The Sandra R. Berman Pavilion combines all GBMC cancer care services into one location
By GBMC Media Staff
A ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 19 celebrated the completion of the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion, a new home for the region’s leader in comprehensive community cancer care. The new building combines all GBMC cancer care services into one location for the convenience and comfort of patients. The building will be accepting patients beginning in February 2025.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore attended the event, expressed his sentiments about the significance of this project, and shared a personal experience with cancer in his own family.
“The fearlessness behind this idea is saying, ‘Let’s make sure we have an institution that meets people where they are; let’s make it easier for them to navigate a very complicated time in their life and let them know we are going to see them and support them in any way we can,’” Governor Moore said. “Thank you–not just as the governor of this beautiful state, but someone whose family’s dealing with this right now–that in the most complicated moments of our families, we know we have people who see us, who are reaching out their hands to us and who are making this journey just a little bit easier.”
The Berman Pavilion is a single destination for cancer care that provides a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment. Its 73,000 square feet of sunlit, comfortable space is designed to meet patients’ needs. The Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC treats more than 12,000 patients a year.
The new building features:
- A dedicated oncology pharmacy, diagnostic imaging center and lab, all on site
- An Integrative Wellness Center for evidence-based symptom management
- A revamped Boutique and Salon featuring products chosen to boost cancer patients’ spirits and meet their unique needs at an affordable price point
- A revitalized Infusion Center with 10 private rooms, two isolation rooms, and gorgeous views
With the aging of the population as well as a national increase in cancer diagnoses in younger populations, the need for quality, compassionate and expert cancer care services that cater to the needs of patients is paramount.
GBMC HealthCare’s President and CEO John B. Chessare, MD, MPH, recognized the importance of this need and endorsed the project to ease the burden for people dealing with cancer and dramatically improve the patient experience.
“Our vision at GBMC is to care for patients as if they were our own loved ones,” Dr. Chessare said. “Creating this space for patients to more easily navigate what can be a complex, challenging, and emotional experience was the right thing to do. I commend the teams who have worked tirelessly to bring this project to life, on time and under budget, with the best interest of our patients in mind.”
Substantial philanthropic backing has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition, but it was foresight and a transformational lead gift from Sandra and Malcolm Berman that brought this project forward.
“This has been on our minds and in our hearts for some time,” Berman, who has served on the GBMC Board of Directors for more than a decade, said. “Members of our family, close friends, and many people we care about have been successfully treated at GBMC. Now, we want to make a difference for people throughout the community who are on this difficult journey. I hope this makes it as easy as possible for people to get better.”
Construction on the building is fully complete at this time. Internal clinical teams will spend the next few months physically setting up the space and training staff to ensure ideal flow and navigation for patients. GBMC expects to start treating patients in this building in early February 2025.