FEATURE

A DOCTOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Three doctors from the University of Iowa give their perspectives on the COVID-19 pandemic and an inside look at what it’s like to be a medical professional in the world today.

Over 500,000 active physicians are present in the U.S. today, according to Statista, and their work is one of the reasons that, according to Science Alert, over 370,000 people have survived COVID-19. There’s no question about it-- Doctors, nurses and other medical professionals deserve our utmost gratitude for the time and effort they put in to save lives and keep our community healthy. But how much do we really know about the experiences they go through in a time like this?

Doctors’ lives, just like everyone else’s, have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic became serious. There are new risks to the job, although many of their responsibilities remain the same. Becoming infected is one of the most prevalent worries.

Dr. Boulos (Paul) Nassar is a pulmonologist at the University of Iowa and has been for seven years. Now almost half of his patients are COVID patients, and he has treated around 30 BY HELEN ZHANG DESIGN BY ZOEY GUO

“IT IS A VERY DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENT TO WORK IN THAN WE USED TO, SO IT DOES ADD STRESS TO YOUR DAY-TO-DAY PRACTICE. JUST KIND OF THINKING THAT YOU KNOW AT ANY POINT IN TIME, YOU CAN BE EXPOSED CHANGES THE WHOLE PERSPECTIVE OF GOING INTO WORK.” -DR. PAUL NASSAR

to 40 so far. He works in the intensive care unit (ICU) and focuses on adult intensive care.

“It is a very different environment to work in than we used to, so it does add stress to your day-to-day practice. Just kind of thinking that at any point in time, you can be exposed changes the whole perspective of going into work,” said Nassar. He and other healthcare providers must go through necessary steps to prevent any chance of getting infected, and this can increase the stress they are feeling.

Similar stress has been felt by Dr. Saket Girotra, an interventional cardiologist who has been on the university’s faculty since 2012. Girotra has concerns about the virus spreading to his family. “Are we going to bring it home to our families, our children, our loved ones?” said Girotra.

Girotra is prepared at all times to work on the frontlines in the ICU, although he has not directly taken care of a COVID-19 patient yet.

“All of us are very focused and engaged.. if the need comes we will roll up our sleeves and do what is needed,” said Girotra.

According to Girotra, some COVID-19 patients are developing damage to their heart, so as a cardiologist Girotra’s role would be to help manage their cardiovascular system.

Fortunately, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics has not been overwhelmed by the tasks that this pandemic has brought.

“It’s been very reasonable. It’s not been challenging,” said Dr. Mahi Ashwath.

Ashwath has been the president of the Iowa Chapter of the American College of Cardiology since March and a cardiologist for about 10 years. This medical association educates the public on cardiovascular diseases and updates the cardiovascular community, as well as being involved in advocacy and enforcing a standard for the quality of cardiovascular care. Ashwath helps with any imaging or testing that COVID-19 patients may require.

According to Ashwath, one of the issues that has arised since the spread of COVID-19 has been the reluctance of non-COVID patients to receive healthcare, including those with severe heart conditions. Instead of seeking treatment, they remain at home and become sicker. Ash

“IT’S IMPORTANT NOT TO IGNORE WHAT YOUR BODY’S TELLING AND TRY TO WAIT IT OUT… STILL SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION, EVEN WITH THE CONCERNS.” -DR. MAHI ASHWATH

wath strongly urges against this.

“The heart disease mortality is much higher [than COVID-19],” Ashwath said. “It’s important not to ignore what your body’s telling and try to wait it out…still seek medical attention, even with the concerns.”

These doctors also encourage everyone to continue safety precautions, which includes social distancing, wearing a mask when outside, and keeping yourself sanitized.

“Thinking that you’re doing it is very different than actually doing it right, so you really need to adhere to these steps because they do make a difference,” said Nassar. “You also depend on other people doing the same.”

It’s important to remember that the virus does not discriminate, and people of all ages are suffering from it. “Nobody is completely safe,” said Girotra.

It’s also important to recognize that “we’re all in this together,” as Girotra said.

Staying positive will also be helpful. For Girotra, a silver lining is being able to spend more time with his family. Additionally, Nassar finds that staying active helps the body and mind.

“Things will be back to normal quite soon so just keep a positive attitude and you’ll be fine,” Ashwath said. “Take care of yourself at the same time.”