September 30, 2020 Issue, Page 1 of 24

Page Text

PG2 HOMETOWN HEROES |Wednesday, September 30, 2020 Doctor knew from an early age Frontline workers’ what career she wanted efforts don't go By Don Munsch, Editor Dr. Kerri Smith, a D.O. and hos- part of the job. “A normal day is long — filled since they are unable to see family and are very sick.” unnoticed pitalist at Great Plains Regional with reading labs, imaging, visit- She aid “every single day” is Medical Center, said her desire ing with patients and now spend- emotionally challenging. She is to enter the medical field started ing time contacting family mem- grateful for the public’s support- early in life but became crystal- bers to keep them updated on their By Don Munsch, Editor tention this year because of the lized later. loved ones,” she said. “I care for during these times. If a reporter ever wants to un- COVID-19 pandemic, and in this “T have known that I wanted to patients on the medical surgical “The community support dur- derstand what someone’s job is Hometown Heroes issue, part of be a doctor since I was in kinder- floor and ICU and am available to ing this time means so much to us like, he or she should see what the focus will be about how they garten,” said Smith, who has been consult for patients in other areas.” all,” she said. “It gives us the boost that person experiences _ first have had to make adjustments to at GPRMC for four years. ”When. She said caring for COVID-19 we need to fight for these patients hand. treat and care for people in light my dad unexpectedly passed away patients can be stressful at times. while educating the community Some people in the news gath- of this virus, one that has taken from a heart attack my senior year, “We have to be very diligent that this virus is not a hoax, but ering industry would call it em- the lives of more than 200,000 my decision to pursue a career in about our PPE (Personal Protec- bedding. needs to be taken seriously.” Americans. medicine was solidified. I knew I tive Equipment) to ensure our I’ve gotten to do that a lot of Additionally, she said, “I'd like embedding over my career to see The work of frontliners, was meant to care for others.” safety and in tun to protect our though, will remain difficult albe- She has found her career to be healthy patients,” she said. “These the public to know that although what certain jobs are like — from it rewarding - even after the pan- “very fulfilling” and said caring patients need a lot of extra emo- this job can be tough, it is what I teachers to police officers to an emergency room doctor to a bar- demic will be controlled by vac- for patients is the most satisfying tional support during this time, love.” tender — and was able to better cines or medicine one day. Being understand what their jobs were about. a frontline worker is often hard, stressful work. But the ultimate Nothing normal about life in the emergency room Last year, The Elk City News reward these workers receives spotlighted first responders in our comes in helping people. Hometown Heroes supplement, We want to give special thanks and this year, we explore what to Marnie Tosh, director of mar- By Don Munsch, Editor to serve all our patients is what I the computer is his least favorite frontline workers do every day keting and credentialing at Great enjoy.” Dr. Jacob Krajicek, a D.O. and aspect of the job, with the senti- in their jobs, although we do no Plains Regional Medical Cen- board certified emergency medi- He chose a career in medicine ment about paperwork shared by embedding for these stories, for ter in Elk City, for her help in cine physician at Great Plains Re- for the opportunity to help others, Dr. Kerri Smith, who also is pro- various reasons. gional Medical Center, said there and from a young age, he said he filed in this supplement. this project, and we also want to This issue will look at hospi- thank everyone who took part and is no typical day in the emergency greatly enjoyed science, “T would much rather spend all tal workers to emergency medi- shared their experiences with us. room. “Emergency medicine is fulfill- my time devoted to direct patient cal personnel to a pharmacist to With this Hometown Heroes “There is no normal day in the ing,” he said. “Each day brings a care,” he said. those people who specialize in a emergency department, which is variety of patients to care for and The nature of the job means certain field outside the hospital supplement, we salute and give the beauty of emergency medi- some during their greatest time of doctors and staff have had to ac- setting, many thanks to those people who cine,” said Krajicek, who has been. need,” commodate themselves to the pan- Frontline workers’ jobs have take care of the people in our at the hospital for eight years. He said the amount of time demic. received and deserved more at- community. “The challenge and opportunity spent completing paperwork or on “The pandemic has changed GREAT PLAINS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER THANK YOU SAFE AS CARE SEY amt soo HOMETOWN HEROES. 580-225-0207 WWW.GPRMC-OK.COM 1801 WEST THIRD STREET, ELK CITY