Dear Patients,
Dr. Leeb, Dr. Nguyen, our entire staff and I wish you and your family a Joyous Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hannukah and a very Happy New Year. As 2020 draws to an end, I am reminded of the Charles Dickens book A Tale of Two Cities. It begins, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”.
It’s certainly obvious why 2020 was the worst of times. A pandemic that swept across our planet, political upheaval and economic instability created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that has affected everyone. In order to stay safe, we adapted to life behind a mask, washing our hands as often as a surgeon, isolating and socially distancing from our friends and family.
At Country Foot Care, we have taken every possible precaution for the safety of our patients and our staff. Every employee and patient has their temperature and oxygen level checked as they enter the office. We are only using 30% of our waiting room seating capacity to keep social distancing. Our reception area is completely enclosed with plexiglass. UV light sterilization of the waiting room, bathroom, treatment suites, business offices and hallways is performed at the end of each treatment session. Each patient is asked about their current health status before entering the office. The waiting room and treatment chairs are sanitized after every patient. Our doctors and medical assistants wear masks, face shields and gloves to protect the patients and themselves. My staff is constantly washing their hands, using hand sanitizer after each patient encounter and is regularly tested for COVID-19. Some of our patients were angered because the implementation of these safety protocols slowed down the flow of the office and caused occasional longer than usual wait times. While we continue to review our protocols to help improve patient flow and lower wait times, safety must come first.
I believe the best of times lie ahead. There is hope that the new vaccines carry with them the promise to be the first step in rebuilding our businesses and our lives. Most of us have spent a lot more time at home since March. It made me appreciate a lot of things I have taken for granted. The love of my wife and kids got me through the worst of times. My dog Sophie was the beneficiary of a lot more attention (I think I also came out ahead on that one!) I can’t believe how many projects that I never had the time to start are now done.
Getting ahead of COVID-19 represents freedom and the return to our favorite activities. It will be nice to have dinner inside my favorite bistro, travel, go to a Broadway play and sit 9 rows behind home plate at a ballgame. I pray the vaccines work.
I also hope and pray that all of you enjoy your holidays and that we can soon celebrate our favorite things together.
Best regards,
Dr. Brook
