How did the pandemic create behavior change and what changes are likely to persist? At the individual level, are we eating outdoors more? Shaking hands less? Shopping online more? Paying with cash less? Telecommuting more? Using mass transit less? At a systemic level, how has the pandemic created behavior change in the delivery of health… Continue reading Now That the Pandemic Is “Over”…
Category: Local Voices
The World We Create
In the seemingly beehive-like flow of the airport, an individual was asking an employee for words to be repeated. They seemed unfamiliar with what was routine to the employee and others in the airport. There was a line beginning to form as the situation continued. As an observer, I took stock of the situation before… Continue reading The World We Create
Networking
One of the best things about working in rural central Appalachia is the cooperation. This is a place of small networks with big hearts and smart minds focusing eyes that see long-distance into the future. Yesterday GMEC board member Tori Makal and I traveled to the DeBusk College of Medicine and met with Cassi Jones,… Continue reading Networking
Recreation Spotlight: ‘Big Stone Gap obtains initial funding for campsites, development at Big Cherry reservoir’
article reposted from News5 WCYB — There is a regional plan to connect some of the most beautiful places in southwest Virginia together to allow visitors the chance to visit mountains, lakes, and hiking trails a bit easier. The southwest Virginia leaders working to connect the popular tourism sites in the region are now seeing… Continue reading Recreation Spotlight: ‘Big Stone Gap obtains initial funding for campsites, development at Big Cherry reservoir’
Check your Footing before you Stand for Others
I started my position as an Admin Assistant with the Virginia Rural Health Association only 15 months ago. Up until that point my background was mostly comprised of environmental education and nonprofit museums, so at the very least I was no stranger to social justice causes. Plus, after spending 20 out of 34 years of… Continue reading Check your Footing before you Stand for Others
“911, What’s the address of the emergency?”
We are a set of individuals that is rarely seen, only heard. We are the lifeline of our community’s public safety system. We are versatile, quickly moving from different tasks and processes sometimes within seconds. We are the calm and compassionate voice on the other side of the phone or radio. But sometimes when the… Continue reading “911, What’s the address of the emergency?”
Structural Racism in Healthcare
You may have heard the statistic that Black women in the US are three to four times more likely to die during childbirth or after due to complications than white women. Maybe that statement resonates with you as just a number, or maybe that information raises a red flag – or several – for you… Continue reading Structural Racism in Healthcare
Community is our Backbone
In a time when a small town is shattered by violence toward its most precious asset, and babies nationwide are under threat of formula shortages, it is impossible to underestimate the power of community. The tragedy in Texas belongs to other voices to tell. We salute them and send solidarity as their stories unfold and… Continue reading Community is our Backbone
Call for Submissions
The Local Voices blog is a new initiative that encourages self-awareness and self-efficacy. It provides personal perspectives from our medical community that reflect life, beauty, and lessons learned in SWVA and rural localities. We are actively seeking residents, physicians, medical students, or anyone in the healthcare community to share their stories and experiences from living… Continue reading Call for Submissions
The Drive to Succeed
Before I joined the Lonesome Pine Family Medicine Residency Program in Norton, I took a long career break. I thought my biggest challenge would be getting back into medicine with younger, “fresh out of med school" residents. It turns out, that was not it at all. I live in Kingsport, TN. Most of my rotations… Continue reading The Drive to Succeed