Dr. Chessare Discuses COVID-19 with WBAL News Radio - July 30, 2020

Across the country, hospitals have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. GBMC is no exception. The hospital has not only been treating patients with the virus, but also providing care to people with other health problems, from heart attacks and cancer to joint replacements. John Chessare, MD, MPH, the president and CEO of GBMC, talked with WBAL NewsRadio about the pandemic, why patients should not put off important elective procedures and screenings, and his pride and gratitude for the physicians, nurses, and staff.

“We’ve been fortunate in Maryland,” he said. “The governor took precautions early and listened to the advice of medical experts, which has had a positive impact on the community and on our hospitals. But we shouldn’t be looking primarily to the hospitals to minimize transmission of the virus in our community. We each have a proactive role to play by taking the recommended precautions to lower the risk that we will transmit or contract the virus such as wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and washing our hands.”

Dr. Chessare noted that with so much focus on COVID-19, people may forget that there are other threats to our health that we should remain mindful of. That’s why it’s important to get recommended cancer screenings and needed surgeries.

“Throughout the pandemic, I have been so proud of the members of the GBMC community who have been caring for people with COVID-19,” he added. “We’re working hard to support them by making sure they have the protective equipment they need, get adequate time off, and have resources available such as our resiliency programs and the support of counselors and chaplains.”