Dear Colleagues,
I am deeply saddened by the horrific events which occurred at Northside Medical Midtown this week. Regrettably, our nation is faced with the senseless tragedy of mass shootings week upon week, but watching one unfold here in our own city and among our colleagues in the health care industry was truly devastating.
In this hour of darkness, however, the extraordinary security team at our own Emory University Hospital Midtown (EUHM) shone a bright light of courage and hope. The team mobilized immediately when they learned about the shooting and promptly stationed officers at every entrance and exit, around the perimeter of the buildings, and throughout the parking decks to ensure the safety of everyone on campus. Amid the deep fear and uncertainty that surround acts of violence, these remarkable individuals responded with professionalism, poise, and purpose, inspiring a sense of calm and confidence among the people they work so hard to protect. I am deeply grateful for their service—and also for the leadership of EUHM CEO Dan Owens and CMO Wendy Wright.
Finally, we all stand in solidarity with our colleagues at Northside and the entire Atlanta medical community. We share their sorrow and offer our unwavering support. Here within the Emory community, I extend that solidarity and support to any member of our team who has experienced grief, fear, or suffering of any kind as a result of this reprehensible act of violence.
If you are having trouble coping with these events. I urge you to reach out to Emory’s Faculty/Staff Assistance Program (www.fsap.emory.edu), which provides individual appointments by phone or by Zoom if you need help processing your emotions during this heartbreaking time.
Kind regards,
Ravi
Ravi I. Thadhani, MD, MPH Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, Emory University Executive Director, Woodruff Health Sciences Center Vice Chair, Emory Healthcare Board of Directors
Please direct questions and comments to evphafeedback@emory.edu. |