When terrorists attacked the U. S. on Sept. 11, 2001, Dr. Rhonda Medows was serving as the secretary of Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration.
In the days and weeks that followed the attacks, Medows says Floridians were scared and nervous. And yet, Medows says the community came together in meaningful ways, even though people were afraid.
For Medows, who saw her work hours lengthen, this meant when she would arrive late in the evening to the day care center her young children attended, the kids would already be bathed and fed. Sometimes, the center would even bring Medows' children to see her at work, knowing that it would boost her spirit.
The sense of community and togetherness Medows witnessed in 2001 continues to impact her approach to health care.
