Giving Thanks

Dear Colleagues,

Another holiday is upon us, this one of special significance. Giving thanks should be a constant, but this time of year stands out as a moment for gratitude and reflection. For my part, I can say that I am thankful to be headed home to my family and the rambunctious pair of dogs who will no doubt greet me at the door.

I am also tremendously grateful to be part of this community and humbled by the qualities on display here every day. Yet there is always room for improvement. We recently asked for your feedback in our well-being survey, and I am happy to report the effort is off to a promising start. Many of you have already taken the short amount of time required to fill out the survey, and you have my thanks. This is important work that Dr. Baptista and his team are doing on our behalf. Every single voice matters. If you have ever wanted the opportunity to influence your work environment, this is your chance. I hope we will hear from everyone by the time the survey closes.

In the meantime, I wish all of you a happy holiday and a restful weekend. Whether you’re headed out to watch Snoopy and the Minions float down Central Park West or staying in to pile your plate high with your favorite foods, I hope you find this time restorative. Please embrace the long weekend and take full advantage of the opportunity to recharge. For those staffing our emergency rooms and medical practices over the holiday weekend, know that you are in our thoughts and have our appreciation. Whatever your role at CUIMC, we are thankful for you and for all that you do. I look forward to seeing you when you get back.

With many thanks, 

Katrina Armstrong, MD
Dean of the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
Executive Vice President for Health and Biomedical Sciences, Columbia University