March 2021 Newsletter

Happy March everyone! I don’t know about you, but my spirits are rising every day with the longer days and more sunlight. I am even hearing birds singing every morning now! Spring is right around the corner.

It was a year ago this month that the pandemic in the US hit a fever pitch, forcing businesses to shutter, mandates for face masks, quarantine orders, make-shift emergency departments erected, and general fear and panic. All of us were affected by the pandemic—many lost a loved one or job, and all of us spent less time with our friends and extended family. A year later we are making great progress in the battle against COVID-19 and the vaccine roll out is accelerating. This gives us great hope for the future!

During tough times in unpredictable circumstances, I worry about maintaining a strong/positive culture and morale of our colleagues who commit every day to their teams and to our mission of serving patients. It is clear from past experience the best way to facilitate a strong culture and morale is to have strong communication and assure that the team has what they need to be successful. While I am sure our track record is not perfect, but I hope that you all feel connected. We are working to improve training and communication from our field managers, directors, and medical leadership. I am proud of how our team has come together and has been flexible with helping each other out as we adapt the changing needs and wants of our patients. There are no unimportant positions, no unimportant people, no task is beneath anyone, and our patients come first.

March brings sunnier days, and it is also National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. GI of the Rockies will acknowledge those impacted by colorectal cancer by wearing blue on Friday March 5th. Be sure to plan for this and send us your pictures! According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, colorectal cancer screening rates have declined by as much as 90% since last year. Putting off screening can lead to a later-stage diagnosis, which is more difficult to treat. GI of the Rockies will do our part to fight CRC!

Stay well!

Jason Richardson

CEO

Gastroenterology of the Rockies