Facing COVID-19 in New York: A Letter From MLMIC CMO Dr. John Lombardo

gratitude for physicians during covid-19

To My Physician Colleagues:

I can’t remember a time when it was more difficult to practice medicine.

We are facing head on, the tragedy of COVID-19, which has killed thousands, and changed the way medicine is practiced, perhaps forever. Many of us have had to close, or drastically curtail, our practices, and furlough dedicated staff members.

And yet, this crisis has brought out the countless heroes among us, whose stories we see on the news every night. As doctors have always done, in every health crisis, you have stepped forward, not back, often at the risk of your own health. Your heroics, which usually take place in the privacy of the doctor-patient interaction, are now present, for all the world to see. This recognition, in my opinion, is long overdue, and I am proud to be a member of our profession.

MLMIC, of course, will help in any way it can with any of the issues relating to its work. The website is full of information and connections, etc. And beyond that, all you need to do is call us.

Finally, on a personal note, let me say how incredibly proud I am of you all, and the work that you do. Is there any other job that is as meaningful? I, for one, can’t imagine doing anything else with my professional life. It has reminded me, in Teddy Roosevelt’s words, that “Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”

I like to say that being a doctor isn’t what we do, it’s who we are. But “thank you” for all you do, stay safe, and stand proud.

Sincerely,

John W. Lombardo, MD, FACS
Chief Medical Officer, MLMIC