Dear Hospitalist,
I am writing this letter as one of you to express my heartfelt gratitude for the silent sacrifices you have made for decades, especially as frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your unwavering commitment to providing compassionate care to your patients, even in the face of immense personal risk, is truly inspiring. The countless hours you spend at the hospital, the missed holidays and family events, and the emotional responsibility of caring for sick and often scared patients are all testament to your dedication and selflessness.
The pandemic has taken a toll on all of us, but especially on healthcare workers like you. The moral injury, well-being challenges, and emotional burden you have faced are unimaginable to most people. Yet, you have continued to show up day after day, putting the health and safety of your patients above your own. Your resilience and hope in the face of adversity are truly remarkable. Your unwavering dedication to your patients and your profession is illuminating. You have demonstrated your commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others, even when faced with the most difficult of circumstances. Your tireless efforts do not go unnoticed, I see you, I hear you, I value you, and you are deeply appreciated.
As we move forward into the future, I am confident that your unwavering dedication and commitment to providing compassionate care will continue to serve as a beacon of hope for us all. Remember, not all heroes wear capes; sometimes they wear white coats. Hospitalists are true heroes, and your contributions to society will never be forgotten.
Thank you for all that you do every single day to make a difference in the lives of your patients and your community. You cultivate the humanity of the medical profession. It is an honor to be a hospitalist among you. Happy National Hospitalist Day.
With deepest admiration and respect,
Gwendolyn Williams, MD, FHM
2024 National Hospitalist Day Contest Submission
Dr. Williams is a hospitalist at Sentara Careplex Hospital in Hampton, Va., president of the Hampton Roads Chapter of SHM, and a national spokesperson on professional well-being, burnout, and moral injury in the workplace.