Jon Santiago
@IamJonSantiago
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Rafa & Julian's dad. Serving our Massachusetts Veterans. ER Doc, @USArmyReserve Major. Fmr State Rep, @peacecorps vol. Personal Account. Views are my own.
Boston, MA
Joined March 2013
This weekend my son was born on the same day his culture was called "garbage" at one of the largest political rallies of the season. Nevermind that his dad has spent his life in service to his country or that his mom is an immigrant who's contributed more than she's taken. (1/3)
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And he'll be resilient like his mom, dad, and the millions of others who choose to fight for a better and more inclusive America. That's what gives me hope today.
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To some, it doesn't matter & will never be enough. But I take solace in knowing that baby Julian will be taught the values that made America an inspiration; that this experiment is one of ups & downs, but you have to have hope & keep moving forward because it's worth it. (2/3).
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One day I’m going to tell my grandkids about the time I hiked through a snowstorm and several feet of snow to get the covid vaccine
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50 vs 40% indoor capacity? A 90 min dining time limit?. Either you’re serious about stopping the virus or not. I’ll check in soon from the frontlines to let you know how it’s going. Don’t hold your breath.
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Always a learning experience to switch roles w/ patients. In a lot of pain, I barely had the strength to get to my own ER. Was diagnosed w/ appendicitis & had surgery this AM. Thx to all those who reached out & to @The_BMC @BMCSurgery for providing exceptional care w/o exception!
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Please join me in welcoming Rafael into this world! . It's been a busy week but mom and Rafa are finally home and healthy. Can't think of a better reason to hope and fight for a better world.
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I feel things are picking up in Boston, not just in volume but in how sick these #covid19 #coronavirus patients are presenting. The decision to put anyone on a ventilator is risky and challenging, much more so in this era. My last patient this shift was another reminder.
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Thank you @MassGovernor for the opportunity to serve. Our veterans have sacrificed so much and have given their very best to our country. And we'll give them ours.
Rep. Jon Santiago has lived a life of service to this country – as a legislator, an emergency room doctor, and overseas with the U.S. Army Reserve. He's uniquely qualified to be our first Veterans’ Secretary. Our former service members and their families will be in good hands.
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Just finished 3 more overnights in the ER & time for some zzz’s - but just a few thoughts: the faster 1-2 day test is a GAMECHANGER; #COVID19 patients can get really sick, really quickly; now that testing #’s are up in Mass, it’s time to get extra serious about contact tracing!
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Just finished up another weekend in the ED, so far so good! After a crazy start, we’re seizing the challenge to create a more efficient and robust ER. And while #coronavirus will get worse before it gets better, I’m optimistic about the progress! Tune in! #COVID19MA
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Celebrating Thanksgiving halfway across the globe with new friends and colleagues! Kept it low key with a trip to the cafeteria, then hospital, and back to my room to call family + friends. Especially thankful for each day and the opportunity to serve others - will be back soon!
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Just got back from overseas - and Rafa remembered me!. Grateful to those of you who reached out, took care of my family, and sent a little prayer while I was gone. Deployments are difficult for all kinds of reasons and your support meant a whole lot.
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I’m about to clock into the ER & wanted to share a brief update from the frontlines. A LOT of people have reached out with questions/concerns so I’m going to do my best to explain things in short videos as the #coronavirus evolves. Follow along! #COVID19MA
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2nd dose and ready to go! Another sore arm and some chills that night but all better and ready to get back to work!
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Finished up my 1st shift at the Boston Hope field hospital working with @BHCHP. Real privilege to care for #coronavirus #covid19 patients, many of which are homeless & chronically ill. With 1,000 total beds, we’re filling up fast but still have capacity if need be. Back tomorrow!
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Believe it or not, you can wear a mask for 8+ hours without changing your oxygen level - I’m still at 100%! So #wearamask and have a happy Sunday!
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Boston is at a turning point— the pandemic has held a mirror up to the inequities we see every day and laid bare our vulnerabilities. This moment requires a leader who can lead us through a recovery rooted in equity to a better future. That’s why I’m running for mayor of Boston.
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Back in Boston! . Wrapped up the deployment today, then voted to expand reproductive rights, took care of a medical emergency on the flight, and then surprised the wife. time for @midarestaurant takeout, gelato, and sleep - can’t wait to catch up with everyone!
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“If you don’t like wearing a mask you’re really going to hate the ventilator.". Morning message from my anesthesiologist neighbor. #wearamask #coronavirus.
