Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women’s Hospital Navigate Separation, Ensuring PA Stability

The long-anticipated separation between Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Mass General Brigham is proceeding, but with a renewed focus on minimizing disruption for physician assistants (PAs) caught in the middle. After a period of uncertainty, the two institutions have agreed to a plan that prioritizes stability for the PA workforce and an orderly transition process.

A Complex Disentanglement

The decision for Dana-Farber to pursue a partnership with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, announced in 2023, initiated a multi-year unwinding of its longstanding relationship with Brigham and Women’s Hospital. This separation, slated for completion by 2028, involves a complex restructuring of patient care delivery. For decades, Dana-Farber patients received outpatient care at Dana-Farber and inpatient care at Brigham and Women’s. Dana-Farber physicians provided oncology care at Brigham, while Brigham doctors handled surgical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, and pathology services. The hospitals are even physically connected by a bridge.

Initial Concerns and Job Security

Tensions escalated recently when Dana-Farber informed staff that Brigham planned to phase out the utilize of its PAs, potentially by the end of 2026. This announcement created uncertainty regarding the employment status of affected PAs. However, following discussions, Brigham and Women’s Hospital rescinded the initial notice.

A Collaborative Resolution

In a joint email to staff, leaders from both organizations announced they were working towards a “mutually acceptable and coordinated plan.” Mass General Brigham also extended job offers to the PAs at its own cancer institute, signaling a desire to retain their expertise. Dana-Farber subsequently assured its staff that PAs would continue to be employed throughout the transition and into the opening of the new cancer hospital, planned for completion in 2031.

Commitment to Patient Care

Both Dana-Farber and Mass General Brigham have emphasized their commitment to maintaining high-quality patient care throughout this transition. A joint statement from the two organizations affirmed that continuity of care remains their top priority as they navigate this “multifaceted transition.”

Brigham and Women’s Commitment to PAs

Brigham and Women’s Hospital is a significant employer of PAs in New England, with over 1,433 PAs comprising 41% of its Advanced Practice Provider (APP) workforce. The hospital emphasizes its commitment to providing a dynamic and supportive environment for PAs to practice at the top of their scope.

The unwinding of the Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women’s relationship will undoubtedly be complex, but the collaborative approach to supporting the PA workforce demonstrates a commitment to minimizing disruption and ensuring continued high-quality patient care.