By Gilda Morales
This is not an editorial as much as a tribute and a bittersweet “so long” to Karla Morrow, FNP. Karla’s last day at Van Horn Rural Health Clinic is this Friday, and she will be sorely missed by this community. Although she managed to tick off some people with her honesty, always “telling it like it is,” her clinical skills, knowledge, and yes, compassion, will leave a void at the clinic and hospital as well. Karla’s soft spot was for children and I never saw her refuse to see a sick baby, regardless of how booked she was.
In sharing an office, I have spent more time with Karla in the last two years than with anyone else. As such, I have gotten to know not just the clinician, but also the real person inside the gruff façade. She patiently taught me invaluable skills from suturing to draining of skin lesions that others not in the medical field would consider gross, but which we enjoyed immensely.
Karla practiced what is called “evidence based medicine,” which means that she was always on top of the most effective treatments even if it meant that some patients left without a “shot” or their antibiotics at every visit. She had the hard discussions with teens and young mothers to ensure that they got the best care and had important information. She took over the care of my brother when I could no longer remain objective, and for that, I will be forever grateful.
Karla and Rodney will be moving to Corsicana, Texas where she will be working at her first love, emergency medicine, and taking it easier, while being closer to her parents who are not in the best of health.
Thank you, Karla, for your service, for the sharing of your knowledge and for your friendship…you will be missed.
