Joseph Rampulla, NP

Joseph Rampulla is a retired Family Community Nurse Practitioner and Addictions Counselor who devoted his career to serving underserved populations in the Boston area. He began his nursing career in 1976 as a registered nurse at San Francisco General Hospital, working on an extremity trauma unit treating patients with conditions such as heroin abscesses. In the 1980s, he also gained experience in addiction treatment while moonlighting at Danvers Detox, an alcohol detoxification center.

After overcoming his own health challenges, including cancer and opioid dependency, Joseph was encouraged by a neuropsychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital to complete his degree at the University of Lowell. In 1991, he joined the Massachusetts General Hospital West End Clinic as a nurse practitioner, focusing on primary care, addiction treatment, and mental health services. He later dedicated many years to Healthcare for the Homeless, a program jointly run by Mass General and Boston Medical Center, providing critical care to low-income and homeless populations in Boston.

Joseph specialized in low-income healthcare throughout his career, working in various capacities including addiction counseling, mental health, and primary care. He emphasized maintaining clinical skills by continuing direct patient care even while in leadership and administrative roles. He also took great pride in mentoring future healthcare leaders, including Sheila Davis, who became the first Nurse Director of Partners in Health, and Katie Barron, who became Clinical Manager of MGH Infectious Disease.

Joseph retired in 2015 after decades of service alongside colleagues such as Dr. Jim O’Connell, the renowned “street doctor” in Boston. Throughout his career, he remained committed to improving healthcare access for underserved populations and fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals.

• University of Lowell

• RN
• Family Community Nurse Practitioner