Doctors’ Day takes on deeper meaning in face of pandemic

March 30 marks National Doctors’ Day – the day we celebrate the dedication, skill and compassion of physicians. We have witnessed these qualities in abundance at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center this past year. The upheaval and anxiety ushered in by the COVID pandemic has been a poignant reminder of how much we have to be thankful for, bringing into sharp focus the depth of wisdom and compassion of our medical community.

Delivering medical care during a global pandemic requires teamwork of the highest order. Throughout this turbulence, our doctors have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us on the front lines, providing encouragement, instruction and leadership to our employees, and exceptional care for the patients we serve.

In riding this COVID roller coaster, there have been discouraging days punctuated by lockdowns, restrictions, mandates, supply shortages and widespread community fear. Yet even in those dark moments, our doctors have remained constant, often setting aside concern for their personal welfare to treat those in need of healing. By their example of serving the most vulnerable among us, we are inspired and reminded of the nobility of our mission.

Working alongside our doctors through these challenges has underscored and reinforced my gratitude for them. Their skill, creativity, dedication, resilience and intellect have been instrumental in helping us adapt our practices so that we keep our community safe and minimize the spread of this virus. Undergirding all these admirable qualities is compassion. It is the one quality that transforms all the others and produces an unwavering commitment to patient care.

As I reflect on Doctors’ Day in light of this past year, my thoughts race through the many instances of grace, the countless acts of courage and caring our doctors have demonstrated during these extraordinary times.

We are indeed fortunate as a hospital and as a community to have such exceptional doctors. I invite you to join me and the employees of Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in saying thank you to our community physicians for their dedication and service.

Dave Wallace is CEO of Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. Mat-Su Regional is a 125-bed healthcare facility providing advanced surgical service, including robotic-assisted partial and total knee and total hip replacement, cardiac care, emergency services, diagnostic imaging, sleep studies, inpatient behavioral health, advanced wound care, three urgent care centers, the Family Birthing Center and is home to the 30-Minutes-or-Less ER Service Pledge.