Last month we recognized Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and this month we celebrate black history month! Each year, when others often get a day off, for us in medicine it is just another day. Each year I often try to look at what I am doing in life and see if it lines up with putting more positivity in the world.

This time makes me remember the history of our country and what sacrifices were made for us to be where we are today.

Though the type of sacrifice is different than long ago, daily as doctors we continue to make sacrifices for our country. For the past few years, many of us have been making valiant efforts in helping humankind. We have been sacrificing ourselves and our own health. We have continued to try our best to educate our patients, family, and friends. We have tried our best to show up each day to work and help those in need.

Whether working in the hospital or seeing patients from home, you have done some amazing work for your country. It has been grueling, but it also has been noticed even though at times it feels like it’s not.

I want to take this time to say THANK YOU. Thank you for giving your all during this time of many uncertainties. Thank you for being the servant leaders for our country! Thank you for being you!

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said,

“If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but by all means, keep moving.”

Although we have had many tough days of losing patients, family, and colleagues, we have been able to keep moving forward. My hope is as you continue on, that all the positive things you have poured into others will be poured back into you. You are an amazing woman, sister doc!

Thank you for your service.

Amber Robins, MD, MBA is a board-certified family physician, lifestyle medicine doctor, and the creator of “The Chronicles of Women in White Coats” book series. She also is a best-selling author, diversity equity and inclusion specialist, brand and business coach, physician journalist, co-founder of the Women in White Coats blog.

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