Dr. Kim Robinson enjoys the sense of community at UMass Memorial Health – Marlborough Hospital. "It's a nice, small environment and a really good fit for me," Dr. Robinson said. For the past ten years, she's served as the Medical Director of the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU).

"We're a very close-knit group of nurses, physicians, respiratory staff, and secretarial staff," said Dr. Robinson, who specializes in pulmonary disease. "I've worked with the same people for years, and I’m here more than I’m home. They’re not only colleagues but they’re friends, and it’s a wonderful work environment. I love everyone I work with, and we trust each other implicitly."

This spirit of teamwork translates to quality patient care. "We're able to help the sickest of patients," Dr. Robinson said, noting the ICU cares for both medical and surgical patients.

Working at a community hospital means getting to know patients and families. "A lot of patients we’ve seen before," said Dr. Robinson, who has also built up a thriving private practice in Marlborough. "We see friends of patients and relatives of patients. You realize when you're taking care of somebody that you’ve taken care of their brother, their sister, or their mother. To me, that’s very rewarding. You feel like you’re making a difference in the community."

During her three-year fellowship at UMass Memorial Medical Center - University Campus, Dr. Robinson "moonlighted" at Marlborough Hospital. When it was time to go into practice, she accepted a position to strengthen the hospital's ICU. "It was the best decision I ever made," she said. In 2017, Dr. Robinson will become President of the Marlborough Hospital medical staff. "I’ve been very involved in quality and performance improvement at the hospital, and this is another opportunity to ensure that we’re providing the best care for our patients and the community."

For Dr. Robinson, a patient's "thank you" is the greatest reward. "I saw an 80-year-old gentleman in my practice who was treated in the ICU last year," she said. "He was very sick, almost terminal. I didn't know he was doing so well. He said to me, 'I just have to thank you for saving my life.' We can really make a difference in someone's life."

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