BWFH welcomes new Patient/Family Relations Specialist

Maritza Velez recently joined Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital as our new Patient/Family Relations Specialist. In this role, she works under the direction of Patient and Family Relations Manager Maria Alaniz within the department of Patient Experience to support patients and their loved ones.

Velez studied Psychology at UMass Amherst before earning her master’s degree in Communications and Information Management at Bay Path University. Prior to joining BWFH, she served as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Assistant Program Director advocating for residents of nursing homes and rest homes. 

Velez is already familiar with BWFH, having worked here per diem several years ago as a medical interpreter in Spanish. “I like the patient population that is served here and I like that it’s a warm and welcoming hospital,” she says. “A lot of what I had been doing in my previous role was advocating for patient’s rights. This role was very appealing because it incorporates that advocacy work in an environment that I already know to be a nice place to work.”

So far, Velez says she is happy with her decision to take on her new role. “Everyone is very nice and welcoming,” she says.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, taking long walks, listening to music and trying new classes at the gym. “Zumba, spinning, yoga, I like to try it all!” she says.