BIDMC Employees Honored at MLK Day

BIDMC celebrates the 28th anniversary of commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

BOSTON – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) employees Roger Lefevre, MD, and Ruth Campbell were honored in recognition of their career and community service accomplishments at BIDMC's annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration and YMCA Recognition Awards celebration.

“Today we honor Dr. King’s legacy, but also the work of our colleagues, who have been deeply dedicated to their work at BIDMC and committed to strengthening their communities,” said Peter Healy, BIDMC’s President. “Dr. Lefevre and Ruth represent the very best of our institution.”

“This event has a long and distinguished history,” said Master of Ceremonies, DeWayne Pursley, MD, Chief of Neonatology at BIDMC. “For the past 28 years, we have recognized and honored 58 YMCA Achievers. These Achievers come from a diverse range of departments, and what unites them are the significant contributions they make to BIDMC through their work.”

As a Section Chief of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Lefevre cares for women of all ages. He is also an instructor in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Lefevre is known for his dedication to advancing the field of Urogynecology and has presented his research work at many national and international conferences.

“Both as a physician and an instructor, Dr. Lefevre brings the same level of compassion and commitment to his patients and students,” said Chris Awtry, MD, Director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, who nominated Dr. Lefevre. “Through his dedication and excellence, Dr. Lefevre inspires his colleagues and students every day.”

In addition to his clinical and research responsibilities, Dr. Lefevre is part of a BIDMC group of clinicians and medical interpreters who voluntarily travel to Cape Verde regularly to provide health care and improve health systems. During these trips he provides care and performs surgeries, while helping to train Cape Verdean doctors and nurses.

“Receiving this year’s YMCA BIDMC Black Achievers Award is truly humbling. Being surrounded by such inspirational colleagues at a prestigious organization, I am honored to be thought of with such high importance,” said Dr. Lefevre.

The recipient of the Finance Department’s Roger Daniels Star of Excellence Award in 2014, Campbell is a valued member of her team. Prior to working at BIDMC, she worked for Northeastern University as a research assistant and Health and Sports Rehab as a staff accountant.

“It is my honor to work with Ruth. She is not only committed to professional excellence, but also exemplifies outstanding commitment and contributions to the local community,” said Joanna McGowan, Manager in Accounts Payable, who nominated Campbell on behalf of the accounts payable team.

As an active community volunteer at the Family Independence Teen Parent Program, Campbell hosts dinners and offers additional support to teen mothers and their children. Campbell is also a co-founder of the Senior Entertainment Program at Madison Park Village in Roxbury, an organization that helps members learn adequate computer skills to produce their own newsletter. She sits on the Madison Park Village’s Special Projects Committee and serves as a liaison between residents and real estate management.

“I am so honored to receive this award as Dr. King means a lot to me,” said Campbell, a Senior Accounting Assistant, Accounts Payable, in the Finance Department. “He was a great leader and I try to follow in his footsteps every day both at work and while volunteering. Receiving this award has further motivated me to continue and excel in my community involvement,” said Campbell.