focus

Discontent among Mass General Brigham doctors had been at a slow burn for years. But when an unexpected announcement from the chief executive titled “A message about our future” popped into inboxes one morning last month, that frustration seemed to fully ignite.

Mass General Brigham, a dominant force in Boston medicine, was launching the latest and perhaps most contentious step in its ongoing effort to merge its two flagship Harvard-affiliated medical centers: combine all departments and divisions at both hospitals in a move that executives argued would improve patient care and access.

advertisement

But after years of feeling shut out of decisions amid grinding work schedules, many doctors worried the changes would lead to layoffs, demotions, and an even greater loss of autonomy. During an online ‘‘town hall’’ on April 4, they inundated leaders with skeptical questions. One physician asked how executives planned to build trust with faculty when so many felt “unheard, devalued, disempowered, and unseen.”

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and networking platform access.

Already have an account? Log in

Already have an account? Log in

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$30

for 3 months, then $39/month

Then $39/month

Annual

$399

Save 15%

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300 Annually per user

Get unlimited access to award-winning journalism and exclusive events.