AAP Voices

As Seattle suddenly transformed into a U.S. “hot spot” for the COVID-19 pandemic, our community mobilized experts in virology, pandemics, and public and global health.  

It was a scary time given all the unknowns. But I felt grateful to be working at a place that was on the front lines of virology research and modeling of disease outbreaks. 

From the very beginning, I have felt so much appreciation for all of those who have  stepped forward during this health emergency. 

First and foremost, I am thankful for our leaders at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital, who continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our patients, families, health care workers and community. They quickly organized individuals from various medical specialties and collaborated with public health officials in King County and leaders throughout our state. 

It was reassuring to hear from university and hospital leadership via email, ZOOM teleconferences and weekly town hall meetings. A ton of information was posted online about coronavirus and what the university and hospital are doing. That makes me, as an employee, feel like there's a lot of transparency, which is important at a time like this when there's so much fear and uncertainty. 

A special thank you goes out to volunteers who collected and donated masks and other PPE. People got creative and pooled together as a community, and I was really moved by their efforts.  

There are so many unsung heroes I want to mention, including our cafeteria and custodial staff. Our custodians try to stay out of our way, even though we're probably in their way most of the time. But this pandemic has given me an opportunity to reflect, and I started to think about them — the risks that they face and how they must feel.  

Since I wondered how they were doing, I decided to ask.  

I was struck by the responses I got. They said they are careful to protect their children and families. Some change their clothes and shower before they leave for work and then again when they get home. They take great pride in their work and all they do to help patients. Like pediatricians and other healthcare professionals, they take risks by working in hospitals and clinics. My heart is warmed when I think of them going home to their children, knowing that they make a difference in the lives of patients every day. These are the unsung heroes who deserve our thanks.  

This pandemic has reminded all of us how important it is to get past workplace and socio-economic barriers. It’s been a nice moment to pause, to get to know people I didn’t really know and to realize that we are more similar than we are different. We all have the same goals, fears and challenges.  

During a time when fear abounds, the fortitude and commitment of our staff who work behind the scenes deserves high praise. I want to thank each of them for their bravery and dedication to helping patients and families! 

Pediatricians and other health care professionals are used to taking care of people. We see our work as our duty and our job. It feels humbling when people send thanks our way. So many other people should be thanked! 

When life goes back to normal, I know we won’t hold on to all of the feelings, good and bad, that surfaced during this unsettling time. But I hope, just maybe, that we can hold on to all of the good feelings, including kindness, gratitude and the feeling that we are one.  

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