More than 30 years ago, in November 1992, Barnes Hospital and Jewish Hospital finalized their merger to form Barnes-Jewish Inc., the seed that would, with the addition of Christian Health Services in 1993, blossom into what we know today as BJC HealthCare.
I love looking back on our WashU Medicine history and noticing the moments and brave decisions that served as building blocks for what would become one of the top academic medical centers in the nation.
The merger between Barnes Hospital and Jewish Hospital was not a foregone conclusion, and neither was the formal agreement between Barnes and WashU, negotiated by William H. “Bill” Danforth, MD, in the 1960s. These partnerships have formed the foundation for who we are and what we are capable of today.
After serving as a key facilitator of the collaboration between Barnes and WashU, Danforth became vice chancellor for medical affairs. A few years later, he became the university’s 13th chancellor and, every November of his tenure, would write a Thanksgiving letter to the university community reflecting on the progress and challenges of the moment. Looking through those letters, I am struck by his November 1975 listing of a few of the things for which he was grateful:
The privilege of working at one of the nation’s great universities; faculty colleagues who forever enlarge my vision and challenge my assumptions; administrators and staff without whose devoted service Washington University would quickly cease to function; the liveliness, optimism, idealism and commitment of students who repeatedly renew my hope for humankind.
— William H. Danforth, MD, Thanksgiving letter, November 1975
This warm and inclusive message of gratitude beautifully reflects my own feelings in this moment of looking back and moving forward. While we certainly have challenges, I am buoyed by the opportunity to work with faculty and staff who show up every day to advance our shared mission, and I am endlessly inspired by the students who will be the next generation of leaders in medicine and medical science.
As we move toward the holiday season, I want to express my gratitude for everyone who will spend their holiday caring for our patients, especially those too ill to leave the hospital. Thank you for your dedication to WashU Medicine, BJC HealthCare and our St. Louis community. I hope you each have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
With thanks,
Bruce
Bruce D. Levy, MD
Executive Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs
Joseph Erlanger Distinguished Professor
George and Carol Bauer Dean, WashU Medicine