Remembering our Humanity Lessons Amidst CoVid
#SpreadtheGoodThings #MedEd #MedTwitter

The attached video from this Memorial Day Weekend has gone viral. I can imagine how it makes many feel, but I ask that we pause before responding. https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.usatoday.com/amp/5253242002

For those well-versed in the dangers CoVid still presents, such videos evoke strong reactions.

I’ve seen many publicly condemn these people that flout the advice of the scientific community.

Makes sense, right?

It’s easy to shame, much harder to forgive, educate, and support.

My own emotions ran high when a few of my best friends sent me videos of the fun they had on the beach this weekend.

I plotted what I would say to them. The sting of my words. The resentment they would foster. The wedge it would drive between us.

But these are my best friends for a reason. They are kind, intelligent, and compassionate.

As I grappled with this sense of conflict. I reflected on some lessons I have had regarding patient care.

Would I ever shame a patient that refused a childhood vaccination?

Though I feel strongly it is imperative for their health, I know I must be careful to maintain my patient alliance.

Educate, support, and always keep the door open. Change cannot happen when it’s closed.

Would I condemn a patient that didn’t initially trust me?

I was taught there are deep-rooted origins for the distrust in science. I must be intentional to encourage questions, and build the relationship slowly.

With time, maybe the tide can shift.

I would celebrate if a patient with a lifelong smoking addiction cut down from a whole pack to a 1/2 pack.

It’s about risk reduction, not elimination.

Most importantly, I have been indoctrinated to treat everyone with compassion, and to practice forgiveness.

You never know the story behind a patient’s actions.

As our country opens up, mixed messages are being sent regarding what is safe and what is acceptable.

It’s scary, it’s confusing, and can further alienate us from one another .

Now is the time to support one another.

I messaged my friends not with stinging words but the opening message: “I love you all. This is how your videos made me feel because I am a member of the healthcare community.”

Now is the time to forgive.

“I know with things opening up it’s been confusing, and you may not have recognized the impact these actions had on me or the greater community. I also know you all have been very stressed and live alone so this was a much-needed retreat.”

Now is the time to educate.

“Since these vacations can be ‘super-spreading events’, it would mean so much to me if you all could be extra diligent with wearing masks and avoiding meet-ups this week. Next girls weekend, let’s go hiking instead so we can avoid some of the crowds!”

Now is the time to spread love.

This is a very stressful time, and everyone has things going on we can’t see that impact their decisions.

I’m blessed to understand the consequences of “returning to normal” too early.

I hope to carry forward my medical education to spread lessons I have received in not just science, but humanity as well.

In a public health crisis, everyone is your patient.

Let’s spread the positive things, and work together to contain the negatives.