Perhaps the tragedy that hit the Gulf Coast will help each of us edify our souls through less drastic measures and remind us that any day can be our last. This knowledge is a gift to help us spend our time in the best way possible. Those who are helping the people whose lives were ravaged by Hurricane Katrina remind us of the good that we can do in the world. As hospitalists we get to experience this good every day at the bedside through the privilege of patient care. May we cherish this opportunity and fulfill it with dignity and pride. To all those involved in hurricane relief efforts, thank you, and to all those whose lives were ravaged by the hurricane I wish you strength and recovery. TH
SHM President Dr. Pantilat is an associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of California at San Francisco.