At Ob Hospitalist Group (OBHG), our clinicians are dedicated to ensuring that every woman receives the care she needs—no matter the circumstances. Over the past year, severe weather events have tested the resilience of our teams across the country, from devastating wildfires and hurricanes to record-breaking snowstorms and flash floods. Through it all, our clinicians have gone above and beyond, demonstrating unwavering commitment to their patients and hospital communities.
Wildfires in California
When wildfires swept through California, displacing families and disrupting entire communities, OBHG clinicians at Huntington Memorial Hospital stepped up in remarkable ways. One clinician extended his shift to cover for a colleague who had to evacuate her home. Another, after evacuating in the early hours of the morning and enduring a sleepless night caused by 100 mph winds, still arrived in time to provide relief. Others stepped in to provide seamless coverage, even as they faced personal challenges like power outages and wind damage at home. Their dedication ensured uninterrupted care for their patients during a time of immense crisis.
Hurricane Helene in North Carolina
When Helene made landfall in North Carolina as a category 4 storm, it caused catastrophic flooding, tornadoes, and widespread destruction, wreaking havoc on communities unaccustomed to hurricanes. AdventHealth Hendersonville lost power and water for days, but the OBHG team never missed a shift. Clinicians worked tirelessly to coordinate schedules, navigate flooded or damaged roads, and ensure that every patient received the care they needed. They safely delivered babies amid the storm and kept labor and delivery services operational despite the immense challenges they faced.
Record-breaking snowstorms in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic
Severe winter weather brought heavy snowfall and ice storms, making travel nearly impossible for many. In Kansas City, one OBHG clinician stayed overnight to ensure continuous coverage during an ice storm, even performing a critical emergency delivery during the storm. Another shoveled snow for hours just to reach the hospital, ensuring she could relieve her colleague and maintain uninterrupted patient care.
Meanwhile, across the mid-Atlantic region, multiple OBHG clinicians, including doctors, certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and nurse practitioners slept at their hospitals the night before their shifts to guarantee they could be there for their patients, no matter what.
Flash floods and a determined commute
In a rural hospital setting, one clinician’s dedication was put to the test when he encountered a flash flood during his two-hour commute to a rural hospital. His electric car stalled as water filled the vehicle, forcing him to escape and call for a tow truck. Despite the ordeal, he remained committed to his shift and still arrived at the hospital on time, ensuring that care for his patients was never compromised.
Hurricanes and severe weather across the country
While these stories highlight the extraordinary dedication of OBHG clinicians, they are not isolated incidents. In Florida and Texas, hospitals also faced significant challenges due to hurricanes in 2024. Many other parts of the country experienced record tornadoes, severe storms, heavy snowfall and more. Through every kind of weather, OBHG clinicians remained committed to OBHG’s mission, and went above and beyond to ensure uninterrupted care to women and babies, providing peace of mind amid the chaos of natural disaster and inclement weather.
“These stories showcase the ultimate dedication to team and patient care,” said Dr. Amy VanBlaricom, OBHG’s Chief Clinical Officer. “I am not surprised that we have this caliber of clinicians working with us, but we are grateful for their shining example of our core values of passion for people and genuine service.”
Cheryl Slack, Chief Human Resource Officer at OBHG, echoed Dr. VanBlaricom’s sentiments: “I am always thankful to our clinicians for the work they do every day, but it is so inspiring to see the commitment they have to their teammates as well as their patients.”
The resilience and dedication shown by these OBHG clinicians serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role hospitalists play in ensuring that women receive the care they need—no matter the circumstances. We are incredibly grateful for their unwavering service and honored to have them as part of the OBHG family.