With the days getting longer, the spring flower bulbs waking up from their winter slumber, and the songbirds returning, it is appropriate to think about nature’s cycles and new beginnings. The Department of Internal Medicine also goes through cycles – the leadership and administrative staff just put the finishing touches on the FY 2026 budget, the faculty are completing their annual evaluations, and the residency program recently celebrated a successful match. In another couple of months, we’ll be wishing our graduating house staff great success in the next stage of their careers and we’ll be welcoming new colleagues to campus. These events and cycles will continue despite the current challenges and uncertainty that surround our political environment.
I am not trying to ignore or minimize the significance of current political events. Recently announced budget cuts and staff reductions, if they are enacted, will have a dramatic, negative effect on public health and medical science. How our country treats immigrants, minorities, and allies, and whether we can exercise free speech and count on equal protection of the law are very real and serious issues.
However, I do truly believe that most people are good and most of our elected officials are honorable. Those of us in the fields of healthcare, education and scientific research are a large and important constituency. Now is the time for Americans to find their better angels and to make their voices heard. Please do so respectfully and following the policies and rules established. Click here for more information.
And, when the 24-hour news cycle is wearing you down, take a walk, feel the warmth of the sun as the days grow longer, hear the songbirds singing and enjoy the colors of spring. The cycles of nature are reassuring – we will prevail.