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    Episode 85 - Healthcare Workers Lost to COVID-19

    enAugust 19, 2020

    Podcast Summary

    • Bombas' charitable impact, Blue Nile's personalized jewelry, Burrows Furniture's convenience, and Dr. Davari's insightsBombas donates over 100 million items, Blue Nile offers personalized ring design, Burrows Furniture focuses on customer convenience and durability, and Dr. Davari discusses COVID-19's impact on alcohol-related diseases

      Bombas, an e-commerce brand, has made a significant impact by donating over 100 million items to those in need since 2013. Every purchase results in a donation. Blue Nile, an online jewelry retailer, offers personalized ring design and home delivery. Burrows Furniture focuses on customer convenience and durability. During the Memorial Day Sale, they offer up to 60% off at burrow.com/acast. Dr. Shahryar Davari, a recurring guest on the show, shares his experience as a GI doctor and the uptick in alcohol-related diseases due to COVID-19. Kaveh and Shahryar reminisce about their multi-decade friendship, including their time in medical school hosting a talent show called "Mirth Control."

    • Doctors dealing with impostor syndrome during COVID-19Doctors face impostor syndrome amidst pandemic's challenges, honoring lost healthcare workers humanizes the crisis, staying informed and adaptable essential.

      Impostor syndrome is a common experience among medical students and professionals, including doctors. Some may use humor as a coping mechanism to mask their insecurities. However, the current healthcare landscape, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, presents unique challenges for doctors. Dr. Clara Resba, an anesthesiologist in Richmond, Virginia, is using her Twitter platform to share stories of healthcare workers who have lost their lives due to COVID-19. Her efforts not only honor their memories but also humanize them, providing a much-needed perspective during this difficult time. Doctors are grappling with the ever-changing information regarding the virus and the appropriate responses, adding to the stress and uncertainty. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of staying informed and adaptable while also acknowledging the humanity of those affected.

    • Healthcare Worker's Experiences and Coping Mechanisms During the PandemicHealthcare workers face immense stress and uncertainty during the pandemic, but maintaining humor and camaraderie can help cope. Vaccine distribution concerns and vaccine refusal may prolong the crisis, highlighting the importance of amplifying healthcare workers' voices.

      The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is causing significant fatigue and stress for healthcare workers. The speaker shared his own experiences of witnessing severe cases, dealing with personal challenges, and the uncertainty of the situation. He also mentioned the importance of maintaining a sense of humor and camaraderie as coping mechanisms. Looking ahead, there are concerns about vaccine distribution and the refusal of some individuals to get vaccinated, which means the situation may continue for an extended period. Despite the challenges, the speaker emphasized the importance of amplifying the voices and efforts of healthcare workers in addressing the crisis.

    • Documenting the loss of healthcare workers during the pandemicAcknowledging and honoring the loss of patients and colleagues can be a helpful coping mechanism for healthcare workers during challenging times.

      During the pandemic, Dr. Claire Resba started chronicling the names of healthcare workers who had passed away to help manage her anxieties. This coping mechanism was inspired by her experience as a resident, where she kept a list of patients who didn't survive and performed a personal ritual to honor them. She found this practice helpful in dealing with the emotional pain of witnessing patient deaths. Although this practice might not be common in medical education or practice, it shows the importance of acknowledging and honoring the loss of patients and colleagues. Dr. Resba's current project involves documenting the experiences of healthcare workers across the United States, and she encourages listeners to reach out with their stories.

    • Healthcare worker's emotional struggle with patient deaths and COVID-19Acknowledging and addressing the emotional impact of witnessing death and loss in healthcare is crucial for healthcare workers' well-being.

      The speaker, who is a healthcare worker, shares her experience of dealing with the emotional toll of witnessing patient deaths during her training. She compares it to being a quarterback in football, needing to compartmentalize and move on from difficult experiences to focus on the next task. However, she found it challenging to cope with the high number of healthcare professionals who died during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially when the official count was significantly lower than her own estimate. She started creating a list of healthcare workers who had died as a way to process her feelings, but was enraged by the discrepancy between her numbers and the official count. She explained her extensive process of searching for names and confirming their deaths through various sources, including obituaries, social media, and GoFundMe pages. Despite the emotional strain, she continues to add names to her list. The conversation highlights the importance of acknowledging and addressing the emotional impact of witnessing death and loss in the healthcare field.

    • Healthcare workers in high-risk environments disproportionately affected by COVID-19Healthcare workers in psychiatric facilities, long-term care homes, and other high-risk settings are at higher risk for COVID-19 due to their work environments and jobs. They are often under-recognized, under-compensated, and their deaths are not always reported or acknowledged.

      Healthcare workers, particularly those in psychiatric facilities, long-term care homes for disabled adults, and immigrant workers, are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. These workers, who keep hospitals and nursing homes running, are at higher risk due to their work environments and the nature of their jobs. They are often delayed in seeking care due to COVID-related restrictions and lack of resources. Many of these workers are under-recognized and under-compensated, and their deaths are not always reported or acknowledged. The speaker's personal project to research and honor these workers reflects a growing obligation to bring attention to their sacrifices and risks. The speaker emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these workers and their contributions to healthcare systems.

    • The Human Toll of COVID-19 on Healthcare WorkersCOVID-19 is taking a heavy toll on healthcare workers, with many contracting the virus and some losing their lives, particularly those with young families. Despite the risks, they continue to put themselves on the frontlines to save lives.

      The COVID-19 pandemic is having a profound impact on healthcare workers, with many contracting the virus and some even losing their lives. This is particularly true for younger healthcare workers, who are leaving behind young families. The situation is especially challenging for those working in healthcare settings, who were not fully aware of the risks they were taking on. Despite the personal and emotional toll, many healthcare workers continue to put themselves on the frontlines to save lives. The ongoing nature of the pandemic and the unpredictability of its spread adds to the stress and uncertainty for healthcare workers. It's important to recognize the human toll of the pandemic and the sacrifices being made by healthcare workers.

    • Recognizing the Human Toll on Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 PandemicSupport frontline workers by recognizing their sacrifices, following Dr. Sinclair's list of healthcare workers lost to COVID-19, and prioritizing self-care and mental health.

      The COVID-19 pandemic is taking a heavy toll on healthcare workers, leading to a potential mental health crisis. Dr. Sinclair emphasized the importance of recognizing this human toll and shared that she's compiling a list of healthcare workers who have passed away due to COVID-19. She encourages those who have lost someone to share their name with her so they can be recognized. Her Twitter handle is @ctzebra, and her list is called "US healthcare workers lost to COVID-19." It's crucial to support frontline workers during these challenging times. If you'd like to help, you can follow Dr. Sinclair's list and share it with others. Additionally, ensure you prioritize your own self-care and mental health during these stressful times. Remember, the pandemic affects us all, and it's essential to support each other through this crisis.

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