While training in oral medicine at Harvard University in the ’90s, Donna Mager, DDS, DMSc, noticed a number of her patients needed serious medical care, but didn’t have insurance. In many cases, their medical issues were compounding or causing oral health issues. Seeking clinics that would work with her uninsured or underinsured patients and coming up with few options, Mager eventually found the perfect partner in BMC. Years later, Mager is a dedicated supporter of the hospital that inspired her.
“To see that level of care being provided for all patients regardless of their insurance status — it wasn’t just a hope; it was happening at BMC,” says Mager. “I couldn’t believe it. I thought, ‘If they can do it, why can’t this happen everywhere?”’
Mager began recommending that her patients go to BMC. Over the years, she saw one patient at a time get the care they needed.
Donna Mager, DDS, DMSc
Mager’s own career path combines direct patient care with research in oral medicine, giving her a unique view of how lack of routine healthcare can lead to chronic and complex health issues. She graduated from a dental hygiene program at age 19 with a goal to become a dentist. After working 25 years as a hygienist and raising her kids, Mager entered dental school. After graduation, she went on to earn a doctorate in medical sciences from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Mager later became a researcher focused on using bacterial patterns in the mouth for earlier diagnosis of oral cancers and other conditions.
Fast forward to 2020. As the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged communities, Mager once again saw BMC showing up. “BMC was in the community treating people. The staff were putting themselves at risk to deliver care, bringing people in without question and regardless of whether they could pay,” says Mager. “That’s when I first sent in a donation.”
Ever since, Mager has made regular gifts to The BMC Fund, BMC’s annual fund to support the hospital’s greatest needs and most promising opportunities. Recent events and shifting policies nationally have only strengthened Mager’s resolve to support BMC. Seeing how quickly something like healthcare services can be stripped away motivates Mager to do what she can to ensure people can get the care they need and deserve.
“The access to care that BMC offers is a big reason I continue to give month after month, year after year,” says Mager. “I’ll support BMC forever.”
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