I'm in need of feeling hopeful again
Hi All,
Welcome to the New Year!
I think we were all wanting to believe that 2022 would be a year of new hope. As Omicron spreads, hospitals and clinics can't stay staffed, and our country is as divided as ever, it's tough to maintain a sense of optimism. And, understandably so. I feel it too. It's exhausting.
The last thing I want to do is write some upbeat remarks that are completely out of touch with where we are. It's time to be real. This stuff is heavy, and we need a break. We need some light in the tunnel. As I reflect on that I've been thinking a lot about what Medicine Forward was founded for and what we can do together. What would it take for us to feel hopeful again?
If you've been following along on Twitter, there's been a conversation about vaccines and domestic travel. On Dec 28, there was an article on The Hill titled, "Biden says if medical team advises it, he'll issue domestic travel vaccine requirement". Dr. Tatiana Prowell responded with an excellent call to action:
"I’m not sure we’re the medical team he’s referring to, but #MedTwitter, if you think this is needed, ❤/RT/comment so @potus @vp know where we stand on this. #Omicron" -@tmprowell
The response was mixed -- a good number of retweets and likes, but not outstanding. We got feedback from friends that while they felt personally aligned with this idea, their organizations were too divided to take a strong stance. Many felt that they could not speak up publicly for what they believe in. Medicine Forward put out a Tweet in support of a vaccine requirement for domestic travel, which also got just a modest response. We are truly a country divided.
I will close this update with my own personal feelings on the issue. Leadership is hard. To preserve our democracy, it's important that we allow free speech and sharing of opinions even when we disagree. It's also important to protect the liberty that our country's founders fought so hard for. But, liberty can't trump the value of human life, and that's exactly what I see happening. True leadership doesn’t mean doing what makes people happy. It doesn't mean doing what's easy. Leadership means doing what’s needed for the greater good. Like many of you I would much prefer to take a back seat in politics. I chose to be a physician so that my focus could be at the intersection where doctor and patient meet -- for that most intimate of human experiences, and to dedicate my efforts to being the best doctor I could be. But, I’m afraid we no longer have the luxury of watching the politics & business of healthcare from the sidelines without being complicit as part of the problem. I don’t like it either. It’s not what we signed up for.
The answer doesn't have to be a requirement for vaccination for domestic travel. But, I urge you, please engage in this conversation. Please look for ways to see past our differences. Please be open to creative and outside the box ideas. Please share your real beliefs, and genuinely listen to each other. The path we are on is unsustainable. My message of hope is that humans have overcome tremendous adversity in history time and time again. But, it does take a unifying thing to fight for. Medicine Forward was started to stand up for the patient-physician relationship. To do that we must be bold, and we must work together, and we must not give up.
It's my pledge to continue to do my best. I'm listening for what you have to say, and I'm listening for the best ways we can lead together and stand up for the sacred patient and physician bond.
Sincerely,
Gabe