Despite the current climate, your patients still need you
and you are there for them. But your job is likely even
more physically and emotionally demanding. How are you
personally dealing with all the additional risks?
It has become difficult as our normal outlets for stress relief
have been taken away such as vacations, spending time
with extended family and friends as well as going to sporting
events. It has become much more psychologically draining
dealing with the day in and day out stress.”
Conducting telehealth visits for your patients who are
not hospitalized is yet another challenge. How are those
going?
Telehealth has been a nice new Ave. to stay in touch and treat patients but it has been difficult for many patients,
including our geriatric ones who are not very tech savvy as well as patients who do not have access to technology due
to financial issues. We are continuing to evolve with all the changes taking effect.”
What (if anything) do you think the medical community has learned from this pandemic? Are we better prepared for
the next plague on mankind?
The medical community has learned we need to stay ready for anything and that a deadly virus like COVID can become
very overwhelming very quickly. I do feel that this has been quite the learning experience for all of us and we will be
better prepared for any future plagues or threats.”
Community Health Center
An employee of the Community Health Centers of Pinellas Inc. at Clearwater (who requested anonymity) is tasked with
contacting people with their COVID-19 test results.
We asked her what it was like to be the one on the
other side of the phone delivering that kind of news.
I am proud to be making a difference. Many days when I
call people to advise of test results, I am the first
person they’ve spoken to in days. I wind up chatting
with them because they are afraid and often lonely.
It is incredibly rewarding to be able to connect
with people. All day long I speak with people of all
ethnicities in all kinds of situations. In a world that
feels so upside down, this virus is something that has
united us in a disturbing way.
Whether I get to tell someone good news about
negative test results, or need to inform them that
they’re positive and advise their next steps, this experience has reinforced the reason I wanted to be part of the CDC in
the first place. To help those who can’t help themselves.”
This compassionate woman epitomizes the spirit of these professionals who get up every day and selflessly do their
absolute best in the worst situations. For the rest of us, in times like these we need to put aside our prejudices and
political agendas. We are people, first. Hopefully, we will be able to look back on this crisis as a time when humanity,
decency, and gratitude prevailed more often than it did not.
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