Dr. Andrew Beckwith Honored By BMC Staff For Patient-centered Care
PITTSFIELD, Mass. - In conjunction with National Doctors Day, the staff of
Berkshire Medical Center has recognized Andrew Beckwith, MD, with its Most Patient-Centered Physician award for 2009. Dr. Beckwith is an obstetrician/gynecologist with Berkshire OB/GYN and was honored during a special breakfast reception held for the entire medical staff at BMC on March 30 to celebrate National Doctors' Day."Dr. Beckwith's commitment to providing compassionate and high quality care has been more than evident in the comments and survey responses we receive from patients, as well as the numerous nominations we received from hospital staff for this honor," said Diane Kelly, RN, Chief Operating Officer. "He communicates well with the Maternal Child Health staff, who all hold him in the highest regard, is always accessible and puts the patient and family first."
The staff of Berkshire Medical Center submitted nominations for the award. They chose to honor Dr. Beckwith, among the many fine physicians on staff at BMC based on his actions as a role model and physician leader who demonstrates caring through quality interactions with others. The award focuses on communicating with patients and families, involving patients in health care decisions, taking the time to talk with patients and listen to their concerns, and working collaboratively and respectfully with all other members of the care team so that everyone can do their very best in addressing patient care issues. These behaviors exemplify a growing philosophical belief that all care activities must be centered around the patients' needs, rather than hospital or individual routines and schedules.
The criteria for nomination included citing a physician who demonstrates respect for individuals in interactions with patients, their loved ones and staff colleagues, taking the time to answer all questions posed by the patient, family and nurses, has demonstrated ability to alleviate patients' fear and anxiety and frequently involves family and friends in patient care. Additionally, the physician was selected for promoting teamwork and communication among various disciplines, encouraging and enhancing positive staff relationships.
Dr. Beckwith received his Medical Degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, served as a Clinical Fellow in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology at Harvard Medical School and completed his residency training at Brigham & Women's Hospital/Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Dr. Beckwith was the recipient of two fellowships from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
Previous recipients of the Patient Centered Physician Award are Drs. Robert Wespiser, Richard Perera, Todd Lasner, Ronald Hayden and Paula Aucoin.
