By Frederick L. Greene, MD
img-button

As we find ourselves once again at this special time when we, in the United States, think of all the good things we are grateful for and ponder on the future year to come, it is hard not to only focus on the truly unpleasant and harmful events that have occurred since we last gave thanks. Our country continues to be fractionated through its politics and the scientific differences created by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Even our recent remembrances of the 9/11 attacks, which galvanized us as a nation 20 years ago, are overridden by those who now strive to divide us.

Despite these ongoing and disruptive influences:

  • I am so grateful to live in a country where the majority of our citizens value the principles originally crafted to create our democracy.
  • I am grateful for the incredible leaders in science and public health who continue to bring us through this pandemic.
  • I am so grateful for my brother and sister physicians who risk their lives daily to treat patients infected by the virus and who, simultaneously, minister to those needing surgical and medical care not related to COVID-19.
image
  • I am grateful for computer-generated platforms that have kept us together and allowed organizations to maintain engagement.
  • I am grateful for all those who have received vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its mutations.
  • I am grateful for the few in-person surgical meetings that I have attended in 2021 and appreciate the strict public health measures that have allowed these to occur.
  • I am grateful for all the bright medical students who have entered into the 2025 classes this fall and who represent the future of medicine.
  • I am grateful for the opportunity to meet devoted residents and fellows who have worked diligently to both learn and care for patients during these trying times.
  • I am grateful for the wonderful colleagues whom we lost in the past year and for the enrichment that I have gained from knowing them.
  • I am grateful for loving family and friends whom I have treasured being with virtually or in real time.

Finally, I am grateful for the opportunity to have General Surgery News as a vehicle to transmit our thoughts and for the many readers who acknowledge the benefits of this publication.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr. Greene is the senior medical advisor for General Surgery News.

This article is from the November 2021 print issue.