Unparalleled Opportunities

Over the last 18 months, I’ve had many experiences from my dual vantage points as a hospital anesthesiologist and an academic leader. I’ve listened and learned, argued and advocated. I’ve helped move people and programs across the city and online to ensure academic and patient care continuity in the face of incredible strain on our system. I’ve had difficult conversations and made tough decisions week over week; and by way of my training and experience, I’ve cared for very sick COVID-19 patients and helped many residents learn to do the same with care and compassion. My colleagues and I know this is the most difficult work we may ever do in our lives. And the story isn’t over yet. There is much left to examine of the toll this pandemic is taking and the scale of inequity it has revealed. And yet, supported by a loving family, an established career and some of the best colleagues a person could have, I know I am extremely fortunate. Today I want to share with you some thoughts on how we can create a better future for education, research and care that builds on the best of what we’ve learned through COVID-19.