The pandemic has dramatically transformed the way we live, work and connect with each other, but few things have been impacted as significantly as local healthcare.

鈥淲e鈥檙e very used to seeing patients on a continuing basis, so we know them well,鈥� reflects Dr. Leo Wong, physician at St. Luke Family Practice and board member for the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation. 鈥淔ollowing public health guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19, we instantly suspended seeing patients in the office whenever possible, moving to telephone and video calls,鈥� says Dr. Wong.

This new approach did offer some benefits 鈥� patients could speak with their doctor from the comfort of their own home, for example.

However, virtual appointments also limit other vital communication clues between physician and patient.

鈥淭here鈥檚 a lot of non-verbal information I get from patients and talking doesn鈥檛 quite replace it,鈥� notes Dr. Wong, a family physician in 91原创 since 2004 who shares his practice with his wife, Dr. Flora Wong.

In addition to providing the continuity of care for patients of all ages, the physician also appreciates the opportunity to provide some stability and comfort for patients during an uncertain time.

鈥淭here鈥檚 been a lot of fear, a lot of uncertainty and a lot of unknowns. As physicians, we don鈥檛 know much more than what people are hearing from health officials, but we are able to offer reassurance and a listening ear,鈥� he says. 鈥淭o be able to provide some comfort is very rewarding.鈥�

Dr. Wong also salutes the medical community, which has come together to combat the virus.

鈥淚 see a lot of physicians who have stepped up and expanded the services they provide, or who have volunteered for COVID testing sites. Others have volunteered with flu shots and child immunizations, and during the first wave offered to provide extra support at the hospital.鈥�

Dr. Wong鈥檚 personal commitment extends to his own philanthropy and his role with the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, which as a physician, offers a unique opportunity to share ideas and provide context for hospital needs or board initiatives.

鈥淚t鈥檚 also important for my doctor colleagues to understand the role of the Foundation, and the need to donate, to volunteer and to be part of the leadership,鈥� he says, emphasizing that all funds donated to the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation stay here in the community to enhance what鈥檚 provided by the government.

鈥淲e want to build a sense of family and to take care of each other. I鈥檓 amazed at the 91原创 community and I feel very privileged to be part of that. I live in 91原创, and my children go to school in 91原创 鈥� this is very much my community.鈥�

For the holiday season, an anonymous donor has stepped forward to match all donations to the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation, up to $75,000. Donate today and your gift will have twice the impact, ensuring anyone who needs the hospital during the holiday season, and beyond, receives the best care possible. Learn more at