When the COVID-19 pandemic started more than a year ago, it brought uncertainty, anxiety, and fear. However, it also revealed strength in our St. Luke's Hospital healthcare team, including one behind-the-scenes hero, Jon Bettale.
As vice president of surgical and ambulatory services, Jon oversees a multitude of departments including the endoscopy and GI lab, operating room, sterile processing, urgent care centers, and workplace health. He has been a grounding voice of reason and an instrumental member of our Incident Command Center; from the first confirmed case at St. Luke's in March 2020, over the summer as new infections decreased, throughout the winter as hospitalizations surged again and during the most recent phase including the creation of St. Luke's COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic.
St. Luke's Incident Command Center was activated in early March 2020. Out of an abundance of caution, elective surgeries were canceled resulting in some of his departments temporarily shutting down. A few months later, three urgent care centers were temporarily closed and his staff had to be reassigned to assist in other areas. Jon skillfully handled the myriad of details to make these adjustments as well as the communication of these unprecedented changes to physicians and employees.
As we have navigated our way through the pandemic, protocols have rapidly changed to meet the evolving standards of care for COVID-19 patients. During a crisis such as a pandemic, it's a challenge to keep the emotional, mental, and physical needs of staff members at the forefront while also making important healthcare decisions that will impact patients. This has not been lost on Jon. He is thoughtful with his communication approach, quick to share updates with his departments, and open to listening to concerns.
Jon envisions solutions to the challenges before us, he makes them happen, all while being an advocate for patient and provider safety. When long days have blended into long nights, Jon brings a steadiness and confidence, which has been especially true during the most difficult stretches of the pandemic. His Incident Command colleagues are quick to point out his ability to bring humor into each situation, and his daily trivia questions are a much-needed reprieve.
Jon's latest contributions surround St. Luke's COVID-19 vaccine rollout and public vaccination clinic. The planning stages for the vaccine rollout began in late fall 2020. Jon spent countless hours coordinating infrastructure needs, sign-up systems, and efficient workflows. In the spring of 2021, St. Luke's COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic changed venues, which added another level of complexity flawlessly led by Jon as St. Luke's simultaneously operated an existing clinic while preparing to open the new location.
Heroes do what it takes. Looking back on the past year of challenge and change, Jon deserves to share the credit for how well St. Luke's responded to the pandemic. As is typical of a hero, he does not seek credit or attention. He consistently attributes every accomplishment to others. This isn't just a career for Jon, it's his vocation.