Crossing the street in Buffalo, New York, my father was hit by an inattentive driver. Though the crash was brutal, miraculously he was left with only serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

After spending a few days in ECMC with him, I have a new appreciation for what ER doctors and all hospital staff endure each day. We also witnessed many rough aspects of healthcare (and legal) systems, but when a loved one is hurt, you are afforded a sense of perspective of what is most important. And systemic flaws fade as you focus your consideration on the person you care about.