MGH Bicentennial Gala

On Friday, September 16, my wife and I were invited guests at a gala celebration of the 200th anniversary of Massachusetts General Hospital (left). I was asked to participate as co-author of Something in the Ether: A Bicentennial History of Massachusetts General Hospital, 1811–2011.

My co-author and daughter, Martha Bull, is now studying for an advanced degree at Columbia University and could not be with us for the event.

Before the 1,000-seat dinner in the main hall of the Boston Convention Center, my wife and I greeted guests at a display for the Paul S. Russell Museum of Medical History and Innovation. The museum, which features a long list of accomplishments by doctors at MGH, is scheduled to open on Cambridge Street, in front of the hospital, in December 2011.

I was particularly pleased to greet Dr. Russell himself before dinner, and then to be seated at dinner beside Dr. John Stoeckle. Martha and I spent nearly three years researching and writing the book, and throughout this time Drs. Russell and Stoeckle were active members of the book committee to which we reported, providing strong, friendly support for our efforts.

Both Russell and Stoeckle are now semi-retired. (MGH docs never retire completely!) One of the special benefits of the work I do is getting to know older people like them, who have led distinguished lives and have so much to offer in the way of wisdom, mentorship, and kindness.