Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1356079
WAC members reflect on COVID-19 26 WAC Magazine | wac.net MARK CONNOR, MD Hospitalist, EvergreenHealth is past year was filled with many unique challenges, especially as a physician working at the hospital with the first nationally reported COVID-19 deaths. I never thought this year would be so physically and emotionally challenging. When looking back on the year, themes of commitment, gratitude, and humanism continue to resonate. First, knowing that a deadly virus was stalking me at work on a daily basis, I quickly had to come to terms with my own mortality and remind myself of the oath I took in medical school affirming my pledge to caring for others. I took solace in the fact that a life dedicated to the service of others is a life well-lived. at understanding allowed me to remain focused on my duty as a physician. e lives of my patients depended on it. Second, I feel a large sense of gratitude toward my incredible healthcare orga- nization. At the onset of the pandemic, there was no manual, treatment algorithm, or robust guidance available for management of this lethal virus. But as physicians our task was clear from the onset—save as many lives as we could. erefore, we started to read every available article and research publication and implement what we could into our collective practice. We communi- cated directly with physicians from China to learn everything possible and get a real "boots on the ground" understanding of the outbreak. Early in the pandemic we even published COVID-19 management recommendations that were utilized nationally by hospitals and medical practices. I am proud of the work we have done at EvergreenHealth to help our community, state, and nation. Finally, I still get emotional thinking of all those lost during this pandemic, specifically the multiple times I had to act as the communication proxy for a husband saying the final goodbye to a wife, or a daughter saying goodbye to a father. I get teary-eyed remember- ing those passionate words they asked me to share as their loved ones passed away in isolation. In conclusion, despite the exhaustion and unfathomable sadness from this pandemic, being a part of this fight has been a great honor. C O U R T E S Y P H O T O Our COVID-19 changed us. These are some of our stories. Saving lives … teaching … postponing dreams … giving birth … staying home … coming back … With the end seemingly near, we asked WAC members to share their year. Collected by Darrick Meneken PANDEMIC YEAR