VCOM 2020 Annual Report

ALUMNI BATTLE AGAINST COVID-19

New Life During a Pandemic Being an OB/GYN

Shwetha Manoharan, DO Class of 2014, VCOM-Virginia, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Seven Hills Women’s Health Center, Cincinnati, OH

physician is an honor, especially to be a part of a woman’s life on a joyous and momentous occasion. Delivery rooms pre-COVID-19 were a different picture with support systems present. Birth is messy, and most of the time, the physician does not have to wear PPE, except for gloves and a gown. Nothing can prepare you for a pandemic because our generation has never dealt with anything like this. But, we all took an oath to serve, to care for others wholeheartedly and to remain faithful to our profession— regardless of the circumstances. The Labor and Delivery department has become eerily quiet with only one support person, one nurse and the

It is an odd experience for these new mothers to be so happy, but not be able to share that joy with loved ones who eagerly await the birth. It’s odd to see a mother envision the birth of her child for months, but not be able to hold the baby.

provider. I have to wear more PPE than ever. I can no longer greet my patient with a smile, because all she sees are my eyes behind two layers of masks, goggles, a face shield

As physicians, we must adapt. We were taught to be there

Babies will still make their entrance into the world. If we don’t show up, who will?

for our patients, pandemic or not.

We all have the same concerns. Is this patient an asymptomatic carrier of COVID-19? Will I bring this virus home to my family? What will happen if I get sick? Will our practice financially recover? We took the oath knowing our profession was calling, and we do it even when it is inconvenient or unsafe. We spent years learning our specialty. Babies will still make their entrance to the world. If we don’t show up, who will?”

and a scrub hat. When I am coaching my patient through her second hour of pushing, I can only give her affirmation through my words. The patient must push while wearing a mask. When I catch the baby and hand it off to the nurses, I can’t hug my patient to congratulate her accomplishment. After all that, we have to separate the mom and baby if COVID+ or PUI per current guidelines.

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