Thank You, Healthcare Heroes

As we close in on one year of the COVID-19 pandemic, we at the AAP-CA3 want to reflect on and thank all the healthcare heroes who have dedicated their lives and time to care for our community. We want to highlight County Public Health doctors Wilma Wooten, Kelly Motadel and Eric McDonald.

Named San Diego Union Tribune’s 2020 San Diegan of the Year for standing “firm in advocating for best practices” during the pandemic, Dr. Wooten has served as San Diego County’s public health officer since 2007. She is credited with leading the charge on COVID in San Diego.

San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency’s Child Health Officer, Dr. Kelly Motadel was recently appointed one of 15 members of the Medi-Cal Children’s Health Advisory Panel where she will advise the California Department of Health Care Services on policy and operational issues affecting children on Medi-Cal. She is also an active member of our Chapter, jumping in on several committees including ACEs, Developmental Behavioral Peds and Infectious Disease.

Deputy Public Health Officer, Dr. Eric McDonald is serving as the medical director of the county’s Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch, overseeing the region’s efforts to monitor, treat and prevent infectious disease. Dr. McDonald has been an invaluable asset to the Chapter, acting as the bridge between the county and AAP-CA3 as the Public Health Liaison to the Infectious Disease Committee for over 10 years.

We know what you do isn’t easy, the past year has brought many challenges, but we are forever grateful to you for answering the call when we needed you the most.

When it seemed like everything was stacked against you, still you battled on.

In the face of adversity, in a time of COVID/science deniers, you came to the community’s aid.

To this day, we mask up, wash our hands, and socially distance with you in mind. We see you. We stand with you. We can all get through this together. Thank you!