Making Life Less Spooky | A Message from CEO Dave Ressler

Photo: Dave’s kids on Halloween, 2006

I have to admit that I am not much of a Halloween fan. I realize it cuts across the Aspen grain to say that, but it’s true. I do have very fond memories of Halloween when I was a kid, and of Halloweens spent with my own kids. But the idea of ghosts and goblins and all that is spooky is just not what I enjoy. I don’t like horror movies either. For me, life can be scary enough without the need to add more reasons to be fearful. Far better for me to celebrate the happiness and joy in life, and there are plenty of other holidays that suit me just fine.

In the same vein, I focus on the enormous upsides of healthcare, and how Aspen Valley Hospital’s physicians and staff often have the honor and privilege of being a part of our patients’ lives and their most memorable occasions. The greatest of these is likely the miracle of childbirth, clearly, but every day our highly trained and dedicated professionals are restoring health and vitality following illness or injury, or enhancing the lives and well-being of our patients and our community. I can tell you for certain that these experiences keep our staff and physicians going and looking forward to making a difference for the next patient.

Of course, AVH is also there for when our patients experience some of the darkest and scariest times, such as receiving a devastating diagnosis, or after a traumatic injury, or during a medical episode. This is also when we shine and take great pride in being the best we can be at dealing with whatever comes your way. As a level III trauma center with a large complement of surgical and medical specialties, we are equipped and trained for whatever doesn’t have to be sent to a large and higher-level facility. And we know how to tell the difference.

In this issue, we feature several examples of our people and services that can take the spookiness out of healthcare. Learn about our Aspen Ambulance services that provide calm, caring and competent care to our patients, and who partner with AVH to be prepared for broad-scale emergencies and incidents. Meet our newest physician member of our Aspen Valley Primary Care team, Dr. Caroline Mears, who trained in internal medicine and has a wholistic approach to her patients’ needs. Dr. Mears and our primary care team work hard to prevent illnesses and guide patients through them when they do occur. It’s also time again for our Health Fair, where we provide laboratory tests to catch problems early, and avoid worry and fear by knowing the facts.

Life can be scary. And joyous, happy, exciting and wondrous. While you focus on living your best life, you can count on AVH to be there when life throws you a curveball, or two. It truly is our pleasure to be with you through all of life, at every age and stage, to make the most of every minute of it.

– Dave