Several surgical oncology and breast surgical oncology fellows and young attendings share their unique and very personal perspectives on the impact that COVID-19 has had on their career. Read these moving reflections below.
Olga Kantor, MD, MS
Breast Surgical Oncology Fellow, Massachusetts General Hospital/Brigham and Women’s – Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
We chose this profession to help people, yet now we find ourselves somewhat helpless and unable to offer immediate surgery to our patients at their most vulnerable. This time is uncertain, it is challenging, it is not an ideal training environment. Yet the way that our profession and leadership has stepped up to the challenge of this crisis is humbling, steadfast, and a constant reminder of the best in humanity. We will come through this and we will be stronger; our patients will take notice and fight harder. I have never been prouder to call myself a surgeon.
Michael Zeidman, MD
Breast Surgical Oncology Fellow, Mount Sinai Health System, NY
After 11 years of training to become a breast cancer surgeon I was beyond excited when I was hired by Mount Sinai in NYC. I started my practice in February…perfect timing. Little did I know that I would immediately be re-purposed to round on the ICU overflow. I have yet to see a single patient with breast cancer but I have prescribed medications that I still cannot pronounce, adjusted vent settings on patients with lung dynamics I don’t fully understand, and placed more central lines in the last 2 months than I did all of residency. It has been incredible to see my colleagues step up into unfamiliar roles, as well all putting their own lives on the line. This WILL bring us together and make us stronger as a community.
Ibrahim Nassour, MD, MSCS
Surgical Oncology Fellow, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
During these difficult and challenging times, I would like to reflect on the heroic role of the nurses taking care of patients with COVID-19. I am fascinated by the dedication they have shown toward their patients. Huge respect to all nurses as they spent hours in patients’ rooms providing the best care possible while at risk of being infected by this disease. Nurses are always an integral and important part of the healthcare system. During these times, they are the heroes! Respect to every frontline healthcare provider making sure that we overcome this pandemic.
Emily Sturm, MD, Fellow, Rogers William Cancer Center, Providence, RI
“Biology is King”—our oncologic trump card, reorienting to the humbling and tremendous unknown in each tumor. But today, what ties our hands is not a scientific frontier but the mundane annoyance of stressed systems. As resources appropriately reroute to the emergency at hand, cancer screening, surgeries, and treatments are delayed or simply skipped. So if “Biology is King,” systems are the kingdom. Even a great monarch fails in battle for want of trained armies or sharpened swords. COVID-19 shakes our systems; our tools dulled and depleted. But we hope and learn, invigorating stewardship of these systems that equip us.
Joshua A. Feinberg, MD
Surgery Chief Resident, Maimonides Medical Center, Incoming SSO Breast Surgical Oncology Fellow, NYU
I never thought this is the way the last few months of my chief year would transpire. Then again, the stress that COVID 19 has placed on our healthcare system is unprecedented. In what seemed like an overnight event, my hospital in New York City was transformed into what felt like a battle zone. We tripled its capacity and established several COVID units. Doctors from all departments – Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, Cardiologists, Pulmonologists, Pediatricians, Geriatricians, Gastroenterologists, Psychiatrists, and many more sub-specialists – stepped out of their comfort zones and used all facets of their respective medical training. All hospital employees shared the common goal of treating this vicious virus. This summer, I will begin my fellowship and embark on my career as a breast surgical oncologist. The past few months were not what I envisioned, but this experience will undoubtedly help treat our cancer patients who need us now more than ever.
Anthony Scholer, MD, MBS, The Tarble Foundation Endowed Surgical Oncology Fellow, 2019-2020, Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellow, 2018-2020, John Wayne Cancer Institute
Training as a surgeon or even in medicine does not prepare you for life’s challenges. I would support that statement with the undisputable fact that the medical profession has the highest suicide and burnout rates of all professions. Unfortunately, we have just begun to see the monumental effects of the COVID pandemic for healthcare workers with many social media and news interviews stating how hard it is to be a healthcare worker during this time with some choosing to take their own life to end their sadness. Our profession is a calling, one that all healthcare workers have chosen to pursue; to serve their country; and try to improve humanity. Suicide in our profession, is a NEVER event! So, what is the way forward. I believe the person you become is determined by what you focus on. Moreover, the meaning (or purpose) we give to an experience such as the COVID pandemic, will ultimately influence how we react to life’s challenges. I ask you, what is the meaning you are linking to the COVID pandemic and how is this affecting your life? Change this meaning and change your life. We all have an opportunity to do something great during this time, what is yours?