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Today I am #commuting on the @MBTA to my first day at my new job. First task: inauguration. Thank you for, #orangeline, for getting me there, and thank you, neighbors, for voting me there! .#9thSuffolk #mapoli #bospoli
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Right back to it! Clocking in for another weekend in the ER & staying optimistic. While PPE is a concern here & throughout the country, we are conserving equipment & acting judiciously. Check out my most recent update from the front lines #coronavirus #COVID19 #COVID19MA
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Was napping for my overnight ER shift when I was pleasantly awoken by the cries for justice, peace, and equality just outside my window. Thank you Boston!
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It’s my first weekend off in 4 months (!) so do me a favor - wear a mask, avoid large groups, and be safe this July 4th weekend. I don’t want to relive the past several months and given the spikes nationwide, let’s not erase the gains we’ve made here. Be vigilant!
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Celebrating my second Veterans Day while deployed & still as grateful as ever to serve with America's finest. Thank you to all who've served and continue to do so.
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I’m as optimistic as ever for Boston and couldn’t be more proud of the campaign we ran. Grateful for the friendships made and the opportunity to lift up so many important issues. Thank you, Boston.
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Updates on the “tricky” #COVID19 #coronavirus, glimmers of hope re: flattening curve, Mass leading the testing charge, and the @Patriots & @Battelle getting us the critical PPE we need for the surge. Onward!
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400+ years of enslavement, disenfranchisement, and imprisonment for poor people of color has created health inequity. Now you want me to save the ventilator for the “less sick”? No, sir. That's the definition of structural racism & we ain’t about that.1/x
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As the #coronavirus continues to evolve, I shared my thoughts w/ the @BostonGlobe about looking out for the most vulnerable among us. Honored to join colleagues on the frontlines - be it the ER or House of Reps! #COVID19MA
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Got my #covid19 test and antibody results back and not exactly what I would’ve thought. The take away message: PPE is fundamental to slowing the spread and protecting us from this deadly virus. We must continue to prioritize it.
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It’s been the highest of honors to take the oath and serve my country. So grateful for all those who’ve served, past and present, and their families for their sacrifice. #VeteransDay2021
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Out with folks this afternoon repping for @joekennedy! Joe’s been showing up for folks since we were in the Peace Corps and will continue to do so as the your next senator. And that’s why I’m showing up for him. Proud to support my brother in service!
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Before clocking in for the 1st of 3 shifts this weekend, I wanted to share some thoughts on the impact of #COVID19 #coronavirus on the healthcare workforce. We’re taking extra precautions to protect our patients, our colleagues, & our loved ones. Listen in!
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Yesterday I resigned from my State Representative seat. While bittersweet, the last 4 years have been nothing short of amazing. Someone once told me that there's no elected office that carries as much depth and breadth. And it's true. (1/3)
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Miss my family like crazy but their happiness & safety were Santa's best gifts to me!. Getting in the spirit this deployment with some of America's finest. Merry Christmas to all!🎄🎁 🎅🏼 🇺🇸
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Wrapped up day 2 at Boston Hope Field Hospital. In order to enter the clinical area you have to put on the PPE for the entire time. gets sweaty, hot, annoying. but necessary. Learn how to gear up (aka “don and doff”)! 1/2
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Quick updates on the encouraging progress re: testing & equipment. AND some thoughts on the “magic drug” hydroxychloroquine in patients with #covid19 #coronavirus. Tune in!
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Honored to have thrown the 1st pitch at @fenwaypark for the RedSox Puerto Rican Heritage Celebration!. And was joined by none other that Puerto Rico's 1st Olympic gold medalist @MonicaAce93. Thank you @RedSox for celebrating 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷!
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Wrapped up another several ER shifts, this wknd in the #covid19 #coronavirus section. Now we’re testing EVERYONE admitted. Also glad to learn we’re increasing testing in the homeless community & starting antibody tests in Boston. Stay strong!
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Thx for the bday wishes everyone!. Had a great birthday weekend and lil dude passed out before watching his dad almost eat an entire cake - 4th decade already off to a great start!
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As a medical professional in the legislature. whatever medical arguments I just heard attempting to block the expansion of reproductive rights was. well. not every medical at all.
Abortion is health care, and everyone deserves access to equitable health care. Call your State Rep. and urge them to support Amendment 759 in the House budget to break down medically unnecessary barriers to abortion care in MA:
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Transportation justice is vital to health and economic justice. It is all related and just one more reason why the MBTA should not cut services. Check out my latest opinion piece in the @BostonGlobe:.
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Honored to be selected by @bosbizjournal as one of Boston’s 40 under 40. Much credit to my colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and @the_BMC who have welcomed me & have taught me so much. Very proud to be a part of the team!
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Finished up paperwork to work at Boston’s #covid19 #coronavirus field hospital this wknd. As we scale up capacity during the surge, your gov’t is aggressively addressing the situation at nursing homes which have some of our most vulnerable patients. Hang in there & stay healthy!
