The University of Michigan Health System is a remarkable place with exceptional people who never forget the reason why they come to work every day of the year: to promote health and prevent disease, and to serve patients and families.
At this time of the year, many of us are able to take time off to celebrate the holidays with friends and family. But, for many UMHS faculty and staff who work at our hospitals, a holiday is simply another workday.
Our hospitals operate 24/7/365. Our doors never close – not on holidays, not during inclement weather and not during seasonal downtime enjoyed by others. We are always open and we must always be ready to serve.
I have often asked staff members how they feel about working on special holidays. Without exception, each person shared a version of the same answer. They always take it in stride and are proud to bring a little holiday joy into the lives of our precious patients. They tell me that they and their families are happy to celebrate before or after their shift because they recognize how fortunate they are to have the opportunity to spend time together at home. This is an opportunity that our patients do not have.
These people who sacrifice for others and this commitment to putting our patients and families first are what have always defined Leaders & Best in our Health System.
Every year, thousands of patients spend the holidays in our hospitals and thousands of employees spend their holidays caring for them. I ask you to join me in thanking all of the people in our Health System who give of themselves in the service of others. There is no more admirable or rewarding gift than giving of yourself, your time and your talents to help others, especially when they need it the most. And in the wake of the terrible tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, this message of sacrifice and service has never been more poignant.
This holiday season, let’s keep those families in our thoughts and let’s hope for peace in the New Year.
Ora
Amen
A wonderful message! Thank you, Ora, for reminding us of those who give up holiday time to serve. We also have volunteers who do the same — many actually ask if they can work during the holidays instead of take time off from their regular shifts. We salute the dedication of UMHS staff and volunteers who help keep our services available to patients this holiday season.
Thank you for remembering us. It is a bittersweet pleasure to take care of our families during the holidays. I have many wonderful memories of Mott Hosital on Christmas day.
I am so very blessed to be able to spend the holidays with my family at home and I admire and respect all of you that take care of our patients here at work. Thank you so very much for all that you do! God Bless you all!
Thank you for reminding us to appreciate what our staff do each holiday season and every day of the year. Thank you to our staff for your dedication and care for our patients.
During the season of miracles and wonder it is extra special that our halls and rooms are filled with humanity, healing, compassion, kindness, and heros. And for those who provide service, it is not random! Wishing peace and comfort for our patients, families, volunteers and staff.
Ora, you continue to inspire me! You are our gift!
It is a special gift that is given when someone puts aside a holiday so that others can be served and their fellow staff can have time with their own families. Thank you all who sacrifice….not just the physicians and nursing staff, but the housekeepers, dietary staff, security and parking attendants. Blessings to you all.
To the ones who are working the holidays: thank you so much for being there for our community! I am able to take time off during the holidays and the only reason that we can really relax and enjoy is because there are people in the community who are willing to sacrifice their time to keep everyone else safe. All the best and thank you so much.
To all the people who can take time off who service the health system: let’s not forget how we depend on these people in times of crisis and remember to be there for them with the same amount of sacrifice and dedication.
Happy Holidays!
Ora,
Thank you for your kind acknowledgment of clinical staff’s dedication during the holiday.
I aways say, Disease dosn’t take a holiday, so we can work some in the line of duty to our patients, each other and the health system.
God Bless us all comming into the new year
Kimberly
Dr. Pescovitz, I always enjoy your communications to us. They are thought provoking and motivational and they always make me realize how proud I am to work for U-M and how much I want my efforts here to be part of the Michigan Difference. Many thanks to those of you who will be working through the holidays. May you be buoyed up and inspired by the importance of what you are doing!
This time of year is filled with joy,
A peace surrounds us all.
When sacrifice is beckoned,
There are those that heed the call.
Most of us have similar stories,
As the holidays come around.
Family parties, Christmas trees,
White snow covering the ground.
We exchange gifts with our loved ones,
And settle in for a cozy day.
But for many of our colleagues,
The story is told a different way.
Even as their families gather,
And the festivities ensue.
They have sacrificed this time,
For our patients, and for you.
They don’t stay in their warm homes,
They don’t open all their gifts.
Instead they come here to work,
For there are spirits to lift.
Many rooms line the halls,
Children too sick to leave.
We tell them Santa still visits hospitals
And we must make them believe.
Although they cannot be home,
This holiday will not be tragic.
It is those that sacrifice their days,
That contribute to the magic.
The kids have gifts and Santa comes,
They experience the Christmas joy.
It is because of you that those smiles appear,
From every girl and every boy.
The adults too would rather be home,
Surrounded by family and friends.
Your kindness, your warmth, and gentle touch,
Will help their hearts to mend.
Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists and Techs,
And the administration too.
Our patients still celebrate this holiday season,
All because of you.
It is each of you that define the season,
You truly are the hero.
When asked on a scale of 1-10, would you like to change this?
They always answer “zero”.
Thank you for making this sacrifice,
For doing ALL that you do.
Let me be the first to say,
The Michigan Difference is defined by you!
Written by Amanda Howard. Thank you all for what you do to keep things running so that some of us may spend time with our family and friends! I am incredibly appreciative!
What a LOVELY and well-written poem. A gift to all who will be working. It really is special and lovely and wonderful of you to have created it. Best to YOU too at this holiday time.
Awesome poem!
Ditto that, Amanda Howard!
The poem above says it all. All who give the gift of service over the holidays are our Earth Angels, and we are all blessed to have these angels giving of themselves and their time. Thank you for all you do, all year-round.
I continue to marvel at the wonderful messages you send, Ora. Thank you and I wish you and yours a Happy Holiday. I know they may be bittersweet for you and your family and I can certainly relate, as I fear, too many others can also. But, I am thankful for the family and friend I continue to have to celebrate such occasions with.
Happy New Year!