Earlier this year, we introduced many of you to the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare, a national nonprofit based at Mass General that works to strengthen the relationship between patients and their clinical caregivers.

Mark Levin of Third Rock Ventures, Schwartz Center Medical Director Beth Lown, MD, and Bob Coughlin at a May 28th MassBio event to introduce our members to the Schwartz Center

I was introduced to the Schwartz Center about a year ago by Mark Levin, and I recently agreed to co-chair its Kenneth B. Schwartz Compassionate Healthcare Dinner November 8^th at the Boston Convention Center.  Here’s why:

While the development of new technologies and medicines can have tremendous benefits for patients, these benefits can only be fully realized if patients trust their caregivers and caregivers have the ability to communicate effectively with patients.

Mark Levin put it best when he said: “What the Schwartz Center is doing for the patient is teaching caregivers to listen to their patients and integrate what they learn from them into their medical solutions.”

In fact, there is a growing body of research showing that how well doctors, nurses and other caregivers communicate with patients is associated with improved health outcomes, better adherence to treatment recommendations, increased patient satisfaction and reduced healthcare costs.

At a reception we hosted in May, the Schwartz Center’s medical director, Dr. Beth Lown, spoke eloquently about the organization’s mission.

“We are living in a time when the quality of healthcare is not as good as it should be, costs continue to rise and compassionate care is not included in the value equation,” she said.  “We can and must build systems that promote health and provide compassionate care.  The well-being of each and every one of us, our loved ones and the American public depends on it.”

If you’re looking for a way to give back to the healthcare system, there’s no better organization to put at the top of your list than the Schwartz Center.  I hope you will join me in supporting the Schwartz Center, and I look forward to seeing you at the dinner in November.