We are thinking of all our readers during this difficult time, but especially clinicians who are on the front lines of the crisis. To all of the clinicians and health care workers putting their health and lives on the line, we want to acknowledge your immense sacrifice and bravery. You did not sign up for this, and yet you are rising to the challenge for the public good.
For non-clinicians, we too can rise to the challenge by honoring social distancing directives. By reducing the spread of COVID-19, not only are we protecting older and chronically ill populations—we are also helping save the lives of clinicians who are at great risk of being exposed to this disease. (For more information on practicing social distancing, see this piece by Dr. Asaf Bitton, primary care physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.)
In the long term, we can advocate for the systemic health care changes we need to prevent such a pandemic from happening in the future. For those itching to take more action, the Right Care Alliance will be holding virtual meetings to discuss what we can do about clinician health, drug prices, and more, in the face of COVID-19.
Whatever your role in the health care system, thank you for all you are doing to help keep all of us as safe and healthy as possible.