A Culture of Belonging and Excellence at BIDMC

A Welcoming Environment for All

At Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), we believe that extraordinary care starts with a culture that values a deep commitment to the communities we serve. We strive to create an environment where every patient, trainee, and team member feels seen, heard, and valued.

Our education and training programs are grounded in BIDMC’s long-standing values of compassion, empathy, and service. We prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals not only with clinical excellence, but with the cultural awareness and emotional intelligence needed to serve an expansive and evolving patient population.

We know that every resident and fellow bring unique experiences, talents, and perspectives. That’s why we foster an inclusive learning environment where all trainees can thrive—supported by faculty, peers, and an institutional culture that embraces growth and innovation.

Our vision is to be Boston’s hospital of choice for all people. We strive to have a workforce that reflects and shares our commitment to upholding our mission: to provide extraordinary care where the patient comes first.

A Legacy of Inclusive Care

BIDMC’s deep commitment to caring for all is rooted in our history. New England Deaconess Hospital was created to extend care and compassion to the underserved—where science and kindness work together in combatting disease. Beth Israel Hospital was founded to serve Boston’s growing Jewish community at a time when many hospitals excluded Jewish physicians and patients. But much like the Deaconess, Beth Israel’s care was inclusive—offering medical aid to people of any creed or nationality.

Based on their similar principles and values of inclusive care, Beth Israel and Deaconess Hospital merged, and BIDMC has continued to lead with purpose—serving patients with dignity, empathy, and respect. Our history is more than a legacy; it’s a living standard that continues to guide us as we shape a healthier future for all patients.

Caring for the Whole Community

BIDMC is proud to be deeply embedded in the communities we serve. Through partnerships with community health centers across eastern Massachusetts—including Bowdoin Street Health Center, Fenway Health Center, the Dimock Center in Roxbury and our satellite location in Chelsea—we provide essential care close to home.

BIDMC is invested in its community. We have several programs where BIDMC works directly with agencies, small businesses, and non-profits to address social determinants of health in our communities. For example, investing in housing assistance, supporting small businesses, and funding youth programs. As part of its community engagement programs, BIDMC provides millions of dollars a year to local organizations, non-profits and city agencies to support programs that focus on housing affordability, jobs and financial security, and behavioral health.

Through these efforts, we’re extending our reach and reinforcing our commitment to high-quality care—ensuring better health outcomes for all, regardless of background or circumstance.

Commitment to a Sustainable Community

At BIDMC, we believe environmental responsibility plays an integral role in our mission to provide extraordinary care where the patient comes first. BIDMC is committed to conserving natural resources, reducing our carbon emissions, fostering a culture of sustainability, and advancing cost-saving opportunities. BIDMC meets all environmental laws, regulations, and environmental commitments through employee engagement, community partnerships, and innovative solutions. BIDMC’s sustainability goals include: achieve net zero by 2050; zero waste by 2030; and reduce food-related gases by 25% by 2030.

BIDMC’s Sustainability Department partners with other departments, physician leaders, staff and employees. Recent achievements include:

  • Launch of solar and wind utility-scale renewable energy projects to eventually offset 100% of BIDMC electricity with renewable energy
  • Increase use of plant forward recipes at BIDMC cafeterias by onboarding new chefs, training current cafeteria staff, and offering more plant proteins and vegetarian meal options
  • Creation of Zero Waste Task Force to drive cross-departmental initiatives to minimize waste, increase waste diversion and program utilization, and align the organizational priorities with zero waste and sustainability goals
  • Commuting programs to support and encourage employees to utilize public transportation, carpools and bikes
  • Employee sustainability trainings and events, including, Earth Week, Re-Charge Electric Vehicle Event, and Doctoral Climate and Sustainability Lunch and Learn

BIDMC strives to continually improve our environmental performance by balancing economic viability with environmental sustainability. In order for all of our patients to lead healthy lives, we must commit to our part by supporting a healthy environment.

Supporting the Next Generation of Clinicians

At BIDMC, we foster a welcoming and supportive culture where every trainee feels respected, empowered, and prepared to thrive. Often called “Harvard with a heart,” we take pride in being a place where residents, fellows, and students experience both academic rigor and genuine care.

Wellness is a core part of our training philosophy. Our programs emphasize mental health, resilience, and professional development—ensuring every trainee has the resources to succeed personally and professionally.

Examples of how we support our trainees include:

  • Sponsoring leadership development opportunities for Boston-based residents and trainees
  • Providing competitive research grants to support junior physician investigators
  • Hosting networking events and social gatherings for community building
  • Supporting formal career development and peer support groups
  • Offering mentorship opportunities for medical students and pre-med college students
  • Trainee wellness committees, focusing on community building, healthy lifestyle, and resilience skills
  • Support programs, including a parent support group to exchange resources, tips and ideas; and a peer support program of trained trainees to offer support after stressful events
  • Fitness programs with discounts at local gyms and onsite exercise equipment dedicated for trainees

A Place to Belong

At BIDMC, we strive to create a culture of belonging—for patients, providers, trainees, and staff. We believe that everyone deserves to feel respected, supported, and empowered in the care they receive and the work they do.

BIDMC is shaped by people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, all working together toward a common goal: delivering exceptional care. Through commitment to our history of inclusion, dedication to all patients, strong community partnerships, and a focus on both physical and emotional well-being, we bring our values to life every day.