Letter from the chair - august 2020
“We may not have chosen the time, but the time has chosen us.”
―John Lewis
Dear Colleagues,
I had hoped by this time we would be experiencing steady decline in COVID-19 infections or at least a flattened pandemic curve. Unfortunately, this highly efficient contagion is still spreading widely, particularly in the Southern US. There is now clear scientific evidence that shelter in place ordinances, face masks, and physical distancing are effective public health measures for depressing the virus’s transmission. Rushed state “openings” and lack of support for and compliance with these best practices has contributed to our current rebound in infections.
Here at Emory, our collective experience to date has taught us how to safely care for both patients with COVID-19 and those with other conditions in need of attention. I am humbled by the incredible teamwork, creativity, and purpose-driven efforts displayed by my colleagues throughout our institution and especially in Radiology. Our decision to step up as a department to take the lead in Emory Healthcare’s LEAN transformation journey in December 2018 paved the way for our ability to nimbly communicate and actively course correct during this crisis. Our quality team, led by Dr. Heilbrun, has built a model foundation for other institutions to follow.
As the pandemic continues, I recognize that many of us are feeling weary. The added grief of COVID-19’s disproportionate burden on communities of color and the continued brutal racial violence that has most recently taken the lives of George Floyd, Ahmad Arbery, Brionna Taylor, and Rayshard Brooks has had a further toll on many. This grief was compounded on July 17 by the passing of two civil rights legends, Rev. C.T. Vivian and Congressman John Lewis.
At this challenging time, please tend to your own personal safety and wellness and continue to show grace to one another.
Colleagues, I continue to applaud your courage and compassion and am deeply grateful to work with you all.
Carolyn
―John Lewis
Dear Colleagues,
I had hoped by this time we would be experiencing steady decline in COVID-19 infections or at least a flattened pandemic curve. Unfortunately, this highly efficient contagion is still spreading widely, particularly in the Southern US. There is now clear scientific evidence that shelter in place ordinances, face masks, and physical distancing are effective public health measures for depressing the virus’s transmission. Rushed state “openings” and lack of support for and compliance with these best practices has contributed to our current rebound in infections.
Here at Emory, our collective experience to date has taught us how to safely care for both patients with COVID-19 and those with other conditions in need of attention. I am humbled by the incredible teamwork, creativity, and purpose-driven efforts displayed by my colleagues throughout our institution and especially in Radiology. Our decision to step up as a department to take the lead in Emory Healthcare’s LEAN transformation journey in December 2018 paved the way for our ability to nimbly communicate and actively course correct during this crisis. Our quality team, led by Dr. Heilbrun, has built a model foundation for other institutions to follow.
As the pandemic continues, I recognize that many of us are feeling weary. The added grief of COVID-19’s disproportionate burden on communities of color and the continued brutal racial violence that has most recently taken the lives of George Floyd, Ahmad Arbery, Brionna Taylor, and Rayshard Brooks has had a further toll on many. This grief was compounded on July 17 by the passing of two civil rights legends, Rev. C.T. Vivian and Congressman John Lewis.
At this challenging time, please tend to your own personal safety and wellness and continue to show grace to one another.
Colleagues, I continue to applaud your courage and compassion and am deeply grateful to work with you all.
Carolyn