As the world grappled with the emergence of a novel and deadly coronavirus in late December, the reality of life in America has shifted dramatically. Phrases like “social distancing” and “flatten the curve” have become commonplace, and many of us hope to forget them once this crisis subsides. However, for those of us in the medical community, terms like “unprecedented” and “uncharted” resonate deeply.
As a general pediatrician working at a large academic medical institution in the Midwest, my patient demographic spans from newborns to young adults. Importantly, what we know about COVID-19 in children is largely reassuring. Research involving over 2,000 pediatric patients in China diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 indicated that more than 94% experienced asymptomatic or mild to moderate symptoms. Nevertheless, this still leaves a notable percentage of children facing severe or critical symptoms, particularly among younger infants and toddlers. When it comes to your own child, statistics offer little solace if they fall into that vulnerable category.
Challenges of Being a Pediatrician During COVID-19
So, what does it mean to be a primary care pediatrician in a time when COVID-19 cases are on the rise? Balancing work and homeschooling our four daughters is just one challenge. My colleagues and I are under immense pressure to rapidly absorb information about this virus—its transmission, symptoms in children, and effective treatment methods. With updates coming in at a dizzying pace, it truly feels like trying to drink from a firehose. We are collaborating closely to establish evolving testing protocols and to ensure that we can provide safe and effective care to our patients.
Essential medical care remains a priority. While certain non-urgent conditions can be postponed, many services cannot. Newborns require close monitoring for feeding and jaundice, and infants must receive critical vaccinations on a strict schedule. Children still suffer fractures, asthma attacks, and a variety of other medical issues that existed prior to the pandemic. Therefore, we’re dedicated to maintaining access to necessary care by restructuring how we operate, including increasing telemedicine options to keep children safe at home when possible.
Supporting Families in Crisis
Moreover, we are committed to delivering compassionate and holistic support to families during this tumultuous time. With schools closed and many parents facing job loss or illness, the risk of hunger and abuse in children is heightened. It is crucial now more than ever to work alongside families, schools, and communities to ensure that children are safe, secure, and nourished.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the uncertainty is daunting. Healthcare professionals are enacting emergency pandemic protocols we hoped never to utilize. This often requires us to step outside our specialized roles. For me, this could mean transitioning from outpatient care to inpatient responsibilities, which is certainly within my training, but as a mother, the thought of taking on an even frontline role stirs anxiety.
The long-term effects of this pandemic on our children are a significant concern. How will they cope with the experience? Will there be hesitance towards a future coronavirus vaccine? In pediatrics, we constantly navigate the balance between safeguarding children’s best interests and honoring parental authority, as well as considering the broader health implications for communities.
Finding Hope Amidst Challenges
Despite the fear and sorrow, we are witnessing remarkable acts of kindness and unity. As someone privileged to observe the resilience of children daily, I genuinely hope that this global crisis teaches them about the importance of compassion, collaboration, and community.
For continuous updates on COVID-19 and its implications, it’s essential to rely on authoritative resources such as the CDC, particularly for information about health practices and community support. You can read more about related topics in this blog post, which discusses the importance of community health.
Summary
: Being a primary care pediatrician during the COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges, from adapting to rapid changes in medical information to ensuring essential care for children. The experience is marked by both anxiety and hope as healthcare workers navigate their roles, support families, and strive to maintain the health and safety of children.