Friends,
This week, the students of ., , and the of the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science held a candlelight vigil “in remembrance of Alex Pretti, Renee Good, and other victims whose lives were taken too soon.” The room was full of students and faculty from across the university — I was so touched by the peace and emotional support in the room and the university. By being together we are a bulwark against nihilism.
There was sadness at the vigil to be sure. Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse killed by federal officers last weekend, was a health care provider — he was one of us. And, beyond the killings and injuries in Minneapolis, our people care for patients who may be undocumented, or have members of their family who may be undocumented, or we have loved ones in affected communities or in public safety. So many are tempest-tost; the students lifted their candle-lit lamp.
I know the people of 69É«ÇéƬ will be there for each other, which is what a community should do. If you missed Wednesday’s event, you can see the luminaries and messages from the vigil outside Rhoades Auditorium. We should also remember why we exist as a community - we are a health university with a mission to improve the wellness of all people. Simply, we are dedicated to helping people, and that brings particular expectations that deserve our attention and support. Our professions exist to help people regardless of who they are. Our patients can agree with us or not, they can be like us or not, they can be good people or not, and we will take care of them to the best of our ability.
Earlier in the week, I made my first visit to the (FHCC), which is the only combination of a VA hospital and a naval hospital in the country. The center is the university’s neighbor to the north and is on the western edge of the , the Navy’s largest training facility. Our students and residents rotate through the services at the health care center. During my visit, it was not lost on me that Alex Pretti worked in a similar place. VAs are special - the staff are dedicated in a way I have not seen in other hospitals. Early in my career, I rounded in a VA, and it was a great experience. I believe that to be the case for our trainees, and congratulations to our FHCC internal medicine residency, which received notification of their successful accreditation this week! Frank Maldonado, MD, who spent 30 years on staff at the center and was its Chief Medical Executive, gave me a great tour and introduced me around.
For some of us, the tragedies of the last couple of weeks roll in on top of existing challenges and struggles. If you are struggling, make use of our resources or otherwise let someone know. And, if you know someone struggling, tell them you care and offer to find resources. Take care of each other.
Improving the wellness of all people with you,
Aron