Yesterday we celebrated National doctor day. ...

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Yesterday we celebrated National doctor day. Communicating with and watching what my colleagues on the frontline are doing day in and day out, I am reminded of why I became a physician. To help others. I want to give a shout out to all my friends, colleagues, residents and family on the front lines. @eadayan3 , Alyssa Dayan, @richaronwald, @tgandor , @mathew_avrammd , @kenjioyasu and so many, many more… We all look up to you, all peoples, cultures and generations. An older population that so desperately relies on your generosity now gazes upon you with reverence. They remember the days when doctors were highly regarded for their intelligence, servitude and devotion. For a current generation that may have tempered their awe and respect for the field, now reassessing and appreciating their doctor family, friends, and neighbors. Many have derided the field falsely believing that financial gain was the goal of too many physicians, but they couldn’t be further from the truth. The conventional wisdoms never really understood what all physicians who took the Hippocratic oath know so deeply. We are imbibed with a mantra and soulfulness to always do the right thing, to act in the patients best interest regardless of who they are or where they come from. And we now have a younger generation that looks up to doctors in a way that we haven’t seen in years. They recognize you for who you are and for what you do… their eyes are wide open and their adoration overflowing when they see you dressed in your blue armor, your gear holstered, and your shield at your side. You are the modern-day Knights of King Arthur’s round table and the Astronauts of Right Stuff. You are reestablishing the image and role of what it means to be a doctor. Your altruism, humanity, spirit and strength exemplify why we all chose the profession. While most run from the fire and cower, you are standing up, donning capes and masks and running into it. Yes, perhaps with some timidity… but that doesn’t stop you… your courage in the face of fear defines what you all are… heroes.

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