Is it the end of Our Healthcare Superhero Story?

In the early days of the pandemic, healthcare workers were hailed in all domains as a group of the mightiest members of society. They performed their magic under the brightest spotlight that ever shone on them. Their inherent abilities, extraordinary compassion, undeniable competence, remarkable talent, and unwavering commitment ultimately placed them as the lifeline to our survival.?

The swiftness in which we conferred this honor and respect upon healthcare teams might be viewed as the inaugural recognition of their infinite value, where at long last they were being not only?recognized, but even celebrated.? Finally, they were granted the immense merit they deserved well before, and will deserve long after, the universal presence of the insidious virus COVID-19.?

Designating them such a prestigious ranking in an era where their capabilities were undoubtedly the vital superpowers needed to maneuver and combat a global public health emergency, healthcare teams everywhere accepted this colossal mission.?

Around the globe, story after story unfolded of these superheroes and their endless dedication to protect us from the real and active danger of a virus that threatened the health, and well being, of humankind.? During this time and place we found ourselves faced with what was a real life ‘once in a century emergency’, commanding our heroes to put their own health and lives at risk, day in and day out, expecting them to do their utmost to not let us down.?

Fast forward to present day. Three and a half years post the early signs of a global crisis, let’s observe their superhero status. Better yet, we might take a moment to ponder how quickly we’ve refocused from upholding them as the rescuers of our era?to dimming the bright light we once shone on them.? Was our initial proposal only to honor them as an interim measure to get us through our 2020-2023 panic and fear?? Were they merely hostages in serving a bigger purpose?

Could it be possible that as a society, we unconsciously redefined human superhero qualities this side of the pandemic? Or is it that the unique and memorable characteristics of our healthcare professionals no longer qualify as a valid value proposition???

More chilling, yet relevant questions to reflect on might be - Have we simply forgotten about them? Did we push them over to the dark side?? Or are we perhaps now treating them like the owners of a sports team, selfishly asking, “What have you done for me lately?”? Do we only see these once lauded superheroes as we do the weather forecast and climate change? Are we just paying close attention when there is the likelihood we might be affected? Are we incessantly and negatively talking about them when they don’t meet our unrealistic expectations? Given we are no longer facing imminent risk to our survival, has their superhero story been forgotten??

Reportedly, our healthcare superheroes are still out there, caring for and safeguarding our loved ones. They are still residing in the same places they have for generations: hospitals, long-term care homes, and community.? They have definitely not abandoned us, even though perhaps it is us who have left them stranded.??

What we should be asking ourselves is who are our remaining healthcare superheroes and what had it cost them? Are they at risk of becoming just a shadow of who they once were? What might they need to keep their superpowers charged??

Its senseless to point blame for any fading interest and passion in what was once their life’s purpose and dream profession. It won’t help them or us.??Why don’t we just simply listen to what they have desperately been trying to tell us? Is it not the responsibility of every one of us – individuals, communities, leaders, and government, to guarantee our healthcare superheroes receive the attention, support, and response necessary for them to sustain the care, compassion, and energy they so readily give to us? ?

If you have even one healthcare superhero in your circle, you must be well versed in how many of the pieces are still missing. We know in our hearts the power, justice,?and value in coming together to stand up for them.? ?

As a healthcare champion, community advocate, and loving family member, I recognize we cannot afford to lose even one more of our healthcare superheroes! Please do not let our collective inaction be the end of their superhero story! It is not what any of us want or need.?