Dear Colleagues and Friends :
This year – 2020 – has presented us with extraordinary challenges and opportunities . The novel coronavirus COVID-19 stressed the NYU Langone Health system and became an unprecedented challenge for American healthcare . Yet , our healthcare professionals met the challenges head on . In a recent publication , Robert I . Grossman , MD , Dean of NYU School of Medicine and CEO of NYU Langone Health said ,
“ A crisis brings out the best in us . The bigger the crisis , the deeper we dig to find out what we ’ re made of .”
I believe this is true .
I have seen this first-hand in our NYU Langone Health hospitals and have heard numerous stories of our dental residents , faculty , and staff on the front line who exhibited acts of heroism .
Empowered by leadership , you all worked together to address the issues and concerns in your communities . You were part of a system-wide response to a worldwide crisis .
As you will read in this issue , our Brooklyn dental residents , attendings , and staff were redeployed to take on new responsibilities within NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn . Others from around the country volunteered their time to help with scheduling , new check-in procedures , and restocking and distributing PPE . Within days , the Graduate Dental Education leadership team transitioned from a clinical operation to serve over 400 residents an online , “ live ” curriculum . Teledentistry systems across the country were created or enhanced to provide access and ensure efficiency of dental care , keeping patients out of the emergency room .
What we ’ ve learned during the pandemic is that our health care providers are resilient team members . You have come together to deliver excellence in patient care and provide more diversified didactic and clinical experiences for our residents . Amid the sacrifice and the suffering , you have been role models for our healthcare system . You have built trust in the communities you serve and in your residents ; patients have come to rely on you .
In addition to the pandemic , events of the last nine months have reminded us that diversity is one of our greatest strengths and that we must all fight for equality .
NYU Langone Health is proud of the diversity of our employees , our patients , our programs , and the perspectives shared in daily work . We believe every patient deserves world-class care and every employee deserves a safe and respectful work environment in which to thrive . I ’ ve heard many examples of this philosophy at work in Dental Medicine . Whether providing direct patient care or working behind the scenes , we know that your exemplary efforts around the country have been successful and we thank you for your service .
This coming year , we are committed to working with you to :
• Honor , respect , and listen to residents , faculty , staff , and patients ;
• Improve access to care for the nation ’ s underserved populations ;
• Overcome challenges you face to train our next generation of oral health providers .
Our trifold mission has never been more important — to serve , to teach , and to discover through an integrated academic culture devoted to excellence in patient care , education , and research .
Sincerely ,
Gary E . Kalkut , MD , MPH
Senior Vice President for Network Integration Associate Chief Clinical Officer
ISSUE 11 JOURNAL 1 NOVEMBER 2020
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