VCOM 2020 Annual Report

SPECIAL REPORT

Telemedicine Helps Empower Patients

Kaleigh Featherstone, DO Class of 2018, VCOM-Carolinas, Family Medicine resident, nominated chief resident, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Spartanburg, SC

COVID-19 has made many changes for family medicine physicians in both the clinic

Being on the front lines of a pandemic so early in my career is daunting but also very humbling. I have had an even greater opportunity to be the advocate for patients and their health. This is through continued care at the hospital and clinic but also through the emergence of telemedicine. Telemedicine has given me the opportunity to check on some of my sickest patients and continue to empower them to take control of their health. I believe anyone during this time has fears, but patients look to us for guidance every day. This time is no different.” to see that we can still have victories. Having the love and support from family and friends will be key to helping us cope and maneuver through this crisis. During my medical school training at VCOM, I learned the importance of patience and how to overcome obstacles. I bring these skills to everyday practice at work. I understand that these skills are more important than ever in the present situation. I pray every day that we can turn the corner while battling this pandemic and just ask that we all practice patience and work together in an effort to save lives.”

and outpatient settings. We have daily decisions, schedule alterations and protocols. I believe that VCOM- Carolinas prepared me for success during this challenging time in several ways. Becoming a DO prepared me for the unexpected and to be flexible to change. It helped me get through the hard times. When DOs work as a team, by finding their support group, the workflow is easier and more efficient. It prepared me to DO my best. At the end of the day, no matter how hard it was, I know that I did my best. Please, DO wash your hands with every patient encounter.

New Roles to Help in NewOrleans

Rohini Manaktala, DO Class of 2015, VCOM-Virginia, PGY-5, Cardiovascular Fellow, Ochner Clinic, New Orleans, LA

No one could have imagined that something so devastating could have

impacted New Orleans, Louisiana since Hurricane Katrina. It was amazing to see how willingly physicians across all disciplines stepped into new roles in order to help coronavirus patients while keeping our other patients well. We shifted to televisits to make sure our cardiac patients were doing well. Despite these challenging times, there has been an overwhelming amount of love spread among the NOLA community, as well as hope. Recently, we discharged our 1500th patient who recovered from the disease. It is nice

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