VCOM 2020 Annual Report

SPECIAL REPORT

Working in the ER at Two Hospitals

As Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at a rural hospital in Palm Beach County, we have been preparing for the expected arrival of COVID-19 patients. Fifty miles south, another hospital had four physicians who were COVID-19 positive and unable to cover their ER schedule. I was asked by their Medical Director to help, and I agreed. I covered double duty as CMO at my hospital from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and worked from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. in their ER while their physicians made a full recovery. face the uncertainty of a pandemic we knew little about. Many shifts ended with a long decontamination process consisting of wiping down all personal belongings and changing clothes prior to leaving the hospital. Then, I undertook an hour-long drive to check on my elderly parents. I spoke to my wife and kids via cell phone, as I would not be able to see them while quarantined in our guest room. The nights were difficult as thoughts plagued me of what could be awaiting the patients whom During that time, I was able to appreciate the camaraderie of the ER staff as we pulled together to

I admitted with respiratory distress. What if my wife and children were to get sick, or my parents? My worst fears were realized when my wife and kids ended up getting sick, and I felt helpless. In quarantine, I checked in on them while they slept and listened to their aggressive coughs and hypoxia, unable to care for them. They made a full recovery after seven days, which were the hardest seven days I have faced as a father, husband or ER physician.

Daniel Padron, DO, CPE Class of 2007, VCOM-Virginia, Emergency Medicine and Chief Medical Officer, Lakeside Medical Center, Belle Glade, FL

Serving allowed me to see the good in our community as we, the first responders, were cared for by our neighbors. Catered food with encouraging

“My worst fears were realized when my wife and kids ended up getting sick, and I felt helpless.”

messages from surrounding restaurants arrived daily for lunch and dinner. Bottled soft drinks, energy drinks and homemade protective face masks and shields were given to the department. During times of difficulties, especially global pandemics, I reflect on opportunities to serve while I was at VCOM and feel emboldened. I will continue to be prepared and adapt for any seemingly insurmountable hurdles that will, no doubt, continue to come.”

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