Not in hospitals. Not in the clinics. Not spending an hour suturing a laceration, so the resident is available to help others. Not reminding the team that it’s the day, and we should consider stopping the antibiotics. Not presenting on the latest…
Category: Infectious disease
Our work as anesthesiologists in the post-normal era
Traffic is non-existent. Schools are closed. Restaurants are only offering take-out and delivery. Parking lots at strip malls are empty on weekends. Only a limited number of people at a time are allowed inside the grocery store. Welcome to the post-nor…
No time to grieve: fears of a resident physician during the COVID-19 pandemic
I work at a hospital that, like many others, has taken significant steps to prepare for a surge of COVID-19 cases in the next days to weeks. Many of our residents were sent home while assigned to elective services where we are “nonessential,̶…
Advice for a pediatrician: the importance of having a grateful heart
The coronavirus epidemic has proven to be a very challenging time for all of us. However, we must never forget the commitment which health care professionals demonstrate every day in caring for our communities, especially during such times of dire nee…
Relax documentation requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced several measures guiding the care of patients during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Another important action that will immensely help the health care workers at the forefront is to reduce the d…
Breaking bad news to patients when they are alone
Today, we got called on a patient in the ICU who recently had a new brain mass removed surgically. The specimen came back positive for an aggressive brain tumor known as glioblastoma multiforme. We discussed his diagnosis and prognosis with him at beds…
In the midst of COVID-19, triage is a four-letter word
In my career as an outpatient family physician, triage is not something that I commonly do. But now, with the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing, it seems the large percentage of my day is spent in triaging patients. And I have to say, I don’t really care…
An infectious disease physician says: Stay the F@$k at home
In honor of one of the great classic novels, Go the F**k to Sleep, I would like to present to you my literary work: Stay the F@$k at Home. To the healthy 20 year old who asks, “Why should I stay the F@$k at home, COVID-19 is not going to kill me?…
COVID-19 is rattling the nerves of preemie parents everywhere
As I write this, hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes, gloves, and masks are sold out everywhere in the panic over COVID-19. People are writing about increased anxiety, and mental health professionals cite a massive surge in requests for help. Go anywh…
Potty training during a pandemic
The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11th. Shortly thereafter, the governor of Massachusetts declared a state of emergency and recommended social distancing. Schools and daycares across the state closed. My hospital respo…