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This is what the plateau looks like. We endured the surge & now we mustn't let up as we get through this difficult period. Hang tight everyone. Your resiliency is inspiring & I'm honored to serve you in the ER and State House.
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My wife has a PhD and I don’t think I would’ve had the patience or fortitude to do what she did. And I have a medical degree. #DrJillBiden.
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Happy Halloween! 🎃 . Out here making cavities with Sully and Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc!
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When your Puerto Rican mom is staying over and cooking it up like you were 12 years old again! 🇵🇷
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I didn't have to graduate med school to understand that Chauvin's knee on #GeorgeFloyd's neck killed him. Let's not medicalize this injustice.
BREAKING: Charging doc against Minneapolis police officer who kept his knee on George Floyd’s neck says autopsy revealed: “No physical findings that support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation”. combination of force & health problems contributed to death. (CNN)
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Today I filed a bill to speed up vaccine administration with a focus on the most vulnerable among us, especially the elderly and communities of color. We must ensure equity is at the center as we race against new COVID variants.
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A quick public service announcement from your friends and healthcare professionals on the front lines: Don’t Inject Bleach!.#facemaskchallenge #coronavirus #covid19
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“irregardless” is not a word @hawleyMO. You’re a fraud, have blood on your hands, and spent all that money at Stanford/Yale just to use bad grammar.
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With all these elected officials checking into the hospital for “precautionary measures”, I hope they’re not forgetting the millions of Americans who don’t have the same privilege….or the many essential workers who took part in their unsafe activities.
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Rafa's digging our new 3am seating arrangement. He laughs (at me? 🧐). I read. We chill. 😎
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It's 4am and I just woke up to my son looking like the Hamburglar. Let's hope there's a stash of quarter pounders and big macs in the fridge. 🤞
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1st shift in months I didn’t see a #covid19 patient! But that couldn’t be more opposite with what’s happening around the country with record infections being set daily. Don’t let your guard down as we enter this new normal!
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Love working at @The_BMC @BMC_EM where we practice public health during busy ER shifts. We recently launched a vaccine initiative for ER patients & today my COVID vax partner & I got 3 people vaccinated! #GetVaxxed
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April 2nd - @MassGovernor: “The #COVID19 surge will happen between April 10th & April 20th.”. Me: *checks ER work schedule and sees name on list*. Me: Let’s go!
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It's budget week!. Looking forward to hearing from voters & supporting a budget that provides critical investments. And just had one of our newest constituents come to the office. He didn't speak much but made it clear he has demands!
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Tonight I took a break from the ER to round with my upstairs colleagues on our #coronavirus #COVID19 patients. Although we started using rapid tests for our homeless patients, the disproportionate impact the virus has on black/brown communities is concerning. Hang in there!
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He’s been “woke” since I met him in the @PeaceCorps so many years ago. @joekennedy went above & beyond the call of duty to help the poorest in the region. No cameras. No media. No one watching. Just a tremendous desire to serve the underserved.
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For #nursesweek, I want to thank the nurses who make up the backbone of our hospitals & have taught me so much about medicine & life. Their dedication, resolve, and empathy before & during #coronavirus #covid19 are admirable & it’s an honor to stand with you on the front lines!
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Celebrated Rafa's 1st birthday today!. 🥳🎂🎉 . And introduced him to the proper way to eat whipped cream!
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First shift back in the ER after my surgery (!) & wanted to update everyone on our #coronavirus uptick. With cases rising, @MassGovernor has made the wise decision to roll back a few things. Stay vigilant - we all play a role in stopping a 2nd surge!
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My work as an ER doctor not only informs my policy making, it allows me to amplify the concerns of my patients & community. It makes me a better representative & vice versa. Great to share that w/ @Adrian_Walker @bostonglobe - now let the work continue!
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Joined neighbors this morning after wrapping up an ER shift to hand out groceries for folks in need. Thanks Tony for organizing! And great to see @juliaforboston out there with us!
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Today we grieve, we reflect, & we organize. Was with my fellow colleagues of color in gov’t today amplifying the voices of Black & Latinx communities struggling against a system that denies them the basic right to life, liberty, & pursuit of happiness #JusticeForGeorge
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What an honor to swear in last week as the 1st Secretary of Veterans' Services for the Commonwealth. Thank you @MassGovernor & @KimDriscollMA for believing in me. Now let's get to work!
#ICYMI Dr. Jon Santiago was sworn in by @MassGovernor as Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans' Services. A @USArmyReserve Major, ER physician, & former State Rep/Peace Corps volunteer, Sec Santiago aims to prioritize high-quality care & services for our #veterans (1/2)
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Quick update from the ER re: numbers trending in the right direction, a potential 3rd surge from new variants, and what we’re doing to improve the rocky vaccine rollout. Tune in!
