Dear Editor and community;
My last day as a family primary care provider at Mid Columbia Medical Center (MCMC) was January 19, 2022. Upper management decisions made it impossible for me to continue to provide the quality and compassionate care that I expect of myself as a professional so I was forced to make a decision I didn’t want to make. I am very worried about the current MCMC leadership, the direction they are heading, and how this has already affected, and will continue to affect, my beloved community.
I am not alone in my concerns, as evidenced by the exodus of many talented and knowledgeable employees across all positions and departments throughout the hospital over the last several years. The wave of providers leaving over the last year is the most obvious and devastating loss to the community thus far. During my time with MCMC, employee turnover has never been this high, and I am confident it is not solely due to the pandemic or the cancellation of the affiliation with OHSU, but rather a systemic problem at the upper administrative level of MCMC.
When I first moved to The Dalles 12 years ago to work at MCMC, I fell in love with the Columbia Gorge. I stayed because I had the honor of caring for wonderful people in this community. I have laughed and cried with them, shared bad and good news, and have worked with my patients to make the best health care decisions possible. Many of my patients have become like extended family and I looked forward to continuing to care for them in the generations to come. It pains me to leave my patients and colleagues and it is difficult to leave knowing the future of quality health care in The Dalles is uncertain.
I am thankful for all of my colleagues throughout MCMC who provide exemplary care. The Family Medicine team, in particular, will always have a special place in my heart. I will continue to live here in The Dalles and look forward to seeing your smiling faces out in the community. I hope that the MCMC board will begin listening to their employees, patients, and community in order to save the future of MCMC. This community deserves the best.
In gratitude and solidarity,
Carrie Vieira, PA-C
