BIDMC Celebrates Pipeline Program Graduates

Since Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center’s (BIDMC) Workforce Development Department was formed 15 years ago, more than 200 people have graduated from its pipeline programs, which allow members of the BIDMC community to advance their careers and meet staffing needs in key positions. At this year’s graduation celebration, BIDMC recognized 29 employee graduates of five different programs: Graduate Medical Education Program Coordinators, Clinical Documentation Specialist Apprentices, Medical Coders, Central Processing Technicians, and Patient Care Technicians.

“Our employees come to BIDMC, and they often look to us to help them build their careers,” said Judith Bieber, Chief Human Resources Officer at BIDMC. “It’s been our pleasure to support this mission.”

Renee Beijer, previously a surgical coordinator in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, enjoyed working with medical students, residents, and fellows. Deciding she wanted to make these relationships a larger focus of her career, she applied and was accepted into the Graduate Medical Education Program. Upon completion of the program, she began a role as a program coordinator in the Department of Surgery.

“The pipeline program gave me a broad view of this new position and provided me with a multitude of resources to help ensure my success,” said Beijer.

Jessica Meehan, RN, a 16-year veteran of BIDMC, was looking for a new, challenging role that would still allow her to use her nursing skills in a setting off the clinical floor. Most importantly, she wanted to stay at BIDMC in a long-term role. Her search led her to the Clinical Documentation Specialist Apprenticeship Program.

“After being in this position for about a year, I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” Meehan said.  “This program has allowed me to learn and grow as a professional in an institution that I respect and take pride working for, while maintaining work/life balance. That is incredibly difficult to find, and I feel eternally grateful for the opportunity that has been given to me.”

Elie Gabriel was working as a customer service representative in Food Services when one of his managers recommended that he consider the pipeline program. With their support, he joined the program to become a central processing technician.

“At the time, I didn’t know what central processing was or the importance of the role in a health care facility,” Gabriel said. “Being a technician helps me make a difference in the lives of patients and their families, and I love it.”

There is a competitive selection process for acceptance into each of these programs. Trainings are offered on site or at a partnering institution, at no cost to employees, with a guaranteed job to those who successfully complete the program.