An Open Letter to Our Brothers and Sisters in Medicine

Gratitude from the former U.S. surgeon general and executive director of Doctors for America

Every day over the past few weeks, our thoughts have turned constantly to you, our friends and colleagues around the world. We have been in awe of your determination, courage, and sacrifices in the face of Covid-19, a global crisis the likes of which none of us have seen in our lifetimes. From Wuhan to Lombardy to cities and towns across the United States and beyond, we have watched doctors, nurses, and an array of health care workers racing to save lives under extraordinary circumstances. A growing number have even lost their own lives to protect their patients and all of humanity.

One image sticks in our minds: a resident physician just a few months shy of graduation, clad in full protective gear, saluting the camera as she starts her day in the ICU. Few of us could have anticipated when we entered this profession that we would be going to war with a virus that threatens millions of lives.

You can view the full letter here.