Thread by @Drnicolecb

I don't think people understand the toll that the pandemic is taking on healthcare workers. I treat many physicians & their families. I spent an entire session with a doc who just cried for over 20 minutes. They didn't have the ability to speak. The grief & trauma is overwhelming

I spoke to @BostonGlobe about healthcare worker burnout d/t Covid in Dec. Nothing has changed. Things are actually getting worse. Have we learned nothing?! What are we going to do when HCWs leave? Who will be left & will they have anything left to give?
google.com/amp/s/www.bost…

I remember during the peak of Covid, HCWs were writing their wills and walking into work everyday terrified for their own life and safety. Not having enough PPE to protect themselves or their patients. Facing death daily. Feeling completely helpless. This is all traumatic.

Direct quotes from Physicians on the Frontline
C/t Melisa Gagrica

Physician, Orlando: "Apparently, Advent Health Celebration had a 10 hour wait time to be seen in the ED and Advent Health Orlando set a new record for ICU admissions on Monday."

Physician, TN:Our hospital is at capacity. They have put tents outside to house ER patients. Admitted patients are waiting 24-48 hours in the hallways on stretchers to get a room. Per my husband, an internal email was sent out telling all the doctors to discharge patients “today"

Physician, Panama City, FL: "I’m in Panama City FL. We are beyond maxed. At full surge. Transferring pts to other facilities (Ft. Walton, P’cola) when possible. Previous high Covid census of 65 in January. We were at 103 yesterday. Only 35% vaccine rate in Bay county. It sucks."

Physician TN: The consequence will be that pts who are still sick & unstable will be discharged & show up at their doctors’ offices looking for treatment that can’t be given in an outpatient setting. I can guarantee that the # of people dying of other illnesses will also increase

Physician, Kansas City: "Kansas City ICUs all full, not accepting transfers."

Thanks all for the support for HCWs.I appreciate the willingness to address Covid deniers/anti-maskers/anti-vaxx/healthcare haters etc. I don't respond to trolls. I just 🚧. I realize I have to protect my peace at all costs. I don't waste energy on those unwilling to listen/learn

For those asking how to help. 1. Encourage friends/family to mask & vaccinate. 2. Ask elected officials to reinstate masking in schools/universal 3.Follow @CTZebra learn about heroes lost Families post GoFundMes. 4. Buy food for local clinics/hospitals #medtwitter anything else?

"Right now, I am concerned about the sustainability of healthcare workers and their ability to withstand another surge. "

slate.com/technology/202…
#medtwitter #physicianburnout

"Often physicians or healthcare workers are afraid to admit feeling depressed or afraid to seek treatment because they fear that it will impact their job. We really need to normalize healthcare workers seeking & receiving mental healthcare treatment & not impacting their career"