Thanksgiving has always been one of my family’s favorite holidays. That’s not only because we share food with family and friends, but because the kindness we demonstrate and gratitude we express make our lives better. As we enter this celebratory week, I want to take a moment to share what I’m grateful for.
I am enormously thankful for our Weill Cornell Medicine community. Our faculty are world-class leaders in their fields, pushing the limits of science, education and standards of care forward daily. Our students and trainees are determined to make their mark on the world. Their curiosity infuses our campus with energy and enthusiasm. Equally important, our dedicated staff are the backbone of the organization, providing strength and support for everything we do.
To our supervisors, managers, and leaders – thank you. You advance our missions, build our culture and model our shared values to our teams throughout the year. It’s through teamwork, mutual respect, and kindness that we will continue to shape the future of medicine.
I am especially grateful to those who care for our patients during late nights, over weekends, and on holidays. Your selflessness and sacrifices are not lost on anyone, particularly those who seek your aid.
I’m thankful for our patients who trust our expertise, give us the privilege and opportunity to care for them, and appreciate our service. We must never take that trust for granted.
Weill Cornell is a nexus of collaboration and partnership. To our many affiliates and partners: whether you are across the street, elsewhere in the region, or connected from another continent, thank you for joining us in our pursuit of advancing an equitable future of health care.
Lastly, no one can do what we do without a circle of support. Family and friends serve as our motivation, our bright spots after a challenging day, our priceless sources of joy.
My family’s support – especially my wife Rhonda, our four grown daughters, and our wonderful grandchildren – is what reenergizes me and drives me daily. I’m most thankful for their love.
Please enjoy the Thanksgiving break. Be sure to share your kindness and gratitude with our community, and those you hold dear.
With appreciation,
Robert A. Harrington, M.D.
Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean
Weill Cornell Medicine
Provost for Medical Affairs
Cornell University