Before moving on to 2021, it is important to reflect on what we have accomplished and what we have learned about ourselves, individually and collectively. Through the crucible that was 2020, we have shown ourselves to be a force capable of battling the greatest public health crisis of our generation.
As hopeful as I am for the future, it would be foolish not to recognize the challenges we face. We cannot be complacent or rest on our laurels. We must move decisively and in synchrony to address very real threats. The clearest and most immediate threat to us is the ongoing pandemic itself, which has yet to recede from our front door. Our acute care and critical care teams remain on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19. The threat to our mental, emotional, and physical well-being remains all too real. We need to remain focused on supporting these efforts and our people. This will be the Department’s number one priority in the new year.
It is also clear that American healthcare and academic medicine are rapidly and likely irrevocably changing. These changes place pressure on us to adapt so that we can thrive while executing our longstanding and tripartite mission – to deliver high quality patient care, conduct innovative and impactful research, and educate the next generation of healthcare providers and scientists. Our roadmap for success as a group requires that we coordinate and support one another.
To that end, I will be reaching out regularly with updates about the Department’s direction and ongoing initiatives. Please accept my gratitude for the opportunity to work with you and my best wishes for a happy and healthy 2021.