OB/GYN Physician, Surgeon Joins BMC Medical Staff

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Dr. Lauren B. Slater
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems appointed Lauren B. Slater, an obstetrician and gynecologist with a specialization in robotic gynecologic surgery, to the Berkshire Medical Center staff.

Slater joins Berkshire OB/GYN Associates, practicing with doctors Andrew Beckwith, Robert Benner, Herbert Kantor, Cassandra Service and Michael Shreefter.

She received her medical degree from the State University of New York Upstate Medical School in Syracuse, N.Y. and completed her residency training at St. Francis' Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, Conn.

In addition to providing general obstetric and gynecological services, Slater will provide gynecologic surgery utilizing BMC's da Vinci Surgical System - a state-of-the-art, robotic-assisted system that allows the surgeon to perform complex surgery with precision through very small incisions.

Slater is accepting new patients. For more information or to make an appointment with Slater or one of her colleagues, call 413-499-8570.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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