The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted virtually all aspects of human activity worldwide more than any other catastrophe in the past 100 years, with the possible exception of the two world wars. COVID-19 is a viral disease that is highly contagious and often lethal, especially to elderly persons with underlying disease. Because little is known about many aspects of the disease, JeffWilliams and I decided to devote an entire issue of the Journal of the Louisiana State Medical Society to COVID-19. Fortunately, Fred Lopez, MD of the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, an internationally recognized expert in infectious diseases, agreed to be the editor of this issue, and he has assembled other experts to contribute. LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
It is hard to believe that it has been nearly a year – one year of fear, one year of loss, one year of change and one year of COVID. Who would have thought that the last time LSMS met on January 24, 2020, the House of Delegates would be the last large gathering for many of us without restrictions? And then a virus blankets our nation and our world, and we were called to battle to fight this terrible enemy. Life as we know it came to a halt. Although we continued emergency care at personal risk, many clinics were closed and access to protective gear became limited. All other healthcare needs were put on hold as we focused all of our efforts on controlling the spread of COVID. Many of our peers were the only personal contact in the hospital for many patients dying alone without the embrace of family and friends. We relied on each other for professional and moral support as many of us had to also isolate from friends and family for their protection. It was never a question of if we should fight. The question was how? So, the health care community worked together pooling resources and time to prevail. Not only were we anxious about the risk of COVID to our vulnerable patients but also equally concerned about the lack of attention to other serious health care conditions. On April 26, 2020, after consulting with the LSMS and other health care leaders, Louisiana Department of Health allowed us to resume necessary health care services. For some providers, telemedicine was a welcomed alternative in health care delivery with minimal risk. But not all issues could be addressed virtually, so in-person visits became more challenging for the doctor and patient. Patients were often seen alone without the help of family. The additional screening and the need for supplies were overwhelming at times for providers and staff in an already complicated health care environment. By mid-summer, it was status quo, and we had a new normal with no relief in sight. Many physicians lost a sense of balance, which contributed to further physician burnout. We were dealing with COVID in and out of the office, with little or no opportunity to decompress. Our staff, partners,
and colleagues were becoming infected with COVID which required us to work longer and harder hours. Patients that avoided or neglected other health care needs were presenting in worse conditions, requiring more intense care. And the delay in screening services has resulted in more advanced disease diagnosis of cancer and heart disease, a problem we will all be addressing for years to come. Finally, hope arrived as the vaccine became available in Louisiana on December 18, 2020. We have seen a decline in cases and hospitalizations and are hopeful for a return to normal in the near future. Although this has been a challenging year, I do believe that with every hardship we have an opportunity to learn and grow. Many have implemented telehealth into their clinics, and I believe, will continue to do so long after COVID to improve access and efficiency. We have realized the importance of family and close friends as we relied on each other for support through these difficult times. And we have gotten closer to our patients, as we were the familiar face helping them through their hospital stay or visit without the benefit of other family members present. And I believe we grew stronger as an organization. I was blessed with the opportunity to connect with physicians across the state as we worked together to overcome the crisis. “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there is something stronger-something better pushing right back.” - Albert Camus
All of us, regardless of our medical specialty, need to know more about COVID-19, and this issue of the Journal provides a good starting point in this endeavor. ■
D. Luke Glancy, MD Editor-in-Chief
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Thank you TO OUR MEMBERS.
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My fellow physicians enjoy your summer. ■
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Sincerely,
Katherine Williams, MD
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J LA MED SOC | VOL 173 | SPRING 2021
J LA MED SOC | VOL 173 | SPRING 2021
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