I am the executive director for the government services chapter of ASAP, and also the Oregon chapter of ACEP. I have about 3,500 members. I work with between both groups.
This is my message to ACEP members and to physicians who are feeling discouraged at this point in time and just sort of hitting walls with their practice and just the state of the world as it is right now. And I just want to say that I am so proud of all of you, so awed by all of you.
I honestly don't think that we would be where we are today without the sacrifices that you all have made. And it might not feel like we're any further today than we were a year ago, but I know that we are, and that is all because of what you guys have put on the line every day.
I'm so grateful. You've kept my family safe. You've taken care of people in my community. You've taken care of each other. I know it's hard to keep going, and it's hard for me, so I cannot imagine what it is like for you guys who are actually taking care of patients. Like I said earlier, I'm just so proud of all of you.
I just want you to know that right now, it feels really hard because it is. Maybe I'm a very stubborn optimist, but I do think that it's going to get better. And I think that we'll look back at this time and just be amazed at the depths that we were able to dig down and keep moving forward. And if it's a hard day, just take a deep breath and know that there are people who are rooting for you, people who are supporting you. It might not feel like those are the people you're interacting with, but we're here and we love and support you. And we're so grateful for you. So, thank you for all that you've done. Please keep going.
