As the first #COVID19 attending at my hospital in NYC, I was asked to create a set of best practices for future doctors managing #coronavirus. Here are some of suggestions, which reflect my personal opinion:

1. You do not need to place a stethoscope on every patient. This cuts against everything doctors have been trained, but it's widely accepted at frontlines of the pandemic. If vitals are unstable, do a thorough exam.

2. Use your time wisely; ask about symptoms other than the classic flu-like symptoms. If you are too focused on the timing of fever or cough, you might miss something unrelated to coronavirus. You must also ask about code status (CPR, ventilator) within the first hour.

3. Keep it simple. If you’re overwhelmed, begin with vital signs. If they're stable, you don't need many tests. If they're unstable, follow the abnormal findings.

4. Find the nurse before seeing the patient.

5. It can be difficult to know if a patient with a pending #coronavirus test really needs an MRI or CT. It's helpful to discuss with consultants to prioritize field trips.

6. Therapeutics are rapidly changing. Read up on the data and reach out to an infectious diseases specialist (if possible) to confirm you’re approach is sound.

7. Be prepared for the fact that MANY infected patients will not want to leave the hospital once they're stable for discharge. How will you offer reassurance? Know the data.

8. Those who round with me know that I look for two traits in doctors: toughness and kindness.
It’s easy to have one, but hard to have both. Good luck