As I write this column, winter is slowly giving way to spring, the Olympic flame has been extinguished, and students across the country are demanding that our elected leaders take action to stop school shootings. I find myself feeling proud.
Strength in the Face of Tragedy
I am proud of the students at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL. They, like the legendary Phoenix, have risen from the horrible mass shooting at their school to fight for changes in gun legislation. I couldn’t help but find myself respecting their eloquence and resolve.
Olympic Success
I am proud of Team USA athletes who participated in the Winter Olympics and Paralympics. We scrutinized so much of the competition, yet heard them express — almost universally — how honored they were to be representing the U.S., and how proud they were of their accomplishments. The analysts repeatedly reminded us that winning a medal was 20 years in the making.
Hometown Success
Closer to home, we held our annual surgery center committee meeting in February. About 15 of us — nurses, anesthesiologists, surgeons, our nurse administrator, practice administrator, and a few members of the general community in Tucson — gathered to enjoy a light dinner and examine the operations of the surgical facility. Every year at this meeting, I am astonished by our achievements.
During the meeting, the number and range of cases, the complications, and the post-op problems of the past year were reexamined with the goal of generating improved results. With an eye toward the future, we framed plans for patient care improvements, new studies to be undertaken, updated medicines and supplies, and potential surgical procedures to be included at our center. And yes, I am proud of our team.
Celebrating Our Successes
Taking pride in the triumphs of our colleagues, our athletes, our young people — our fellow Americans — feels good, particularly on those days when it seems impossible to find any reason to celebrate.
So, take a moment to reflect on our successes, no matter how small. By and large, we tirelessly struggle to improve the care we provide in our practices and ASCs. Consider the work of our ASC employees, be proud of their exemplary efforts to care for patients. Our proficiency and expertise in our specialty ought not be taken for granted.
Let’s celebrate being proud: Proud of our practices, proud of our medical businesses, proud of the surgeries we provide, and above all, proud of every step we take to ensure outstanding patient care and outcomes.
All this reminds me of a quote by best-selling author Karen Salmansohn:
“Don’t wait until you reach your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every step you take.” ■