Patient Family Relations expands with new manager

Maria Alaniz started recently as the new Patient and Family Relations Manager at BWFH. She is responsible for managing all compliments, complaints, and grievances that come through the office, as well as acting as liaison for the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC).

Alaniz’s background is in public health: she earned a Master of Public Health from Boston University and worked for over ten years within various issue areas including health education, prenatal screening case management, and National CLAS Standards. Most recently, she worked as a Project Manager at the Center for Reducing Health Disparities at University of California, Davis. There, she helped a county mental health system increase access and utilization of mental health services for underserved populations.

Alaniz moved back to Boston recently to start her new role at BWFH, citing her desire to do something different than public health research. “I came here for my masters and really loved Massachusetts, and I needed a change. I saw this opportunity and thought it’d be a good chance to learn the hospital setting,” she said.

Alaniz has enjoyed her experience so far and has appreciated the opportunity to be a fresh set of eyes.

“People here are really friendly, and helpful. I have enjoyed all of the learning opportunities - this is a chance to learn systems that people take for granted and bring light to issues people haven’t seen,” she said.

In her free time, Alaniz enjoys hiking and walking with her dog.