A message from Dr. Peter Yellowlees, Chief Wellness Officer
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We Celebrate Doctor’s Day.
Doctor’s Day was established in 1933 to recognize the work of physicians and their contributions to the communities they live in. Initially it involved sending greeting cards to doctors, and the display of red carnations which have become symbols of the day. March 30th was officially designated as National Doctor’s Day by President George H W Bush in 1990. Here is a quote from his proclamation explaining the rationale for this important designation.
“More than the application of science and technology, medicine is a special calling, and those who have chosen this vocation in order to serve their fellowman understand the tremendous responsibility it entails. Referring to the work of physicians, Dr. Elmer Hess, a former president of the American Medical Association, once wrote: "There is no greater reward in our profession than the knowledge that God has entrusted us with the physical care of His people. The Almighty has reserved for Himself the power to create life, but He has assigned to a few of us the responsibility of keeping in good repair the bodies in which this life is sustained." Accordingly, reverence for human life and individual dignity is both the hallmark of a good physician and the key to truly beneficial advances in medicine.
The day-to-day work of healing conducted by physicians throughout the United States has been shaped, in large part, by great pioneers in medical research. Many of those pioneers have been Americans. Indeed, today we gratefully remember physicians such as Dr. Daniel Hale Williams and Dr. Charles Drew, who not only advanced their respective fields but also brought great honor and pride to their fellow Black Americans. We pay tribute to doctors such as Albert Sabin and Jonas Salk, whose vaccines for poliomyelitis helped to overcome one of the world's most dread childhood diseases. We also recall the far-reaching humanitarian efforts of Americans such as Dr. Thomas Dooley, as well as the forward-looking labors of pioneers such as members of the National Institutes of Health........
However, in addition to the doctors whose name we easily recognize, there are countless others who carry on the quiet work of healing each day in communities throughout the United States -- indeed, throughout the world. Common to the experience of each of them, from the specialist in research to the general practitioner, are hard work, stress, and sacrifice. All those Americans who serve as licensed physicians have engaged in years of study and training, often at great financial cost. Most endure long and unpredictable hours, and many must cope with the conflicting demands of work and family life.”
Physicians at UC Davis Health have not only met but more often have exceeded the standards described in this Presidential Proclamation, especially during the past extremely difficult year. Hard work, stress and sacrifice have been pathognomonic of the responses of UC Davis Health physicians to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you to all physician colleagues at UC Davis Health for your extraordinary work, and for the way that you have coped with the conflicting demands of work and family live during this difficult time.
So many things have happened to physicians at UC Davis in this eventful year. And as a group we have not just survived, but thrived, and will emerge stronger than ever previously.
We have been recognized as “essential workers.” Prepared to cover for each other and maintain services while suffering ourselves or helping colleagues who were ill. Living in masks and PPE at work and changing our approaches to care to meet constantly changing evidence and policies. Supporting each other with a kind word and a listening ear. Helping those with non-Covid related illnesses and protecting families and friends by quarantining or living separately while keeping up necessary public health measures at home and in the community.
Meeting the definition of “health heroes” when working with patients who were distressed, and often terminally ill. Accepting the gratitude of families, even when separated from their loved ones, and tragically comforting those who died alone. Showing tolerance to those who have been too afraid to come and see us because of their fear and encouraging them to access necessary care. Showing leadership at all levels of our health system. As clinicians leading teams on the front lines in the clinics, the ICU’s and the ED, and as strong physician leaders contributing to all levels of decision making for the good of our patients at UCDH and throughout our community.
It has been humbling to see the compassionate care provided by all of you.
Thank you for all that you do.
Do celebrate Doctor’s Day 2021. What you do is so meaningful.
Thank you.
Peter Yellowlees
Chief Wellness Officer
Jack MacMillan
Chief of Staff
James D Kirk
Chief Medical Officer
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April 21, 2021 & April 28, 2021 - Support U Peer Responder Program Workshop Series
Clinicians are invited to learn how to provide peer-to-peer support for caregivers experiencing trauma or stress from an adverse care experience in this two-part virtual Physician Peer Responder workshop series. For more information, please contact: HS-Support@ucdavis.edu .
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"I only have good things to say about Dr. Perez; she is compassionate, takes time to explain things clearly, and takes into consideration my concerns with the treatment to follow."
"Dr. Chow was very sympathetic when I told him about the death of my son. He was concerned about me. Thank you Dr. Chow."
"I have complete confidence and comfort in the care I ALWAYS receive from Dr. Leiserowitz and his team! I've NEVER been disappointed, nor have I left the clinic feeling anything less than completely satisfied!"
Dr. Molly Davis, UCDMG Rancho Cordova Family Practice
"I love Dr. Davis. While I know she is very busy, I never feel rushed. I always feel like I have ample time for all my questions and concerns. She genuinely remembers me, my family and my history of care. She is a wonderful doctor and I am so grateful to have her as my primary care physician."
Dr. Lawrence Morse, Ophthalmology ACC
"Dr. Morse is the best! I've already recommended him to other people who might need his services. He's obviously an expert, but is able to explain everything to me in a way that I can understand. Plus, I feel like we're partners in my eye care. On top of being conscientious and caring, he's very personable as well. I've told Dr. Morse that he's not allowed to retire! :-) "
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