Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1526715
2 | Health Matters: Providence St. Mary Medical Center I am honored to welcome you to the Fall 2024 issue of Health Matters. Our magazine is more than a collection of stories— it's a reflection of our commitment to providing exceptional care and fostering a healthier High Desert. As we move forward, I am excited to share some important developments and inspiring moments that highlight the dedication and compassion of our team at Providence St. Mary Medical Center. We are happy to announce the launch of the Victor Valley 's first trauma center, which began operation in July as part of our emergency department. Our Level IV trauma designation allows us to provide life-sustaining care to critically injured patients, marking a significant milestone in our efforts to provide comprehensive and timely care to our community. The trauma center is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our caregivers, who work tirelessly to deliver the highest standard of care to all. Looking ahead, we are also thrilled that our new Internal Medicine Residency Program received approval earlier this year, and we are set to welcome our first cohort of physician residents in July 2025. This program, which makes Providence St. Mary a teaching hospital, represents a significant investment in the future of health care here. Our goal is to retain our residents to help mitigate the physician shortage in our community and ensure that our patients receive high-quality care close to home. The residency program will provide aspiring physicians with comprehensive training and hands-on experience in a supportive, collaborative environment, and we look forward to welcoming them. In this issue, we also spotlight one of our own, caregiver David Mistretta, who quickly responded to a choking infant while manning a booth at the High Desert Family Expo in Victorville in March. David's intervention saved the baby 's life, and this story makes me so proud. His actions remind us of the profound impact that each of us can have in moments of urgent need, both within the hospital walls and beyond. David's story is a powerful testament to our core values: compassion, dignity, justice, excellence and integrity. It serves as an inspiring reminder of why we do what we do every day—to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. As you explore this issue of Health Matters, I hope you feel the same sense of pride and inspiration that I do. These stories reflect our collective efforts to advance health care, support the High Desert and continually advance the care you receive at Providence St. Mary. Thank you for your ongoing support and trust in us. Together we will continue to build a healthier, stronger High Desert. Respectfully, Chief Executive Providence St. Mary Medical Center To Our Beloved Community