We have many frontline health workers in our church family. We wanted to reach out to see how they're doing and hopefully in hearing their stories we can gain more understanding and empathy with what they have to face each day. Meet Alex!
1. Hi! Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do?
I am a sports physician at Group 23 Sports Medicine. I look after athletes of all level, but most importantly, my group and I try to bring elite sports and exercise medicine to the general public. I am also a hospitalist at the transition care unit, a place for patients who are not well enough to go home from the hospital. I also have background training in public health and I have been involved in developing covid strategies for certain community clinics and care facilities.
2. How has the pandemic and covid affected your work?
It was daunting first year of the pandemic. Thinking back, my fellow docs and I weren’t quite sure how we survived he first year. No one in the world knew much about the virus. We relied on our scientific knowledge and our training to improvise and to come up with our own “covid strategies”. There was no vaccine. My wife and I had constant fear that we would get infected and pass the virus to our patients…and to our family. There was not enough PPE…in fact, we didn’t have enough masks, hand sanitizers, and even throat swab and staff! There was time pressure. It took twice as long to see patients because of the PPE. The public health rules seemed to change daily. We adapted and we shifted gear to the best of our ability. Many of our elderly patients ended up in the ICU. This virus was nasty. Sometimes, we all thought it was amazing we got through the first year. (My wife and I are pretty sure God got us through it.)
In this second year, the challenges continue. The variants are popping up everywhere. The delay to essential surgeries and procedures is rampant. Bringing back anything normal (like sports) has been a monumental feat. Mental health issues are skyrocketing. But in the face of all the challenges, God is still looking after us. We are learning ever more about the virus. We have better ways to combat it. The 3Ws work: Wash hands, wear mask, and watch distance. The vaccine has really made a mega difference. Nowadays, vaccinated patients truly have milder symptoms. I see much less patients end up in ICU. There seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel…more hope.
3. How has the covid pandemic affected your personal life?
As a family, we miss seeing our friends and family members regularly. This is hands down the toughest part. The pandemic really amplifies how much we miss (and how much we take for granted) the company and presence of our family and friends. The pandemic really highlights how we need each other and God to get through major crises.
4. With all the changes that have happened to your family during the pandemic, what is one change you’d like to carry with you into post-pandemic life?
Three changes actually:
a) Walk closer with God
b) Stay close to your family and friends
c) Don’t delay on your dreams and adventure
5. How has the pandemic affected your faith?
During this difficult time, it is even more clear that God is in charge. In such times of uncertainty, it is even more critical to be closer with God.
6. How can we pray for you?
Please pray for my family and I to find ways to be closer to God. That will be the best prayer. God will in turn give my family and me strength and wisdom to face our challenges.