From the latest edition of MD Today

Dear colleagues,

What a wonderful time of the year! As the holidays approach, I want to extend my warmest wishes to each of you, no matter what traditions you celebrate. May this season bring you love, joy, cheer, and peace.

During this busy time, I encourage you to focus less on material gifts and instead embrace the opportunity to create meaningful memories and strengthen connections with those around you. As healthcare providers, we are uniquely positioned to inspire hope and change within our communities. We often encounter patients, friends, and loved ones who may be struggling, and these challenges can feel even more intense during the holidays. A helpful technique in such situations is to ask people if they would prefer to be helped, heard, or hugged, as referenced in The New York Times article, "Helped, Heard or Hugged? What to Ask When Someone You Love Is Upset."

The new year offers us a chance to inspire fresh starts and new beginnings, both for those we care for and ourselves. Let’s think about participating in activities that enhance our sense of purpose as we remember it is also important to care for yourself. The work we do is both vital and demanding, and it’s essential to take the time to recharge. Consider using this season to nurture your relationships and engage in traditions that benefit your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This self-care will prepare us to handle stress better throughout the year by building resilience and giving us a greater sense of fulfillment.

GBMC’s future is bright, and we are truly blessed to have such an outstanding Medical Staff. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to each other, our patients, our staff, and the entire community.

Happy Holidays,

Robin Motter-Mast, DO, MBA, FAAFP, DipABLM, CPE
Chief of Staff, GBMC HealthCare