Regardless of how one might have voted in the election, the aftermath now includes a dizzying array of proposed cabinet and other health-related appointments and rumors about what they and the new administration might do. How do we in medicine navigate all of this? The answer may not be intuitive: gratitude. We’re not talking here about insincere gratitude, or forced gratitude, as discussed in a recent Wall Street Journal article. We’re talking about digging deep for the real thing. How can real gratitude help during this time of deep divides, concern for our patients, neighbors, and families, and anxiety about the future?

An attitude of gratitude, as the saying goes, is good place. Sincere gratitude is where wellness and mental health flourish, and fear dissipates. Next steps become apparent. Especially now as we approach the holiday season and the new year, let’s explore some “real gratitude” through a post-election health care lens.

First, as internal medicine physicians, we are deeply grateful for ACP policies, and ACP’s outstanding Governmental Affairs and Public Policy team in Washington, D.C. ACP’s policies are researched thoroughly and are evidence-based. The policies put patients first, which is what we took an oath to do. ACP policies represent what ACP stands for and guide all our advocacy efforts. And they serve as professional guideposts when we discuss issues with lawmakers and colleagues, or answer neighbors’ questions about what they saw on social media. Examples of timely ACP policies were recently highlighted in a statement by ACP President, Isaac Opole. The science behind vaccines and vaccinations is irrefutable: vaccinations save lives and are one of humankind’s most resounding achievements. In addition, ACP champions its strong policies which speak out against medical mis-and disinformation. As internal medicine physicians we know, and have seen, the results of health mis- and disinformation can be deadly. As the late New York Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan asserted, everyone is entitled to his own opinions, but not their own facts. Little did he know how pertinent this assertion would be today.

Second, as internal medicine physicians, we are grateful for ACP’s values: excellence, professionalism, leadership, compassion, inclusion, equity and justice, and well-being. These values represent ideals that have guided and shaped many of us throughout our careers. Just like ACP policies, we anchor ourselves in these values. They guide us when we are engaged in challenging discussions and negotiations, or when faced with difficult decisions. And they form the foundation for values-based leadership, to which we all aspire.

And lastly, we are grateful for our colleagues, whether they are down the hall, across the country, or on the other side of the globe. Collectively we are stronger, as our voices are amplified. Together with colleagues of diverse insights, backgrounds, and skills, our collective thoughts and ideas are more carefully considered and examined, and we can determine together how best to proceed. Our colleagues comprise our professional communities, and social media has expanded our networks. For example, in addition to information on the CDC and ACP’s websites, “your local epidemiologist” Katelyn Jetelina, MPH, PhD recently shared a thoroughly referenced graphic addressing “Top 12 questions on routine vaccines.” This document can be useful for our patients, friends, and family members when questions arise. See also this wide-ranging, thought-provoking conversation between Eric Topol, MD and Joseph Allen, PhD, as they dive into Joe’s research on indoor air quality and much more. As Eric says to Joe, “You are a phenom … and we’re really indebted to you.” And we must also include Paul Sax, MD. My infectious disease attending from years ago, Paul writes a regular blog that is always filled with informative tidbits and insights. He ends his blog posts with amusing videos or funny photos, and this piece does not disappoint.

I cherish my precious colleagues in ACP and beyond. There are many, many more examples of wonderful colleagues, as we know. We are not alone. Not one of us. All of us learn and grow together with our professional communities, however they are defined, which helps each of us to better navigate today’s challenges. Our colleagues, wherever they may be, inspire us.

So, in these days of the post-election whirlwind, with holidays coming, those of us in health care can be grateful for evidence-based sound policies, such as those of the ACP, which guide our actions on issues. Our professional values keep us grounded and real. And our dear colleagues make us better: they make us laugh, they challenge us to think critically, and they expand our horizons, broadening our perspective. As we navigate the weeks ahead together, keeping our eyes and ears wide open, we will continue to support our patients, our profession, and each other. We must. We are uniquely positioned to do this. And for that, I am grateful.    

Janet A. Jokela, MD, MPH, ACP’s Treasurer 2022-2025, served as the Regional Dean of the University of Illinois College of Medicine-Urbana, and currently serves as Professor and Senior Associate Dean of Engagement at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Urbana, IL. 

This article is discussed on The Podcast by KevinMD: How gratitude can reshape health care during uncertain times.

The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States, boasting members in over 145 countries worldwide. ACP’s membership encompasses 161,000 internal medicine physicians, related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who utilize scientific knowledge and clinical expertise for diagnosing, treating, and providing compassionate care to adults, spanning from those in good health to individuals with complex illnesses. Stay connected with ACP on X @ACPIMPhysicians, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram @acpimphysicians.