In the Ken Burns’ epic
documentary on the Vietnam war, one statement by a veteran caused me to pause
and think. The veteran said, “Those that fought in World War II have been
called the ‘Greatest Generation’. I believe every war brings out “the best of
their generation”. I realized he was right. The best of each generation has
always responded in one way or another to the call of their country. They and
their families did so at great personal costs and sacrifice.
Hearing those words made me think of all of you. Why? For
similar reasons. At great personal costs and sacrifice, each of you have
trained and prepared for your own “war” as you battle every day for those who
have entrusted their care, often their lives, to you. Whether you trained 30 or
more years ago, as I did, or just finished, you represent “the best of their
generation”. Every year medicine is getting harder and the demands greater.
Patients are older, sicker, and more complicated. Yet medically and technologically
there is far more we can do for them. Unrealistic patient and family
expectations, the rising costs of health care, the increasing administrative
burdens, especially the EMR, and continuing loss of autonomy have created an
environment that is arguably the most challenging ever for a physician.
I write this “Bugle Note” to acknowledge that you are the
best of your generation. I am humbled and honored to serve you and, in many cases,
to have worked alongside you in the care of our patients. Thank you for your
sacrifice and the sacrifice of your families. Thank you for your willingness to
answer the call to care for those in need. Finally, thank you always striving
to provide the best care possible to our patients and our community.
Humbly,
Andy Lamb, MD
Post script – I wrote this “Bugle Notes” in 2017. We are now
in a war against a terrible, invisible foe, COVID-19. “The best of their
generation” are at the front lines fighting right now. We all owe them a
tremendous depth of gratitude as they sacrifice much for us all.
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