Today is National Doctors Day, a day to recognize the contributions physicians make to their patients and their communities.

At MCMC, the unwavering commitment, perseverance and professionalism of our medical staff does not go unnoticed. I am personally grateful for the dedication of all of our physician and advanced practice providers, and I know the rest of our team and entire community join me in that appreciation. (We will get to honor our nurse practitioners and physician assistants on their special day later in the year.)

Over the past two years, because of COVID-19, the medical community has been challenged like never before. Physicians everywhere have left positions—for new opportunities, for retirement, to be closer to family, to take a needed respite, or for other personal reasons. This has happened at MCMC, as well, and it means our medical team is working harder than ever.

While we are working to fill open positions, MCMC must strive to meet the primary care needs of our community. As such, recruiting more primary care providers is a top priority at MCMC, and in the interim, we are also collaborating with locums (temporary providers) who are doing an incredible job stepping in to ensure our community has access to needed primary care.

We also have been blessed with a large network of specialty physicians who are providing care right here in the Gorge, so our patients do not have to travel for needed specialty care.

To all of the physicians at MCMC who are committed to serving this community, we offer you a heartfelt and most grateful “thank you.”

Thank you for making a difference every day.

Happy Doctors Day!