The 2022 Bone and Joint Center Patient Reunion Carries on the Tradition of Fostering Positive Relationships Between Care Providers and Patients

The Bone and Joint Center at UPMC Magee-Women’s Hospital, affectionately known as the “BJC,” has a proven track record. Each year, it boasts some of the best patient satisfaction scores within the entire UPMC system and nationally. Its patients routinely rate their care experience as “exceptional,” adding personal notes of praise for their care team members. Surgeons and clinical staff, office administrators, even hospital staff such as food and custodial service workers, are called out by name in surveys for providing a personal touch, care with compassion, and thoughtful attention to patient needs. Bone and Joint Center staff and clinicians pride themselves on the relationships they build with patients and on listening to what matters to them.

These special relationships drive excellence and make the Bone and Joint Center peerless in the region. The BJC is truly the premier option for people seeking treatment for their bone and joint pain.

But relationship-building at the BJC doesn’t end when a patient heads home following their care experience. 

Every two years for the last two decades, the BJC has organized “patient reunions,” large-scale events in the community that bring past patients, care team members, and staff together for an afternoon of camaraderie and fun. These exciting reunions, typically open to BJC patients from the previous two years, allow patients to reconnect with their care providers, meet one another, share stories, celebrate restored mobility, and foster friendships. Patient reunions are a testament to the BJC’s commitment to building relationships and a sense of community among its clinicians, staff, and patients. 

Over the years, reunions have grown in size and scope, with upwards of 1000 patients attending each time! The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Heinz Field, Carnegie Science Center, Phipps Conservatory, and many others have played host, giving attendees the chance to enjoy some of Pittsburgh’s best attractions while reuniting with friends new and old. As the event has grown, so too has the involvement of the Pittsburgh community. Local businesses donate gift certificates, memorabilia, and other great items to be raffled off as prizes. Event sponsors have included local outpatient physical therapy clinics where patients received postoperative rehabilitative care. Event sponsors ensure that everyone can enjoy the patient reunion at no cost! These local businesses also encourage their staff to attend, further supporting the network of relationships and community that patients can benefit from when they receive care at the BJC.

Thousands of patients have gotten to know one another and their care providers better through these reunions. Many still keep in touch! Their stories and ideas inform all that the BJC does and hopes to do for years to come.

This year marks the next chapter in the patient reunion’s long history. To be held on May 7th at Heinz Field, this year’s reunion will be Kentucky Derby-themed, as the events serendipitously fall on the same day. The doctors and staff of the BJC have invited the past three years worth of patients and their guests to come – over 3000! – along with sponsors and staff from outpatient care facilities in the Pittsburgh region. The Derby with the Docs promises to carry on the BJC’s rich tradition of building long-lasting and meaningful relationships among patients, clinicians, and staff. 

The AMD3 Foundation is proud to partner with the BJC to help plan and coordinate this wonderful event, which will benefit Operation Walk Pittsburgh for the second time in its history! All proceeds from the event will be used to purchase critically needed surgical supplies and equipment for Operation Walk Pittsburgh’s 2022 Mission to Antigua, Guatemala, where up to 50 patients in need will have their mobility restored through knee and hip replacement surgery, bone and joint health education, and rehabilitative care, all at no cost.

We look forward to May 7th and sharing pictures and stories from this amazing event with our AMD3 Foundation community!

Are you a Bone and Joint Center patient who has questions about this year’s reunion or a local business owner who wants to get involved? Sponsorship opportunities are available. Call us at 412-450-6011 for more information.