-old. In recent months, Greg has “devoured books on the Japanese art of origami,” says Dr. Buniak. He’s taught himself the intricate paper folds, creating a display that has included dinosaurs, a swordfish, an origami bat for the tooth fairy—and most recently—the origami crane.
“Greg learned the origami crane offers hope in the Japanese culture,” says Dr. Buniak. “And he really wanted to share that with others during this difficult time.”
“Origami cranes are the symbol of healing when you’re sick,” says Greg. In a video posted to YouTube earlier this month—that Greg recorded and edited himself—he demonstrates a step-by-step process for folding an origami crane. He also expresses a desire for those in his Lexington elementary school to make the cranes “and give them to a man or woman who may be sick.”
And if you ascribe to Japanese lore, Greg is exactly in line with the paper tradition. According to Japanese legend, anyone who folds 1,000 paper cranes will see their wishes come true.
Students and teachers from Greg’s school have reacted positively to his YouTube video, says Dr. Buniak. “They’ve shared it and sent pictures of origami they’ve made on their own.”
Something not covered in the instructional video: The best type of paper for your origami creations. Greg says any paper will do, but he prefers real origami paper sheets. “They’re colorful on one side and white on the other.”
“Greg is very earnest about sharing his love for origami with others,” says Dr. Buniak. “He also sees me come home from the hospital each night and wants to help in whatever way he can.” And if nothing more, she says, it’s a good opportunity for everyone to try something new while at home during the pandemic.
"Greg learned the origami crane offers hope in the Japanese culture," says his mom, Christina Duzyj Buniak, MD, a maternal fetal medicine specialist at Mass General. "And he really wanted to share that with others during this difficult time."
Christina Duzyj Buniak, MD, MPH
Sign up to receive the latest research, and health and wellness tips on the coronavirus from specialists at Mass General.
If you are an established patient and do not have a primary care provider, or are unable to reach them, there are other resources for you.
I need to make an appointment for a non-COVID-19 health condition. Is it safe to come to the hospital? Answers to this and other FAQs about how Mass General is prepared to provide general care to patients.
In December, the FDA approved two COVID vaccines (Pfizer / BioNTech and Moderna) for Emergency Use Authorization and they’re beginning to be distributed across the country. Find answers to common questions regarding this latest development in the fight against COVID-19.
The Department of Medicine’s inaugural gingerbread house competition featured Dr. Fauci and many references to Mass General, COVID-19 and the current vaccination effort ... all created with delicious treats.
Musical merriment could be heard throughout the pediatric units December 23, 2020 as staff from the Music Therapy and Speech Therapy Departments sang holiday carols for patients and their families.
A small number of allergic reactions were reported of the two COVID vaccines in distribution. The Allergy & Clinical Immunology departments at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital offer answers to questions regarding these reports of allergic reaction.
Information on the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant and breastfeeding people.