Us, Interrupted: How This Internist Is Responding To The Impact Of COVID-19

We spoke with Shapiro about working in the medical field during the COVID-19 outbreak and how it's affected his work and personal life.

I was in a pretty good place balancing family life, my clinical and leadership work, Explore the Space podcast, and my own self-care. Keeping an exercise routine, good nutrition, reasonable sleep, and having fun were things I was feeling more and more comfortable with.

Staying present and "in the moment."

I remember the first time reading in the New York Times that Wuhan, China, was being locked down. When I finished that article, I felt sure that COVID-19 was going to be a huge issue worldwide.

I remain so impressed by the incredible agility, energy, and creativity demonstrated by the entire profession of medicine. In my daily work, I am so proud and amazed by the consummate professionalism demonstrated by everyone hard at work in the hospital. As I write this, my region is under a "flattened curve," which affords us more time to continue preparation and learn as much as we can as fast as we can.

Like so many doctors and health care professionals, entering my house after a day of work is totally different. Bleaching shoes; changing out of scrubs; cleaning my car, phone, everything; then racing straight into the shower has become normal. In parallel, working to educate the public through all platforms available to me around the importance of social distancing has been critical and feels very mission-driven. 

I carry a new sense of weight and dread thinking about my friends and colleagues at the front lines around the world. I don't mind sharing: This has disrupted my usual sense of well-being and my daily habits to maintain my well-being. This has manifested primarily around my sleep quality. At the same time, I feel closer and more connected to friends and family; there is a different level of energy and transparency in our conversations via phone, Zoom, text, or in person. 

Find outlets to share the anxiety and fear you may be feeling. At the same time, support others in doing some sharing of their own. 

I see the tectonic plates of medicine shifting quickly, and I think many of the changes we are seeing now will become the new way we do things. The trust, energy, and professionalism being shown by health care professionals are simply stunning; it cannot be taken for granted and must be carefully supported and amplified.

When I'm feeling daunted or frightened, I remind myself that there is no alternative. This helps me to step into tension and move forward. 

The energy, transparency, and creativity being demonstrated across the spectrum of health care by the most wonderful and committed professionals I could ever dream of knowing.