Celebrating 25 Years of Care, Community, and Family at West

In September, staff, former employees, and friends gathered at GLFHC's West Lawrence Clinic to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 25 years of serving patients and families at 700 Essex Street.

The evening was filled with gratitude, memories, and more than a few tears as current and former staff shared stories, spontaneous tributes, and reflections on what makes West special. Beautiful décor, outstanding food, and photo displays spanning the clinic's 25-year history created a warm and welcoming atmosphere that felt more like a family reunion than an anniversary celebration.

That feeling was reflected throughout the evening as speakers returned to a common theme: West is more than a building. It is a community built on relationships.

Mariella Alon, West Clinic Administrator, reflected on the countless lives that have intersected with the clinic over the past 25 years, describing West as far more than a place where patients receive medical care. It is a place where relationships are built, trust is earned, and generations of families find support.

As she reminded attendees, West's impact extends well beyond individual appointments:

"It doesn't simply treat an illness. It treats a community."

Looking out at the gathering of current and former employees, that legacy was unmistakable.

One of the evening's most meaningful moments came when staff reflected on the culture that has defined West since its earliest days. In his remarks, Paul Esielionis, MD spoke about the intentional effort to create not only an exceptional clinical practice, but an environment rooted in service, compassion, and human connection.

"We created a culture of 'How can I help you?' Think about those words. Imagine someone says that to you when you are upset. Feel the release of tension in your body. We say this to the patients and to each other."

He also reflected on the patients and families who have shaped West over the years and the relationships that remain at the heart of the clinic's mission.

"Many times, we cannot change or cure a diagnosis. But being in relationship, walking with the patient is curative in itself."

That philosophy has long defined the culture of West, where physicians, nurses, medical assistants, patient service representatives, and support staff work together to create a sense of belonging for patients and one another.

As the celebration looked back on 25 years of growth and service, it also looked ahead. Paul announced that Patrick Salemme, MD will serve as the West Clinic's new Medical Director as Paul begins to reduce his day-to-day responsibilities at the site. Paul will continue serving GLFHC as Vice President of Clinical Affairs, providing leadership and oversight to medical directors across several clinical locations.

In his remarks, Patrick expressed his commitment to building upon the culture of excellence, compassion, and service that has defined West for more than two decades. He spoke about honoring the foundation established by Paul while helping guide the clinic's next chapter.

A touching tribute from President & CEO Zandra Kelley, MD highlighted the many lives and careers shaped within West's walls. A former resident who trained under Paul at West, Zandra presented him with a jade plant as a symbol of the care, dedication, and leadership he invested in the clinic over the past quarter century.

Paul closed by reflecting on the deep connections that have defined West throughout its history. Revisiting GLFHC's former slogan, "Your Home for Health," he suggested that an even more fitting description would be "Su familia para la salud" – "Your family's health." He characterized the clinic as a family that supports one another, cares for patients with dignity and respect, and remains connected no matter where life takes them.

As attendees reconnected with former colleagues, shared memories, and celebrated the clinic they helped build, those words felt especially true.

Happy 25th Anniversary to the West Clinic, and to all those who have cared for patients, supported one another, and helped make West a place where generations of families have found compassion, healing, and community.