Continuing our series "Getting to Know Our Neighbors,” we want to introduce you to Sandra Stratford and Oscar Malcolm. They had been living in New York when, in 1996, Oscar, a Credit and Risk Management Specialist, was recruited by Fidelity Investments in Boston. He accepted the position and moved into the Harbor Towers. Sandy, a physician trained in internal medicine, occupational medicine, and most recently digital health,

was working at IBM at the time; they had a “commuter marriage” for a few years until 2001. Oscar had noticed the Esplanade Condominiums from his walks around the Esplanade. Because of the central location close to Logan Airport, highways, and the lovely building, they both decided that that’s where they wanted to live. Sandy left New York, and they moved into the Esplanade in December 2001.

Oscar and Sandy originally met at Yale University. They each went their own way but kept in touch as friends; “by phone about once a year.” They connected again while Oscar was working in St. Croix and Sandy was on vacation with friends just before her med school graduation. However, each was dating someone else at that time. About five years later, they began to date. They dated for three years, off for two years, and finally married about two years later in 1998. Although it took them a while to finally wed, they have been happily together for 27 years!

Oscar is originally from Panama City, Panama, and, at age 15, moved with his family to Brooklyn. He graduated from high school there and attended Yale University. After graduating from Yale, he completed a credit training program at Chase Manhattan Bank and asked to be transferred to Panama. His next assignment was St. Croix, where he excelled at the job and enjoyed traveling throughout the Caribbean. After a few years of work on Wall Street, Oscar accepted Fidelity’s offer and moved to Boston. He worked in Fidelity’s Risk Management Division and remembers successfully navigating through “some very scary times” during the 2008 financial crisis. In 2011, Oscar retired from Fidelity and started his own real estate business, which focuses on buying investment properties in Panama. He notes, “The weather and food are great, and several of my family members and friends are there. So, things are good.” Oscar has also given his time and talents to non-profit organizations. He serves on the Audit and Planned Giving Committees for WGBH, where he is a Trustee Emeritus.

Sandy grew up in Philadelphia, received her medical degree from Hahnemann University School of Medicine (now Drexel University College of Medicine), and completed a residency in internal medicine at Albert Einstein Northern Division (Philadelphia). After practicing internal medicine in Philadelphia for a couple of years, she relocated to NYC. She completed her residency in occupational medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, where she also earned an M.S. in community medicine. She is a board-certified specialist in occupational medicine focusing on the health and safety of employees, their families, and communities. With this unique perspective, she has held critical positions in companies such as Exxon, IBM, and Raytheon. After moving to Boston, Sandy worked for CareGroup Occupational Health at the New England Baptist Hospital and its spin-off, Occupational & Environmental Health Network (OEHN). She served as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and head of Global Health Resources (GHR) for the Raytheon Company for 13 years.

She retired from the corporate world in 2020, got a certification in digital health from Columbia Business School Executive Education and, since then, has given her time primarily to start-up company boards, advisory boards, and non-profit organizations. Sandy serves as a Trustee of the Board and Executive Committee Member of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and as a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Health Equity Council member. She is a member of the Boston Club and an Honorary Advisor for the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Oscar and Sandy believe in enjoying life while you can! They enjoy travel, golf, good food and wine, and spending time with friends and family. They noted that another advantage of life in Panama is its proximity to all the countries south of there! This year they plan a visit Lima, Peru, to play golf and explore its culinary offerings, especially a restaurant they’ve read about that “is one of the best”! Next year they’ll visit Machu Pichu. One of their favorite places is Italy, and especially Florence, its art, the people, and, of course, the wonderful food!

They love living in the Esplanade, “a pleasant building with its wonderful pool, gym, and staff.” They mentioned that, like a lot of buildings, their concerns relate to communication among the management, the Board, and the residents. “Sometimes we wonder if they’re listening,” which will “become more critical as we have to address the difficult issues of the windows and AC/heating systems.”

Oscar especially loves the surrounding area and “walks all over,” often to Harvard Square, North Point Park, Cambridge Crossing, and sometimes even Somerville! Sandy’s favorite walks are circling the River via the Mass. Ave. Bridge and back again over the Longfellow Bridge. She also enjoys walking over the Bridge, down Charles Street, and into the Boston Garden. Their favorite restaurant in the area is Oleana. They also added that, as they age, proximity to MGH is very important! They’re now enjoying “snowbirding” in Panama City and the beach area.

Sandy and Oscar are friendly, generous, busy, and talented neighbors. They encourage others to contact them if they want to visit Panama, and they’ll gladly give good suggestions. Please say “Hi” when you see them!

--Jane Hilburt-Davis