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Awards and Accreditations

Dr. Aucoin Named 2008 Most Patient-Centered Physician
April 1, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DR. PAULA AUCOIN HONORED BY BMC STAFF FOR PATIENT-CENTERED CARE PITTSFIELD, MA – In conjunction with National Doctors Day, the staff of Berkshire Medical Center has recognized Paula Aucoin, MD, with its Most Patient-Centered Doctor award for 2008. Dr. Aucoin is the Director of Infection Control at BMC and an Internal Medicine physician practicing with the Berkshire Medical Group with a specialization in infectious diseases. She was honored during a special breakfast reception held for the entire medical staff at BMC on March 28th to celebrate National Doctors’ Day. “Dr. Aucoin has consistently been a strong advocate for patients’ rights,” said Helen Downey, RN, Chief Operating Officer of BMC. “Paula gives a great deal of her very valuable time to Berkshire Medical Center, helping us to build the best processes for high quality patient care.” The staff of Berkshire Medical Center submitted nominations for the award. They chose to honor Dr.Aucoin, among the many fine physicians on staff at BMC based on her 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 very 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. 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, has demonstrated ability to alleviate patients’ fear and anxiety and frequently involves 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. Dr. Aucoin began practicing in the Berkshires in 1982. As the Medical Director for Infection Control at BMC, Dr. Aucoin has overseen a program with exceptional results, and has provided her expertise to the hospital and community on the management of influenza issues and infection prevention. This includes guidance on vaccine distribution, management of potential flu outbreaks and potential future influenza threats. In addition, Dr. Aucoin has played an important role in BMC’s emergency operations planning. Dr. Aucoin served for many years as Chairman of the BMC Ethics Committee and continues to serve as a committee member, has served on the Medical Executive Committee, the Department of Medicine’s Executive Committee, and on the Patient Care and Quality Committee of the Berkshire Health Systems Board of Trustees. In 2006, the BHS Board honored Dr. Aucoin with the Gladys Allen Brigham Award for her longtime service to the hospital and its patients. Board certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, she received her Medical Degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine, and was fellowship trained in Infectious Diseases at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. She completed her internship and residency training at St. Vincent’s Hospital. Active in the community, Dr. Aucoin is a member of the Parish Council and a religious education teacher for St. Ann’s Church in Lenox and volunteers with the Berkshire County Special Olympics program.