Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

For the past few years, I’ve bundled up on a chilly January morning and walked the streets of Sacramento with thousands of people—including many of my Sutter Health colleagues—as we celebrated the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on MLK Day.

Dr. King is one of my personal heroes, and I look forward to this event every year. But like most things these days, gathering in large numbers this Martin Luther King Day is not possible. It’s disappointing that we cannot march together to show the same unity that Dr. King embraced.

Dr. King lived a life in service to others and one of his often repeated quotes is: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?”

At Sutter Health this year, we’re marking this day knowing that our organization shares the ideals and values of Dr. King. Many of us chose our careers in healthcare because it allows us to give back. Every day—including MLK Day, which is recognized as a national day of service—we honor the life, legacy and vision of Dr. King by serving our patients and communities with expert care and compassion. We also honor the legacy of Dr. King through our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

I’m proud to lead an organization that takes diversity, inclusion and health equity so seriously. I’m especially proud that, Sutter Health’s commitment does not stop at our doors. With the recent launch of the Institute for Advancing Health Equity, Sutter continues its nationally leading efforts in the delivery of equitable healthcare for all. A special thank you to retiring Chief Medical Officer Dr. Steve Lockhart, who provided years of leadership that led to the Institute, and to Leon Clark, vice president and chief research and health equity officer, who will provide ongoing leadership to the health equity team.

I’m inspired by all my Sutter colleagues – and so many clinicians and caregivers around the country – for all they do to care for our patients, serve our communities and support each other. Thank you.