As we start anew in 2022, I know that there are likely many things on your mind, including the omicron variant. Omicron is now the dominant variant in the U.S. and in Iowa and is more contagious compared to previous COVID-19 variants.  

Although we all hoped that 2022 would be a time we would call “post pandemic”, the new year does bring a fresh start and a chance to revitalize our commitment to safety.  

Here’s what we can do to get through these challenges together: 

Recommit ourselves to diligently follow our safety standards both at work and in the community.  

This includes wearing medical-grade face masks, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings (including congregating in areas such as break rooms), and most of all, getting vaccinated and boosted.   

We know that these safety standards are effective when we use them consistently. 

Finally, I encourage you all to lead the way with kindness. The days to come will require sacrifice, compassion, and empathy. We can’t always change the situation we’re in, but we each have the power to control how we respond. With this new year, it is a chance to remember that throughout this pandemic, we have committed to these safety practices for ourselves and our patients, but also for our families—both those at home and for our UI Health Care family. As Suresh and Dr. Jackson shared in yesterday’s message: “Together, we will get through this”. 

Thank you for all that you do, happy new year, and please stay safe. 

—Theresa Brennan, MD, Chief Medical Officer