As I reflect on this past year, one word immediately comes to mind-PRIDE
I am proud of the staff of Hollywood Eye Institute. As a pandemic took our world by storm, you stepped up to the challenges that we faced. In spite of the increased risk of infection to yourself and your families, you donned your masks, gloves and other PPE, and came to work every day to take care of our patients. You calmed them down when they were anxious and reassured them that coming in for their eye care was important and necessary for their long-term health. In the midst of the pandemic, you helped move all of our equipment and supplies into our new location and you unpacked and organized this amazing, beautiful office. You faced many personal challenges this year that included family members getting sick and kids learning from home, and yet you still showed up. You showed up for your fellow co-workers, for me and most importantly, for our patients. Brenda, Adi, Jasmin, Karen, Pilar, Michelle, Marisa, Rachel, Robyn, Veronica, Josef, Dr. Noskow and Dr. Ovokenko: You are some of the strongest, most dedicated people I know and I can’t thank you enough.
I am proud of our patients. We kept our doors open for you and you came. You waited in your cars for your turn, you came in wearing masks and you followed our social distancing guidelines. You scheduled necessary surgeries and procedures and you came in for your much needed exams. You left us great online reviews that made us smile and you brought us treats that brightened our days. YOU are why we come to work every day. YOU are the center of everything we do. YOU inspire us to always aim high and provide the best care around. Your trust in our medical and surgical skills is astounding and we strive to always be the best for you: To be the best doctors, the best surgeons, the best listeners. We care about you and your families and we are always here for you.
I am proud of my husband. While businesses around us screeched to a halt, Dave worked harder to see our new building come to completion. From the original architectural plans to the interior and exterior design, he orchestrated it all. His knowledge of custom construction is unparalleled. He put his heart and soul into this massive project and for that reason it is absolutely perfect. I’m proud of what we have created together and I thank you and appreciate you immensely. To be on the same page as my spouse is a true gift in my life and I wish that same gift for everyone reading this.
Lastly, I am proud of myself. This was a tough year to be a physician. Hearing about friends getting sick and even some passing away, and then waking up every day to put on my PPE to take care of patients wasn’t always easy. When other medical practices were closing or reducing their hours, I kept my office open for our patients. When other practices furloughed or fired their employees, I chose not to. I am proud that I chose to treat my employees like family, even though this was tough on my own family financially. Not only did I keep all of my employees, I also hired five new staff members in 2020. When other health care providers were rightfully scared to enter the hospital for fear of catching the virus, I continued to see patients in the ER and on the in-patient floors to provide much-needed eye care. All of this I accomplished while also being a wife and mother to four children. I stayed calm in order to show my children that it is possible to have inner peace when the world around you is chaotic. I helped my kids transition to doing school from home. I helped my son with his college applications and I helped my 3 oldest children apply for their first jobs. I am proud of myself but I certainly could not have accomplished any of it without the support of my staff, my family and my patients.
Wishing everyone good health, inner peace and prosperity in the New Year!
-Dr. Shareen Greenbaum
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