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Landmark Medical Mission

Baystate Health announced that gastroenterologist Dr. Kais Zakharia recently completed a medical mission to Ghana, where he delivered the first-ever training in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) ever offered in the country. ERCP is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat complex biliary diseases. Prior to this training, patients in Ghana with these conditions faced no alternative but invasive surgery, which is a far riskier path. By equipping local gastroenterologists with this advanced technique, Zakharia’s mission created an immediate and lasting impact on patient care across the region. In 2024, he traveled to Ghana to train local physicians in general gastrointestinal procedures, laying the groundwork for this more advanced, focused mission.

Baystate Health announced that gastroenterologist Dr. Kais Zakharia recently completed a medical mission to Ghana, where he delivered the first-ever training in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) ever offered in the country.

Supporting Food Security

Westfield Bank recently announced a $10,000 donation to Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts in support of the organization’s Outrun Hunger 5K race and 1-mile fun walk on Sunday, May 17 in Forest Park in Springfield. Rachel’s Table addresses hunger by rescuing surplus food from local grocery stores, restaurants, farmers markets, and bakeries for delivery to food pantries, shelters, afterschool programs, and more. It also operates food purchasing programs and a gleaning program to connect communities with fresh local farm produce, and supports the development of community gardens. Pictured, from left: Daniel Marini of Westfield Bank, Kara Wood and Jodi Falk of Rachel’s Table, Kevin O’Connor of Westfield Bank, and Judy Yaffe of Rachel’s Table.

Pictured, from left: Daniel Marini of Westfield Bank, Kara Wood and Jodi Falk of Rachel’s Table, Kevin O’Connor of Westfield Bank, and Judy Yaffe of Rachel’s Table.

Medical Student Advocacy

Thirteen medical students from the Population-based Urban & Rural Health (PURCH) program at UMass Chan Medical School – Baystate gathered at the Massachusetts State House on March 26 for PURCH on the Hill 2026, an initiative that equips future healthcare professionals with the skills and confidence to advocate for policies that address non-medical factors that greatly impact health. During their visit, students met with legislators and aides to champion two public health measures: Clean Slate legislation and increased funding for the Healthy Incentive Program (HIP). They urged lawmakers to help advance the Clean Slate bills sponsored by state Sens. Cindy Friedman and Adam Gomez that are currently in the Senate Ways & Means Committee, and to increase HIP funding for FY 2027.

Thirteen medical students from the Population-based Urban & Rural Health (PURCH) program at UMass Chan Medical School – Baystate