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Honored to partner w/ @AyannaPressley & @DARollins to pen a @GlobeOpinion piece on race/ethnicity. “Let us allow this public health emergency to be a rallying cry as we redress the health disparity that has defined our country since its founding.”
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We stand with science, public health, and @MayorWu's decision to choose the collective health of our city over the selfishness of certain individuals. Folks, we can disagree without being disagreeable. Especially when it's your life we're trying to save.
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As an ER doctor who serves on the frontlines of COVID, I understand the pandemic as well as anyone. Boston needs to re-open on May 29th — like the state. Our neighborhoods & small businesses can’t wait. Feel different, #Boston? Let’s talk about it.
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Very impressed touring the mass vaccination site at @fenwaypark. It’s efficient, safe, & going to save countless lives as it expands capacity. Thank you @CIC_Health & @RedSox
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Looks like you have to vote 3 times to make it clear to @MassGovernor that we support expanding abortion access here in Massachusetts. 3rd time's a charm!.
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You have a role to play in stopping the #coronavirus #covid19 epidemic from worsening. PRACTICE social distancing. Let’s all come together and play our parts. See you in the morning! #covid19ma
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Thanks for tuning in for day 4! After a weekend of ER shifts, I’m pivoting back to my state rep role to provide some #coronavirus policy updates. this time on important progress from the federal government. Follow along to learn more! #COVID19MA
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Be a patriot this July 4th. Wear a mask. Don’t be racist. Show some compassion. And be safe!.
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Thank you to all those who reached out from all the walks of my life. It's an honor when your peers believe you're worthy enough for a job as important as the mayor of Boston. Look forward to continuing the discussion over the the coming days.
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Spent today’s shift in the trauma room seeing the sickest of the sick. Lots of #coronavirus #covid19 patients cared for as the surge gets underway. My biggest concern is the high # of black & brown patients. We need to make sure they’re getting the care they deserve!
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I’m overseas but I don’t need a text alert to remind me what’s at stake with a 2nd surge. What I need is federal aid to cities/towns, education funding, a plan to keep people in their homes, a pause in reopening, and for people to trust science.
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What a difference a year makes!. Had the best bday weekend with some relaxing family time, homemade French desserts (including Bavarois framboise-chocolat) & ricotta gnocchi - thx to all those who reached out!
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ICYMI: Last week, #TeamSantiago was proud to accept the support of @votevets! . Chip in here to help fuel our campaign:
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And it's a sweep for @maura_healey!. Boston Ward 9 will be sending all its elected delegates to @massdems convention for Team Healey!. Was great to organize & partner with neighbors to make this happen. #bospoli #mapoli
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Election day is 5 days away and I mailed my ballot! If you haven’t sent your ballot yet, drop it off in a ballot box, vote early, or vote on election day. Thx to all the postal and election dept workers for keeping democracy alive. now it’s your turn to make your voice heard!
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About to start the last ER shift of the year!. While it's been a challenging year, the small victories & personal growth still give me reason to hope. Incredibly thankful for my family, friends & look forward to counting down the last minutes of 2021 with patients & colleagues!
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After a week of legislative work, right back to the ER! #covid19 #coronavirus admissions are down, ER was back to being busy, Remdesivir in the news, and we have a statewide mask order. 🎶 Don’t Stop Believin 🎶 now hitting the hospital airwaves!
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Congrats to @The_BMC for winning a $5M award to provide economic development & affordable housing to Roxbury, Mattapan, & Dorchester! Proud to be on the BMC team & thx @megansandel for leading on this!
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Fare increase?! Not when we've BEEN paying more and getting less. Don't burden our low-income riders. Fix the MBTA, think progressive (not regressive) taxation, and keep it cheap. cause promoting Uber/Lyft is a non-starter. #BOSpoli #MApoli #YesIRideTheT
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Due to #coronavirus #COVID19, we have a severe shortage of blood that our hospitals need to keep folks alive. YOU can save up to 3 lives by donating today - I just did! Check out my newest update to learn more! @RedCross #COVID19MA #BloodDonor
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May your 4th of July be full of gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy and a reminder to rededicate ourselves to ensuring that all share equally in the privileges & opportunities America affords. Enjoying today with my little piece of hope for the days ahead.
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Another wknd of overnight shifts. and the ER was WICKED busy! Overall, #coronavirus #covid19 numbers are down, but before we open up our economy, we must double down on testing & contact tracing in order to avoid a second surge. The public health must come first!
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I am not throwing away my shot and you shouldn’t either!. It’s safe, effective, and the only way to return back to normalcy.
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Feds donating remdesivir to some - not all - hospitals? And there are transparency issues re: allocation? Not cool when Boston Medical Center is still in the thick of #covid19. Hear about that & other updates from the front lines. Time to hit the sack!
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