ER Physician Dies In His Own ER
This is one of the saddest stories I’ve read in a while. H/t to GruntDoc.
Dr. Michael Sanchez, who in a few months as director of University Hospital’s busy emergency department slashed waiting times and reduced the number of patients turned away because of overcrowding, was struck and killed while jogging Sunday afternoon.
His own emergency department colleagues tried to save Sanchez without recognizing him because of the extent of his injuries. Only after he was pronounced dead did they learn it was Sanchez, hospital staff said.
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Police said Sanchez was struck in the 11600 block of Bandera Road about 1:40 p.m. Sunday. The driver told police he was on his way to get the brakes on his SUV fixed when his cell phone rang. As he answered it, he said he spotted Sanchez on the side.
According to a police report, Smith said he hit the brakes and the car swerved onto the shoulder, striking Sanchez and sending him onto the hood of the car.
A witness said the driver swerved across two lanes before striking the victim. Police said no charges have been filed.
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Rufe said Sanchez had so much enthusiasm and energy for the job, it made some of his colleagues skeptical about him. But it was that drive that allowed him to push the department beyond the way things had traditionally been done.
“He was telling me one day, ‘I love my job. I love what I do. I love my family. We have a wonderful home. I can’t ask for anything else. And now the possibility of a residency program. I’m just a fortunate person,’” Rufe said.
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