Dear Colleagues,
As we approach 2024, I have been thinking a lot about how hard members of our department are working. Over the holidays, this is especially true for our clinicians, who are serving our patients on days when many – but not all – members of our broad society are able to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. WUDA anesthesia, critical care, and pain management clinicians work 365 days (and nights) of the year across multiple BJC hospitals and in a variety of clinical settings. Of course, this is also true for many other WUSM and BJC clinicians.
On Christmas Day this year, Dr. David Perlmutter, the Dean of WUSM, accompanied me around various clinical areas, where we personally thanked WUSM and BJC clinicians for their unwavering service and dedication. We were joined at SLCH by Dr. Gary Silverman, the Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at WUSM. On Boxing Day (26 December), I again visited WUSM and BJC clinicians to thank them in person for their remarkable contributions.
Please enjoy the photo montage that I put together showing a diverse representation of WUSM and BJC clinicians who were caring for some of the most vulnerable members of our St. Louis community on Christmas and Boxing Day. I recognize that I was able to interact with only a fraction of clinicians who were in the trenches, whether at BJH, SLCH, or the many other hospitals at which our clinicians provide vital contributions. I admire and respect all of you for your impressive skills and for your steadfast commitment to our missions.
In closing, I hope that ALL the remarkable members of the WUDA community – clinicians, educators, scientists, and staff members – are able to enjoy some restorative and meaningful time with your friends and family. Although I have some trepidations for 2024, I know that as a tight-knit group with genuine fondness for and commitment to one another, we in WUDA will jointly confront the challenges that lie ahead, and ensure that we continue to flourish and have positive impact in all areas.
Thank you for what you do each and every day. Happy New Year.
With very warm wishes,
Michael
