Letter of Gratitude By Brandon Mallory to Terence McCarthy, M.D.

Dear Dr. McCarthy,

Brandon Mallory here. I hope this letter finds you well. When we were given the opportunity to write a letter to a faculty member that we were grateful to,  I could think of no one I’d rather write to than you.

I’ve never truly told you how much you have helped me on this journey of medicine that I’m on. Since I first worked for you as a scribe in my pre-medical school days, you have always exemplified what it means to be a kind and patient physician. You take the time to hear patients out and work with them through their toughest times. I know you’ve had some tough times of your own that would break down even the toughest of us. However, you never let it affect your ability to best serve the patient. It really did show me what it meant to be empathetic in medicine before I officially became an Empathetic Scholar.  Being able to see firsthand how you work and help others during their most chaotic moments is part of the reason that I want to go into emergency medicine in the future.

Since I transitioned from scribe to medical student, your support has never wavered. You have helped me with everything from extracurriculars to research contacts. You were a speaker for my interest group and have continued to share your wisdom not just with me but with all the students in our school. When I’ve had the privilege to be around you in the ED as a student, you’ve allowed me to be a part of some great medical experiences.

Beyond that, you have been played such an important role in the community for the past year when it seemed like the whole world was on fire. None of us fully anticipated the effect COVID would have on our daily lives, but you did your best to lead from the frontlines. But that’s what great leaders do. They remain calm and resolute during the times when others would shrink. And you have always given so much of yourself without expecting anything in return. Because of your example, I constantly strive to be the type of leader that everyone, whether in a medical setting or out in the community, looks up to.

I know as part of your job as an EM physician, people are always asking things from you, but don’t say “thank you” nearly as much as they should. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you do for your hospital, for the school, for your family, and for me. We’re all so incredibly lucky to have you in our lives. You’re a great physician Dr. McCarthy, but even more important than that, you’re a great man. You have changed the lives of so many people in your long, long, long career (sorry I had to throw in one old age joke). But I do honestly hope one day I can have half as great an impact as you have.

Thanks again Dr. McCarthy and you’re the man!

Sincerely,

Brandon Mallory