As we move into the last month of 2022, we can be thankful that the COVID-19 case burden is not what it was a year ago, although the early and more impactful RSV and influenza season this year is not providing the respite for which we had hoped.
I am attending on the infectious disease consult service at the VA currently and can attest to the fatigue that all our clinical faculty, staff and trainees are experiencing as they endure what appears to be the never-ending challenges of respiratory viruses.
To limit the impact on you and family members in the upcoming holidays, please take advantage of the vaccines that are available, test, seek treatment early and stay home if ill. To individuals who will be spending their holidays in patient care activities, your dedication to our patients and the profession is much appreciated.
I also want to congratulate this year’s recipient of the Koefoot award, Timothy Blecha, MD. As described in more detail in another portion of InterCOM, the Koefoot award recognizes excellence as a clinical preceptor for our medical students. Our volunteer faculty preceptors are the too often unsung heroes of our curriculum. Their gift of time and talent are critical to the success of our students and our ability to train the size of medical school class that we have. Their contributions will be even more critical as we move forward with the establishment of a regional campus of the medical school, based in Kearney, with plans for the first full class to start in August 2026. To all our volunteer faculty/preceptors let me emphatically state how much you are appreciated by the leadership of the college and our students.
I will close by wishing you each a happy winter holiday season and hope that you are able to both enjoy the comradery and excitement of the season but also find a little time for rest and relaxation. As always, keep an eye out for friends and colleagues who may be struggling at this time of year. I look forward to the New Year and the great opportunities and accomplishments that are before us.