December 29, 2021
Tom’s Blog: The Inside Story of History
In just days, 2021 will be over. People will look back and study this year well into the future. They will have the perspective of time and that will likely yield some important insights. But we have lived through this year and we know the inside story.
For all of us, there has been too much death and division. No need to dwell on that in this blog. Both, however, have led to incalculable losses — of human life, of relationships, of trust. It’s the loss of trust, I believe, that has led to the kind of experiences that Dr. Jack Lyons spoke about on CNN recently. Interactions with patients’ families that are unkind and hurtful.
People are in that much pain and are holding steadfastly to beliefs rather than facts.
I know that all of you are in pain and feel a fatigue that others outside of healthcare cannot understand.
I know that all of you are in pain and feel a fatigue that others outside of healthcare cannot understand. And yet, on a daily basis you put on scrubs and PPE—or whatever your work uniform happens to be—and you show up together to fulfill an oath and our purpose to heal others. You are the inside story.
What I have seen in you is the spirit of innovation. Think about all the ways we have adapted our care for patients in just the last 12 months. I have also seen your ability to learn and apply new knowledge and evolving skill with no playbook to follow. And while we have all felt alone in the work at different times, I have also seen you find new ways to stay connected and support one another.
I don’t have to tell you how difficult it is to sit in your car in the parking lot and have to find your resolve just to open the door and walk in the building. But I want to tell you how much I admire you for doing it.
I have no doubt that years from now historians will dissect our decisions, examine our ethics, and discuss the role of compassion in care. And there will be some scorecard for how we came through it all. But I believe the greatest measure for each of us will be our own self-respect and the respect we share as colleagues. For years to come after 2021 ends, we will pass each other in the hallways and know how we showed up and what we endured—and accomplished—together.
You have my utmost respect for how you have practiced medicine and cared for patients this year.
You have my utmost respect for how you have practiced medicine and cared for patients this year.
Beyond words, thank you.
Tom
