Post by Daniel Lakoff

As I depart NYC and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital | Weill Cornell Medicine and Lower Manhattan Hospital, a few parting reflections and thanks: In the day-to-day intensity of hospital medicine—and especially life in the Emergency Department—it’s easy to lose sight of the extraordinary care we provide. But over the past few weeks, as I’ve had time to reflect, I’ve been deeply struck by the purpose, compassion, and unwavering commitment that define my ED team and all the incredible people I’ve worked alongside across the hospital. Emergency Medicine in NYC is not for the faint of heart. We are the front door to a complex, ever-changing city—and the foundation of a vast healthcare system. We meet people in moments of crisis and uncertainty, and offer them high-quality, compassionate care when it matters most. It’s been an honor to be part of this mission and this team at Weill Cornell Emergency Medicine. I leave with immense respect, gratitude, and pride. Special thanks to: Rahul Sharma, MD, MBA, FACEP – You’ve built an extraordinary culture of excellence and empathy, bringing together a team that is as kind as it is talented. Peter A. D. Steel, MA, MBBS, FACEP– I’ve learned and grown so much through your mentorship, and I’m grateful for every lesson. To the many others who made this journey meaningful—thank you for your friendship, your collaboration, and your support. Kaushal Shah, Nazreen Jamal, Marie-Laure Romney, MD, MBA Germán Rodríguez, Christine Singhal, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC, Mathew Volpe, Matthew Laghezza, M.S., M.B.A., PA-C David Bodnar, @Elisa Aponte, Amos Shemesh, Loryn Fridie PA-C, @Lianne Ramsay, Eli Madden MD, MBA, MPH, MS, Sowmya Sanapala, Hamza Ijaz, MD, MBA, MS, Danielle Haussner, MD, @Lucy Willis, Maya Hogg, @Fangfei Zheng, Elijah Douglass —and to all my amazing nursing, clinical, and non-clinical colleagues: thank you.