Stier Lecture in Medicine

The Robert F. E. Stier Memorial Lecture in Medicine, presented this year by Dr. Jim O’Connell (pictured), president and founder of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program.

Dr. O’Connell will share the story of how he transitioned from the role of Chief Internal Medicine resident at Mass General Hospital to the country’s first street doctor for those experiencing homelessness. Recounting his 35 years of serving Boston’s most vulnerable population, Dr. O’Connell will illuminate the history of homelessness and the undue burden of co-occurring medical, psychiatric, and substance use disorders among chronically homeless persons. Most importantly, Dr. O’Connell will reflect on the many lessons he’s learned while caring for his patients.

University Lecture (Open to all WSU faculty, staff and students)

Medicine in the Streets: A team-based approach to caring for Boston’s Rough Sleepers

March 31, 2021
12 – 1 p.m.
Dr. O’Connell will:

• Detail a model of street medicine that is integrated into the community as well as the hospital
• Share the experiences of a team-based model for the delivery of integrated medical and psychiatric care directly on the streets
• Review the morbidity and mortality of those individuals who sleep on Boston’s streets
• Identify the importance of incorporating patient feedback into a community-based health care model, including the implementation of a Consumer Advisory Board

Community Lecture

Rethinking Homelessness, Health, and Housing: A view from the streets

March 31, 2021
4 – 5 p.m.
Dr. O’Connell will:

• Describe the evolution of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program model
• Review the myriad challenges facing housing and health care systems in attempting to end the societal scourge of homelessness
• Describe the burden of medical and behavioral health issues borne by rough sleepers
• Identify the importance of incorporating patient feedback into a community-based health care model, including the implementation of a Consumer Advisory Board