A visit to Boston's Health Care for the Homeless Program

by Lisa M. Wong, M.D.



My life is my argument. --Dr. Albert Schweitzer

In October 1991, I participated in a remarkable two-day symposium organized by the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship. The occasion was the launch of the Schweitzer U.S. Fellows Program. The topic was to consider the community health challenges that Dr. Schweitzer might have faced were he a healthcare provider in Boston in the 1990s.

A remarkable group of leaders was convened, joined by medical students, staff and patients . We focused on the topics of AIDS, Domestic Violence, Children's Health Disparities, and Homelessness. The two-day conference, which overspread every available meeting space in the city of Boston, culminated in a Reverence for Life concert performed by Longwood Symphony Orchestra, violinists Dr. Stephen Frucht and Lynn Chang, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

The symposium was conceived and facilitated by Judge Mark Wolf and Dr. Lachlan Forrow with the youthful enthusiasm and energy of Schweitzer fellows, including two remarkable medical students, Philip Pulaski and Alison May.

LSO's Healing Art of Music program, the centerpiece of its programs, was created in response to the Reverence for Life concert. We looked out at the sold-out concert hall and could not help noticing the empty seats - empty for a reason -victims of domestic violence could not appear in such a public space, and homeless could not make the 10:00 curfew if they attended an 8:00 performance. The music and this realization had a significant impact on the audience and an equally profound impact on the musicians themselves. It was after that concert that LSO decided that each performance should support and raise awareness for a medical charity.

It was also at this remarkable, life-changing event that I met Dr. Jim O'Connell, founder and President of Boston's Healthcare for the Homeless Program and practicing street physician. Our friendship has continued since that time, as has my deep admiration for his commitment and humanity.

In 2003, Longwood Symphony Orchestra collaborated with BHCHP to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the founding of Barbara McInnis House. This was one of the first major fundraising initiatives BHCHP had ever endeavored, and it was extremely successful, engaging new corporate donors and empowering their Board members. We worked together again the following year, raising community awareness and significant funds.

Over the years, we have developed a relationship with McInnis House, meeting with Dr. Robert Taube, Executive Director, and sharing music with the residents. One of our violinists, Jennifer Chang, has even spent time on the wards here as a medical student. Since 2003, LSO has continued to play annual chamber music performances for McInnis House patients.

In 2005 BHCHP launched a major fundraising capital campaign for the building of a new facility. The new Jean Yawkey Place was dedicated in May 2008, and members of the Longwood Symphony Orchestra were there to play at the opening.

Just last week, on January 11, I met Jim O'Connell and Cheryl Kane for my own long-awaited tour of the new facility. What I saw and learned is an inspiration.

Here is the model of a medical home, not just for Boston's homeless, but for the wider community. It is a medical home in which a patient is known and respected. He walks through the door and his doctor greets him by name. "Hey, Joe. How's the leg doing now?" A nurse guides a patient down the stairs to the pharmacy that is conveniently located adjacent to the clinic. Patients are admitted directly upstairs to McInnis House or across the street to Boston Medical Center. There is dental care, social services, and psychiatry, all housed within the same facility. These are not "easy" patients, but they are treated with dignity, respect and professionalism.

Our visit upstairs to tour the new Barbara McInnis House includes meeting with the caring people in the Admissions Department, the dedicated chef who gave up a successful restaurant career to serve, and the newly admitted patient who shares his thoughts about his challenging social situation.

This is how medicine needs to be practiced, not just here in a hospital for homeless individuals but across the country. But there is one more surprise in store.

Back at the medical clinic. Jim introduces me to two of his dedicated medical colleagues. It takes me a moment to recognize them.

I am surprised but then not at all surprised to find Drs. Philip Pulaski and Dr. Alison May here in the clinic, having dedicated their lives to working with the homeless. They are the same two Schweitzer fellows I met at the Reverenc For Life symposium in 1991, nearly twenty years ago!

The result of the voyage does not depend on the speed of the ship, but on whether or not it keeps a true course. --Dr. Albert Schweitzer