Honoring a Legacy of Excellence: Celebrating Our Recent Retirees

This summer, three long-serving and influential GBMC HealthCare physicians celebrated their retirements: Dr. H. Alexander Munitz, Dr. Robert Palermo, and Dr. Frank Rotolo. Their decades of service and pioneering contributions have profoundly shaped our health system, earning each of them recognition as GBMC HealthCare Physician Titans of Care during our 50th anniversary celebrations in 2015.

H. Alexander Munitz, MD 

Dr. H. Alexander Munitz retired June 2024 after 38 years at GBMC. As chair of the Department of Radiology from 1992 to 2020, Dr. Munitz's visionary leadership advanced our radiology services into the 21st century. Under his guidance, GBMC became a trailblazer in adopting spiral CT technology and performing advanced radiologic studies, such as virtual colonoscopy and CT coronary arteriography. His efforts also attracted top interventional radiologists, establishing one of the region’s premier interventional radiology departments. Among Dr. Munitz's notable achievements is the creation of the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Comprehensive Breast Care Center, a groundbreaking collaboration between surgery and radiology. This center was the first of its kind in a community hospital in the Baltimore metropolitan area and became a national leader in percutaneous breast biopsy. Dr. Munitz’s dedication to advancing biopsy needle technology further highlights his innovative spirit.

Robert Palermo, MD

Dr. Robert Palermo, Chair of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, has been a cornerstone of GBMC HealthCare for 42 years, joining the organization in 1982. Since 1990, he has led the Department of Pathology as Chair and served as Laboratory Director. Under his leadership, GBMC's pathology services have achieved remarkable advancements in areas such as chemistry, surgical pathology, laboratory informatics, and immunology. The laboratory's reputation for high reliability and strict adherence to regulatory standards is a testament to Dr. Palermo's dedication and expertise.

Throughout his tenure, Dr. Palermo has played a vital role on numerous committees, including the GBMC Cancer Committee, Precision Medicine Task Force, Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee, and Breast Program Leadership Committee. His involvement in the GBMC HealthCare Epic Advisory Council and Infection Prevention Committee has driven significant improvements in our systems and processes, further enhancing patient care and safety.

As Dr. Palermo retires, we are pleased to announce Dr. Lindsay B. Goicochea has been named Chair of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Dr. Goicochea, who joined GBMC in 2015, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role. She received her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and completed her residency in anatomical and clinical pathology at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Additionally, Dr. Goicochea completed fellowships in cytopathology at the University of Maryland Medical Center and surgical pathology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Her appointment ensures the continued excellence of our pathology and laboratory services as we move forward.

Frank Rotolo, MD

  Dr. Frank Rotolo, division head of general surgery and an iconic surgeon for the Baltimore community, is retiring after 34 years at GBMC. Starting his journey with us in 1989, Dr. Rotolo has been instrumental in advancing general surgery, including the introduction of laparoscopic and robotic surgery and the implementation of sentinel lymph node biopsies for breast cancer and melanoma detection. Dr. Rotolo has played a crucial role in elevating GBMC's surgical and cancer quality programs. He was instrumental in GBMC’s membership in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and served as the cancer liaison physician for the Commission on Cancer and the Maryland state chair for cancer liaison physicians.

Farewell to Another Cherished Employee

Patty Leaverton retired in June after 11 years of dedicated service as manager of The Corner Shop, GBMC’s well-known gift shop whose proceeds benefit patient care.

Patty's journey with GBMC began in 2009 when her son, Ethan, received successful cancer treatment at the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute. Wanting to give back, Patty started volunteering in the Infusion Center in 2012. Her retail experience and talent soon became evident, and she became the Corner Shop manager a year later. (Read more about Patty.)

Since then, Patty has significantly expanded The Corner Shop's offerings and increased sales. She also formed lasting and impactful connections with both patients and employees and has become known for her kindness and dedication to going above and beyond for all her customers.

GBMC HealthCare wishes Patty, as well as Drs. Munitz, Palermo, and Rotolo, all the best in their well-deserved retirements! Join us in thanking them for their significant contributions to our healthcare system.