A Thank You to My Colleagues

This year’s celebration of Caregiver Appreciation Week feels special because of our shared experience of leading our community through the pandemic. You made a real and meaningful difference during the last year. You stepped up for our patients. You stepped up for other caregivers. You rose to the occasion, because you care about people’s health. 

Late last year, I was able to finally get back to rounding with caregivers after receiving some intense treatment for my cancer. And rounding with you was just what the doctor ordered. At McKay-Dee Hospital, I heard from our colleagues about their experiences. Among the stories they shared, some of which were deeply emotional, this is what they said:

“I’m here to protect patients.”

“When you’re around others doing their best, it helps.”

“I get to go home knowing I helped people today.”

They shared with me a common purpose. They shared with me the strength they get from one another. I can relate. I drove home that day feeling more invigorated and more inspired by our colleagues. You simply care—that comes through every time I get to meet with you. And you’re doing your best. That’s all we can ask from each other and from ourselves. I may be biased, but I think your best is the best in all of healthcare. 

As part of Caregiver Appreciation Week, I had an opportunity to “walk in a caregiver’s shoes” to learn more about them and what they do to fulfill our mission every day. I look forward to this experience every year. This year, I got to visit with Chantel Sloan and members of the Precision Genomics team. Thanks to Chantel and our world-renowned program headquartered in St. George, we’re pioneering medicine that will keep families healthier and together longer. They give people who were born with certain genetic predispositions to disease an opportunity to change their genetic fate. That’s powerful stuff! Chantel is one of the many reasons why Intermountain is leading the way in this relatively new field of medicine. She’s a terrific teacher who made sure we had a perfect run with no failed samples. Thank you, Chantel, and all of you on our Precision Genomics team.

We stand on the shoulders of giants—as the saying goes. But it’s hard to fathom anyone who has stood taller than all of you during the last year. I’m humbled and honored to lead this team of amazing caregivers. I’m proud to call you all my colleagues. Thank you for all you do for our patients and one another.