Proud of us, thankful for you

By Kathy Crabtree, MD, Lutheran Chief of Staff

It seems strange to start this message by talking about the pandemic, but I can’t avoid it. When I became your chief of staff in January 2021, we were swimming in the deep end of COVID-19. Strong current, choppy seas; use whatever analogy you like. Chances are it applies.

It was during those days, when our vision could only extend to the end of our shifts, that a lesser team might have lost sight of the horizon. You never did. I’m infinitely proud of this medical staff, which grew stronger and tighter and leaned in to meet this community’s needs. A bed was always available, a physician always present.

But that’s our culture. Steadfast. Resilient. Uniquely interwoven and acutely focused on the pursuit of the highest-quality care. Everyone is essential, empowered and valued. We stepped up for each other and our patients. And in that way, the last three years passed exactly as I expected they would.

Looking back on my term, I’m most proud of this, and it’s all thanks to you.

As we transition to Intermountain Health and move to a new hospital, I leave you in the capable, caring and hilarious hands of Dr. Allan Brants. For those of you who don’t know Allan, he exemplifies the heart of Lutheran. He’s an impeccable clinician and his bedside manner is a master’s class on how to interact with patients. He’s both the open-heart surgeon you request for your own family (I have!) and the funniest person you’ll ever meet. His loyalty to Lutheran is unmatched.

Allan has served me and this medical staff beautifully as our chief-elect and he absolutely is the right leader to carry us forward as we enter a new era in caring for this community.

Before I bring this message to a close, I want to take the opportunity to thank Georgeann Bell and Brooke Salazar in Medical Staff Services. Nothing we do happens without them. They are every physician’s backbone and wonderful human beings. I also want to thank Andrea Burch, Scott Peek and everyone in Administration. They advocate for us at every turn, and I’m grateful for their support and partnership.

I will continue to serve this medical staff as past president and as a member of both the Peer Review Committee and the Transition Committee for the new hospital. I will continue to be a dedicated hospitalist to our patients and a devoted and grateful colleague and friend to all of you.

Thank you for your trust. It has been my privilege to serve as your chief, in all waters.

Kathy