BIDMC Marks International Human Rights Day

On Dec. 10, members of the BIDMC community gathered to mark and celebrate International Human Rights Day. This day commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948—detailing the rights which everyone is fundamentally entitled to as a human being, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

“BIDMC has a long legacy of providing extraordinary care for all,” said co-master of ceremonies Clyde Lanford (Lanny) Smith, MD, MPH, a primary care physician at BIDMC. “Our staff personifies this legacy by bringing unique perspectives, experiences, beliefs and values to our medical center every day.”

“This celebration of art and human rights is one of the many ways BIDMC stands up for inclusion and diversity,” added co-master of ceremonies Ammu Susheela, MBBS, a research fellow in the Department of Anesthesia.

Performances by members of the BIDMC and Harvard Medical School (HMS) communities included original poetry, song and dance, and a special performance by a children’s choir from the Boston School of Music Arts. Paintings, photography, sculptures and quilts were also on display.

“This event aligns with BIDMC’s mission to be a welcoming, inclusive place for patients and staff alike,” said neurologist Albert Galaburda, MD, Director of the Office for Diversity, Inclusion and Career Advancement at BIDMC. “The differences we celebrate are what make BIDMC the world-class academic medical center it is today.”