AAP Voices Blog

I am a pediatric endocrinologist practicing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I am also an immigrant physician from India. In May 2018, I was visiting family in India when there was an outbreak of Nipah virus in my home state of Kerala. It was a new and unknown disease to public health officials in Kerala, but the outbreak was contained very effectively because of local government efforts, public education and vigorous contact tracing. 

In 2019, when the initial reports came from Wuhan, China, regarding a new disease, I was hopeful that the new coronavirus would be contained quickly in a similar manner. Unfortunately, we all know the rest of the story.

In 2020, once it became known that the new coronavirus was spreading in Cedar Rapids, Unity Point Clinic sprang into action. We soon segregated into two clinics – an acute respiratory clinic and a well clinic. Thus, we are able to efficiently organize and utilize our resources, such as PPE. We can continue to practice medicine while protecting the safety of both our staff and our patients. 

There was no hesitation on my part when my clinic director asked for volunteers for the acute clinic, where we would see sick patients, including children with COVID-19. Although the cases of COVID-19 are relatively few in the pediatric population, we treat each patient at the acute clinic with the same care and precautions. 

Being able to evaluate and manage patients in person allows us to use antibiotics judiciously for conditions like ear infections or strep infections. However, we are mindful of who comes in contact with the patients, so that we minimize risk and utilize PPE without waste. It also is important that we health care professionals collaborate and stay informed as COVID symptoms continue to evolve, such as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children.

I do worry about transmitting COVID to my family. However, my conscience guided me in my decision to serve my community. I am sure there are so many other front-line workers who have the same fears and anxieties, and I am grateful to all of them. 

This pandemic has taught me that all of us are part of one great community, regardless of countries or borders. We share the same fears, struggles and triumphs all over the world. I hope all of us will emerge stronger, wiser and kinder from this human experience.

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*The views expressed in this article are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the American Academy of Pediatrics.