In a year like no other, it’s abundantly clear that heroes really do walk among us. At Rogers Behavioral Health, a provider of mental health and addiction treatment, one such hero is medical director of primary care for southeast Wisconsin, Patrick O’Malley, DO.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Dr. O’Malley stepped up as point for Rogers without hesitation, even living at Rogers’ Oconomowoc campus to help stop the spread of the virus and to be on site, around the clock, during the height of uncertainty.
“Dr. O’Malley’s tireless work has allowed Rogers to continue to be fully open to patients who need psychiatric care now more than ever,” said Jerry Halverson, MD, Rogers’ chief medical officer. “His commitment 24 hours a day, seven days a week is ensuring our patients and staff stay safe throughout this global crisis.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the pandemic has brought “disproportionately worse mental health outcomes, increased substance use, and elevated suicidal ideation,” making Dr. O’Malley’s leadership critical in connecting people to Rogers’ care when they need it most.
From developing protocols and policies in conjunction with the quickly evolving guidelines to performing COVID tests and supporting teams in Rogers’ 18 cities across the U.S., Dr. O’Malley is invaluable to Rogers’ pandemic response. At every step, he has exhibited selfless leadership, resilience, and compassion for Rogers’ patients, families, and employees.
“Dr. O’Malley has a strong desire to create access for all who need our specialized mental health and addiction treatment,” said Kim Effertz, Rogers’ chief operating officer in southeast Wisconsin. “He remains kind and compassionate each day not only through COVID, but throughout the more than 15 years we have worked together. He is a true role model for serving our staff and our patients.”
