Wespiser Honored By BMC Staff

PITTSFIELD — In conjunction with National Doctors Day, the staff of Berkshire Medical Center has recognized Dr. Robert Wespiser with its Most Patient-Centered Doctor Award.

Wespiser, a longtime member of the BMC medical staff, is an internal medicine practitioner with Suburban Internal Medicine in Lee. He was honored during a special breakfast reception held for the entire medical staff at BMC on March 30, National Doctors Day.

The staff of BMC, primarily the nursing staff, submitted nominations for the award. They chose to honor Wespiser based on his actions as a role model and physician leader who demonstrates caring through quality interactions with others.

The award focuses on communicating with patients and families, involving patients in health care decisions, taking the time to talk with patients and listen to their concerns, and working collaboratively and respectfully with all other members of the care team so that everyone can do their best in addressing patient care issues. These behaviors exemplify a growing philosophical belief that all care activities must be centered around the patients’ needs, rather than hospital or individual routines and schedules.

“I am honored with this recognition,” Wespiser said. “There are many physicians at BMC who are deserving of this award, and I am fortunate to be in their company. Any success as a physician has to be credited to the BMC staff, colleagues, and my family, who put up with the hours. Viewing our provision of care through the eyes of the patient and family is essential. BMC has initiated several programs in this light. As a result, patients will be safer, healthier, and happier with their time in the hospital, and length of stay will likely decrease.”

The criteria for nomination included citing a physician who demonstrates respect for individuals in interactions with patients, their loved ones, and staff colleagues; taking the time to answer all questions posed by the patient, family, and nurses; demonstrating ability to alleviate patients’ fear and anxiety; and frequently involving family and friends in patient care. Additionally, the physician was selected for promoting teamwork and communication among various disciplines, encouraging and enhancing positive staff relationships.

A diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, Wespiser has practiced at Suburban Internal Medicine since 1986. He is a physician advisor to the case management department at Berkshire Medical Center and provided occupational health services to Kimberly Clark Corporation in Lee.

Wespiser is the founding medical director of the School Health Clinic in the Lee Public Schools, where he has provided direction for six providers and two nurses in the delivery of free medical care and health education at two campuses since 1992. He previously served as medical director of Health Services for the former Berkshire Physicians and Surgeons from 1998 to 2001. He was the associate medical director for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts in Boston from 1995 to 1998, and Health New England from 2001 to 2004.

Wespiser has chaired the Lee Board of Health since 1992, is medical advisor for the Lee Visiting Nurse Association and the Lee Youth Association, and is a school physician in the Lee public schools. An assistant professor of Medicine at UMass Medical School, where he also received his medical degree, Wespiser has an undergraduate degree from UMass at Amherst and served his residency at UMass Medical School. He lives in Lee with his wife, Diane, and their three children, Bryan, Adam, and Emily.