Ali Mahfuz, MBA and Sujata Ojha
Texas Christian University and University of North Texas Health Science Center School of Medicine
During a time of great uncertainty, two medical students illustrate shared concerns and values in contrasting environments. We share our reflections to provide solace to those who are in relatable situations during these isolating times.
Epicenter- Ali
Just as everyone thought that cable news was on the verge of disappearing, New Yorkers everywhere huddled together in front of their televisions for a daily COVID-19 briefing from Gov. Andrew Cuomo. As he prepared to deliver an update, I reflected on how almost two months have gone by since I flew back home from medical school in Texas. I came back to uphold my familial responsibility of taking care of my elderly immunocompromised parents. I know, in the back of my mind, that if my dad catches the virus, he will not survive. He is still fighting lung cancer and receiving regular treatment. Fortunately, my medical school shifted temporarily to a virtual modality, allowing me the opportunity to substantially decrease their exposure to this imminent threat. Without me, there is no one else there to pick up groceries, medications, daily necessities, laundry, and so much more.
On May 15th, Gov. Cuomo signed an executive order extending stay-at-home orders a second time for parts of New York. The “New York on PAUSE” order would remain in effect until at least June 13 and I am inundated by dichotomous emotions [1]. On one hand, my family’s health is better protected, but on the other hand, I continue to sacrifice my sanity being trapped at home all day.
The struggle with social isolation is natural. It impacts our psychological well-being. My understanding of infectious disease makes me several times more aware than the general public of the societal benefits from sheltering-in-place. But I remain envious of those ignorant to the risks of exposure. The ability to grab meals and socialize alleviates the mundane day-to-day life we have all been thrusted into. It provides an escape from the built-up tension that occurs in some households with everyone stuck together. The temptation to compromise my principles are there, lurking in the background, waiting for a chance to overtake me. However, the health and well-being of my parents help reinforce my conviction.
Living through the COVID-19 crisis in New York, I am constantly reminded how fortunate my family is right now. As of June 22nd, there are 389,085 confirmed cases [2]. The deaths and hospitalizations of close friends and family is not a foreign concept. Immigrant families like mine tend to live in small apartments, making social distancing impossible. Most of them are also essential workers who end up bringing the disease back home. As of right now, the number of people I personally know who have passed away from COVID-19 surpasses the fingers on my hand. I pray for their souls and the families they left behind. Social distancing is sadly easier when you have emotional scars to remind you. While we all continue to endure some tough turbulent times, I hope that our concerns for our families can overcome our temptation.
Rim - Suju
The Friday before spring break, March 6th, was the last time I saw my classmates. I left my apartment to commute back to my parent’s home with only a week’s worth of clothes. Little did I know that the rest of my first year of classes would shift to an online modality. What I thought was a temporary shift rapidly became a new permanent challenge I had to adjust to. We all had to. I never imagined that COVID-19 was brewing an ominous storm, wreaking havoc on both my personal life and education.
Prior to COVID-19, I was determined to maintain strong relationships with my family and undergraduate friends. Luckily for me, I could commute home during the weekends. Having a weekly dinner with my family became my reprieve for pent up anxiety of medical school. Oddly, this transition to online classes from home felt reminiscent of studying through an extended weekend. In reality, I was trapped at home social distancing. Unable to participate in extracurriculars, I indulged in swiping through my phone. The first thing I see is: “Social Distancing Infringes on my Constitutional Rights!”
I gasped in silence as I saw this sentiment circulating on Twitter and Facebook. After only three weeks into quarantine, friends and former high school classmates felt more threatened by our government than the imminent threat of COVID-19. I could not fathom how tensions were rising in my suburban Texas neighborhood.
On May 1st, Texas Gov. Abbott officially opened the state. This meant my mother would have to return back to work at the grocery store. She would be forced to interact with thousands of customers. Knowing how exposed she would be, I felt it was almost inevitable for her to contract the virus. As of June 23rd, the Lone Star state has a total of 119,888 cases with 2,215 deaths [3]. After lifting the stay-at-home orders, Texas went from ranging about 500 to 4,760 new cases per day [3]. How could my heart not ache for all the people who are about to suffer?
Following the return of “freedom,” I observed restaurants and bars filled with crowds of people without masks championing that their life is “normal” again. While the media advocated social distancing and the government trusted us to comply, I felt that so much of society remained ignorant to the risks. I wonder, if I did not attend medical school, how would I react? Would I succumb to the peer pressure to participate? I contemplated if my judgement was coming from a place of envy because I, too, was initially weary of a quarantine. However, envy was the wrong emotion. I truly empathized with those who have and will be affected by COVID-19. The stories of respiratory failure from faculty on the frontline make me more innately aware of the consequences. I just wish society as a whole could share this feeling. I just want everyone around me to realize we live in a time of true antithesis, by doing nothing (staying home), we do the most.
REFERENCE
“No. 202.31: Continuing Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Relating to the Disaster Emergency.” Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, 15 May 2020, www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-20231-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency
DD “Workbook: NYS-COVID19-Tracker.” COVID19, 22 June 2020, covid19tracker.health.ny.gov/views/NYS-COVID19-Tracker/NYSDOHCOVID-19Tracker-Map?%3Aembed=yes&%3Atoolbar=no&%3Atabs=n
“Texas Coronavirus Map and Case Count.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 23 June. 2020, www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/texas-coronavirus-cases.html.