As we reach the end of this unusual and chaotic year, it is appropriate to send a final thank you to all the front-line medical professionals who have been so important and helpful during the stress of this pandemic. They truly are medical angels. Their efforts have permitted so many to receive treatment and recover from this virus. And for those who under their care couldn’t recover, I’m sure their hearts are heavy.
It would be wonderful to honor each one individually by name as the Utahn of the Year. With that not being possible, here is a big and loving elbow-bump hug.
There is, however, someone who can and should be honored publicly as the Utahn of the Year: Dr. Angela Dunn, our state epidemiologist. Her life must have been much simpler prior to being called on to represent the state on the front line, detailing the source of the virus, its effects and our mitigation by knowing the personal protocols we can exercise to protect both ourselves and those we love.
As she handled the questions posed to her by the reporters, some of which were obviously redundant, the word that comes to mind to describe her is unflappable. She handled every press conference with calm demeanor, scientific explanations in understandable lay terms, and respect for all involved. But at the end of the day, she must have been heart broken by the ever-increasing numbers of new virus cases and the apparent disregard of protection measures of too many people.
So Gov. Gary Herbert and Gov.-elect Spencer Cox, consider publicly recognizing Dr. Dunn as our Utah Person of the Year. Although there might not be a monetary reward to accompany this honor, public recognition and profound thanks for a job well done still mean much in our lives.
Steve Walker, Cottonwood Heights
