Q: What new advancements in healthcare will help us combat COVID-19?

A: Aside from our current methods of fighting COVID-19 of using frequent handwashing, masking, and social distancing, there are a number of new medical developments that hopefully will change the path of COVID-19. Thanks to Operation Warp Speed, there are vaccines that will be readily available in 2021 in the United States. Healthcare professionals believe that if we vaccinate enough people, that the negative effects of COVID-19 will diminish. In addition, we have learned how to treat patients who have COVID-19 in the hospital more efficiently. We now have certain IV medications and even can infuse monoclonal antibodies to help people who are suffering.

Q: If the healthcare community feels that vaccines are such an important part of the solution to combat COVID-19, then what can you let our readers know who are concerned about the safety of getting vaccinated?

A: The technology used to make the various COVID-19 vaccines have been well tested and proven to be safe. The FDA has been conducting studies to make emergency use authorization to help people as soon as possible. Billions of dollars have been spent to develop these products and “fast track” its time to delivery. It is far more dangerous not to get vaccinated than to receive the vaccine. I encourage all who are eligible to get the vaccine to do so.

Q: How has COVID-19 affected healthcare workers economically?

A: Just as COVID-19 has impacted many industries economically, healthcare is no exception. Many doctors’ offices had to close and workers were laid off. Thankfully, the healthcare industry was able to rebound quickly and create virtual visits to take care of patients without face to face contact. In addition, many healthcare workers have been

taxed with the challenges required to safely care for COVID-19 patients in hospitals and nursing homes. Unfortunately, many of my colleagues contracted COVID-19, and were temporarily unable to work. This caused a decrease in our workforce and even revenue, making it harder to pay the bills to run my practice and continue to care for sick patients. Fortunately, the government was able to help healthcare professionals through the PPP and CARES Act so that companies could have the economic means to continue to operate and care for patients.