By Vivek Garg, MD, and Steve Lee, MD
The past two years have created extraordinary challenges for physicians. Particularly for those caring for seniors, the COVID-19 pandemic imposed a physical, mental and emotional burden on doctors, who in the blink of an eye faced new processes, new pressures and new priorities in keeping their patients safe and healthy.
Vivek Garg, MD
As Conviva Care Centers closely monitored the pandemic, our physicians and operations staff continuously provided guidance to seniors on how best to safeguard themselves and their families. Our physicians led organization efforts to acquire and deliver COVID-19 vaccinations, and at the same time created safety protocols so our patient care operations could continue while protecting staff and patients alike. They proactively reached out to our most vulnerable patients, including those who contracted COVID-19, and delivered food to those facing difficulty in their daily lives.
With the pandemic beginning to relax its grip, this seems a good time to step back, catch our breath, and say thank you. Thanks to all of you who have invested so much of your time and energy in becoming a guiding light through this crisis and continuing to provide high-quality care for your patients.
I so appreciate the rich life experiences our elders have lived. For many of them, with age comes health issues and, quite often, diminishing social support. The physicians who lead the Conviva care teams know this well. They understand the importance of care management, addressing emotional and social health, and seeing the whole person, in order to help our patients live their best lives. Our physicians work to ease friction in care while participating in the joy our seniors hold in their lives. They build relationships with both our patients and their loved ones, so that together they can enable our patients to age well.
Steve Lee, MD
It takes a lot to become a physician, and it takes a lot to bring the skills and compassion of a physician to each patient interaction. We recognize not only the cognitive effort but also the emotional commitment that goes into providing care, every single day, for every single patient.
We honor our physicians for their sense of duty and humanity in providing the best care for our seniors, from seeing patients in our centers to quarterbacking our team effort to support our patients’ holistic needs.
Pride and Gratitude
Our primary care physicians are an inspiration for our organization and are a big reason why Conviva earned the 2021 eHealthcare Leadership Award in the “Best COVID-19 Pandemic Related Communications” category.
To our physicians and care team members: We are profoundly grateful to you for staying the course during these unprecedented times. Your care promotes longevity and improves lives. You know that healthcare isn’t only about managing diseases — it’s also about ensuring that our patients have the environment and support to thrive, including nourishing food, a loving community, and a safe place to live.
You are helping seniors live longer, fuller lives. It has been an incredible time of change and challenge, but your commitment to service as a healthcare professional has been steadfast. We thank you and we salute you.
Dr. Vivek Garg is Chief Medical Officer for Humana’s Primary Care Organization. Dr. Steve Lee is Chief Medical Officer, Florida Division, Conviva Care Centers. For more information about Conviva Care Centers, visit www.ConvivaCareCenters.com.
