So my first (short) day is done, at least in the hospital. Here are my observations:

1. I have a small head. No, this is not news, but try to put a bunch of PPE on a small head, and you’ll see why this matters (see video)

2. Things that were not normal now seem normal.

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2a. ICU patients in PACU and Preop is the new normal.

2b. Patients satting in the 70s and 80s seems normal.

2c. ICU docs managing CVVHD seems normal.

2d. Working with strangers seems normal.

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2e. Obviously everyone walking around with barely any skin exposed is also the new normal.

3. People are incredibly resilient. HCW have been dealing with this for weeks, and they seem to have settled into acceptance.

4. There is a ton of uncertainty. Not that we...

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...always knew what to do before, but since we don’t know of any effective treatments for #COVID19, people are trying many things. Maybe it’s HCQ, azithro, steroids, toci, who knows.

How do you solve oxygen-resistant hypoxemia?

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5. Wearing an N95 for hours really sucks. It rides up, I pull it down. It digs into my cheeks, I pull it up. Repeat.

6. Epic training is not any better in the midst of a pandemic.

7. Keeping your living space “clean” is really hard when that space is a small hotel room.

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8. People are really generous. So many have offered to pay for transportation. Other docs in NY have offered to help me with supplies (and I am paying it forward). Grateful to you all!

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That’s it for now. Just wanted to share my impressions since people have asked. Will share whatever other insights I gain along the way, for whatever they’re worth!

#StayHome #StaySafe

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