Nephrologist Dr. Henry Rose Honored with BMC Patient-Centered Award
PITTSFIELD — A long-time nephrologist at Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) has been recognized with the 2019 Patient-Centered Physician Award, presented annually to a physician who exemplifies the philosophy of patient-centered care at BMC. Dr. Henry Rose, who has served kidney-disease and dialysis patients at BMC for more than 30 years, was awarded the honor during a breakfast ceremony on March 29, National Doctors Day.
“Henry works in an environment and with patients facing a critical illness and life-altering treatments and care,” said Dr. Michael McInerney, BMC chief of staff, in presenting the honor to Rose. “When these patients first begin their dialysis, they are naturally concerned, nervous, and are often frightened about their future, and Henry provides them with a sensitive ear and a guiding hand, giving them not only the value of his great medical expertise, but also the compassion of a friend for all of his patients and their families.”
“Henry was one of my most important mentors in my career,” said Dr. David Henner, one of Rose’s physician colleagues in Renal Dialysis. “Perhaps the most important aspects of practice, I’ve learned from Henry.”
Dr. David Albert, another physician colleague, said, “I can think of no physician who has more exemplified patient-centered care. Henry always places the patient’s needs above those of his own.”
A nursing colleague added, “he will not only go out of his way to help his patients, he will go to the ends of the earth and beyond. He also takes his time with patients, truly listens to them, respectfully answers all of their questions, and actively involves their loved ones in the plan of care.”
An important part of this recognition is that the physician has a highly positive impact on the team approach to care. One of his nursing co-workers noted that “Dr. Rose is prepared to support and work with the interdisciplinary team to identify obstacles his patients may face, and he goes above and beyond to break down these hurdles so his patients can receive the best care possible.”
Rose also received praise from colleagues in Nutrition, Pharmacy, and other services that interact regularly with the renal team.
In receiving the award, Rose credited those around him for his success and that of the overall Renal Dialysis program. He said the team approach to care is essential to the care provided to kidney-disease patients, and he relies on the entire staff working together.
