Dr. Lombardi
Here in New York, COVID-19 was like watching a horror movie. We were aware of its presence, in China and then in Europe, and followed the morbid details of hearing people getting severely ill, hospitals overwhelmed, people literally dying in the streets waiting to be treated. We knew it was bad and we knew it was coming, but nothing could have prepared us for this deadly pandemic. In one fell swoop, businesses were shut down, schools were closed, all travel, dining, theater, salons, stores, sports, and gyms were gone. Weddings, Graduations, Proms, and parties were canceled. Life as we knew it abruptly ended. It took a few days for this to sink in...you had to think twice before you left your house for fear of getting sick. You had to stay away from family and friends. You were aware not to touch surfaces in public places, and breathing air that could have lingering virus particles. Suddenly, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and wipes became an unattainable commodity and caused people to panic. Families were stockpiling food for months, not working, and not receiving paychecks. The economy tanked. Unemployment reached a level higher than during the Great Depression.
Podiatric residents became front-line workers, with rotations canceled, podiatry patients discharged, and all elective cases canceled. Hospitals quickly turning into COVID only facilities, taking over floor by floor, unit by unit. Our amazing Residents stepped up and were quickly put on the front-lines treating COVID patients alongside Medical, Surgical, Infectious Disease, and Vascular Residents. They jumped in, were happy to help and never complained, even though every day presented a huge risk for them and their families. As a Residency Director, this made me so very proud of them. My office remained open throughout the outbreak all clinic patients were diverted from the hospital to the private office without regard to the patient's ability to pay. Only cases that were emergent were being performed. Most trauma was sent to Hospital for Special Surgery (which is an affiliate), even though we are a level 1 trauma center. Having a son who is Graduating NYCPM this year, I personally witnessed an unprecedented change in how fourth year Podiatry students were taught. Remote learning replaced classes and rotations. Match Day was posted on social medial while sheltering at home instead of in person. Preparations are being made for virtual Graduation for the class of 2020. It all seems surreal. It is a chapter in our lives that will always be engrained in our memory and will never be forgotten. We greatly appreciate all our frontline workers who risked their lives each and every day to save ours. You are our true heroes.