Every day something new is discovered

A physician’s assistant shares the challenges of working with an unknown virus - and the joys of helping patients to recover

I want to share this story to raise awareness, and to help people understand that every life matters.

Every time a patient wins a fight and is discharged healthy and almost recovered, my heart jumps with joy. It’s always difficult to tell what’s going to happen because someone can be doing fine one day, and the next day rapidly deteriorate. 

I had a handful of young patients who became critical during the process of seeing what was working and what wasn’t. All that would go through my mind was that they still had a long life ahead of them, and we had to figure out a way to make it happen. 

Luckily, we were able to do that for many. Nothing can compare to the feeling each and every time we do.

I wish the world knew that the virus is still so unknown. Every day something new is discovered, whether it’s that medications being used are actually harming more than helping, or that it’s impacting children and young adults in ways we didn’t anticipate. Every single life matters and we need to be careful, prudent, and compassionate.

You never know who’s going to get it, what their outcome may be, or if they have a loved one who’s been impacted. 

Protect one another. Protect those around you. Wear a mask and help control the spread. 

Social distancing is going to be very important as businesses reopen.

Ruhee Gadhia, Physician Assistant, New York City, NY