Doctor's Day: A message of hope

It has, for all intents and purposes, been a difficult last month for myself. What started as a "flu like illness" far away has come and hit home in Boston and even more closely within our own home. As a physician, a mom, and a scientifically minded human - it defies logic to be fighting something we don't understand. What has been worse for me is watching my husband fighting on the front lines of the COVID response team and suddenly.. I empathize with the wife or husband of a soldier, wondering if their loved one will be safe and back home ...or if I will get a call he has fallen ill. So when I went to drop my husband to work last week and saw this sign on the sidewalk outside Tufts Medical Center, it made my heart stop. I felt incredibly touched and grateful that the community recognizes the personal sacrifices we are making as doctors, nurses and the large staff including those that clean and cook for all of us.

I write this not to spread more fear about the pandemic, or to postulate about what the virus may or may not be. Instead, I want us to inspire with stories of how we help, how we appreciate, and how we care for our own loved ones in this time of crisis.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge doctors today - my kin folk - for all the idealism and passion that drew us to the profession. I thank you. I am proud of you. People notice.