To The Reader’s Forum:

I am writing this on Monday, March 30, 2020, National Doctors Day.

This is a very special day, occurring this year during an emerging health crisis in our country and in the context of a global pandemic caused by a brand new virus, one which humans have had no previous encounter. So it is a very appropriate time to reflect on and be extra thankful for the doctors and all health care workers who are on the front lines, often working with less than adequate provisions against an overwhelming crisis situation. Can we even imagine working in the trenches with possibly inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and having to return home to care for the family? The stress and fright the workers must experience thinking they might carry CO-VID 19 to those at home must be terrifying. Many are often working long and extra shifts.

We also really need to be thankful for the entire health care team, including not only those working in the hospitals but also the EMTs, police and firefighters, ambulance drivers, funeral directors, and the families of these courageous folks. We definitely owe them and others big time.

Sad to say, although we had warnings, especially from the experience of other countries that preceded us in the evolving pandemic, we were not adequately prepared — a country that sent a man to the moon! To this date, on National Doctors Day, March 30, testing for the virus is still not in necessary high gear, supplies to do the testing are lacking in many areas, PPE is not available to all who are carrying for the sickest, and ventilators are certainly not sufficient for the onslaught. Yes, things are improving, but the delay has come with a cost.

Our part in this pandemic is to send heartfelt gratitude and blessings to those who are working on behalf of everyone else. We honor their hard work, commitment, sacrifice and service to all of us. It is extremely important that we follow the guidelines provided to us, so the disease can be controlled until treatment and vaccines are available. This is how we can take care of ourselves and our community, and also help those on the front lines. It’s critical that we do our part.

Dr. Lillian Vitanza Ney,

Jamestown

Retired Medical Director and VP of

Medical Affairs, WCA Hospital.