As we have seen our nation gripped by powerful protests demanding an end to unjust policing practices and other inequities in our society, we are all being asked to challenge if we are doing enough to help advocate for justice. As I said in my note last week, I look forward to our upcoming IS Open Forum next Tuesday, June 16, to have a conversation with all of you and take some time to reflect on ways this is impacting us as individuals and as an organization, and how we can all contribute to a more just and inclusive society.
I also want to share with you my recent chat with Amy Compton-Phillips, M.D., our Executive Vice President/Chief Clinical Officer, who shared her perspectives on just how vital the partnership between IS and the clinical side has been throughout the COVID-19 crisis, including how we are much better prepared to deal with ongoing surges and the aftermath of this pandemic. Please check out our “fireside chat,” where she answered many of your questions, as part of our IS Caregiver Engagement Committee effort to better connect our caregivers with system leadership.
As a way to recognize the amazing work from across IS, especially in the context of very stressful circumstances, we recently announced our Summer of IS Caregiver Appreciation, as our IS leadership team’s way of thanking you for your terrific work by giving you an additional paid Friday day off in July or August. I really would like to see that extra day of PTO to be a time when we truly unplug and commit to recharging and investing in our overall health.
I look forward to continuing the dialogue on next week’s Open Forum and appreciate the great work across IS.
– B.J.