Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it reminds us to take time to pause and reflect. In healthcare, where the pace is constant and the field is always evolving, it’s a welcome reminder to slow down.
At Reading Hospital, care never clocks out. No matter the hour, our teams are equipped to handle anything that comes through our doors. And while it is the greatest privilege, I want to remind everyone – caregivers, patients, and families alike – that taking time to take care of yourself is never selfish. It’s exactly what allows us to continue to show up for others.
I began my career as an emergency medicine physician right here at Reading Hospital, working in our bustling Emergency Department. Each shift is unpredictable as we work to balance speed and precision, ensuring our patients are receiving the best care. Seeing patients on Thursdays is still one of the greatest gifts I receive from my vocation.
I understand just how easy it is to get caught up in our day-to-day workload that we may sometimes neglect to take care of ourselves. This can be true for many healthcare workers and first responders, whose roles are often demanding and require a lot of emotional output.
Whenever possible, I like to make myself available to our team members – to hear directly from them and offer support where I am able – whether that’s a walk around our beautiful campus through our “Walk and Talk” program or by working alongside our teams in different departments once per month.
Through these conversations and experiences, I learn so much about them – from work challenges and opportunities to family pets and hobbies that spark joy. Those one-on-one opportunities remind me just how important it is to slow down, and to take time to fill our cups because we can’t pour from an empty one.
This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to find ways to refill your cup. And take time to show yourself love by doing something that is good for your health – whether that’s going for a walk, starting an exercise routine, or scheduling a wellness checkup with your primary care provider.
If you find yourself traveling this holiday season, we encourage you to help us prevent the spread of respiratory illness by getting your annual flu shot, which is available at any Tower Health Urgent Care location or at the Reading Hospital 7th Avenue Pharmacy.
And as we all take time to slow down, let us not forget those who will be working around-the-clock this holiday season, taking care of our loved ones. I am grateful for our Reading Hospital team members who, day after day, pour clinical excellence and compassion into every patient they serve.
On behalf of everyone at Reading Hospital, I want to wish you and your loved ones a safe and healthy Thanksgiving. Thank you for allowing us the privilege to care for you and your families.