Thankfulness and Grace
By Roberto Colon, MD, chief medical officer and vice president of operations, Miami Valley Hospital
As we wrap up our Thanksgiving traditions, it is a good time to reflect on what we should be thankful for, especially after all the hardships we have endured in the nearly two years of this pandemic. It is important, perhaps more than ever, to look for the positives that need to be remembered and celebrated. As J.T. McCormick says, “Everyone has a story,” and as you each reflect on your story’s thankful moments, I wanted to share just a few of the things I am thankful for as a member of Premier Health.
First, I am thankful for our clinical and non-clinical staff who have continued to work for longer hours, caring for our patients while facing your own individual hardships. I am thankful that, since last year, we have found more help in our fight against COVID-19. The game changing impact of COVID-19 vaccines has protected millions of us and saved countless lives. Hopefully, very soon, even newer treatments in the form of a pill will be available in the United States to life-saving care even more accessible. I am thankful for our patients who continue to choose Premier Health and trust us to help them during their toughest moments. I am also thankful to all my friends and family who support and allow me to be a part of this great team.
Being thankful for our team members also helps us to approach each other with grace, especially when things do not go as smoothly as we would like. First, we must all realize is that none of us wake up in the morning thinking to ourselves, “I am going to see who I can upset today.” We all come to work with the goal of doing what is best for our patients. If things are not going according to plan - if disagreements or errors occur - go back to this concept of showing grace to your colleagues. When we do this, the adversarial mindset and tone are much easier to avoid.
Marc Belcastro, DO, system chief medical officer at Premier Health, likes to quote a saying at the conclusion of his emails, “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought.” Thank you for caring. Thank you for supporting our mission, our community, and each other. Thank you for being a part of the Premier Health family.
Back to the November 2021 issue of Premier Pulse
