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By\u00a0Nancy Spitler Alumni work on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div> This spring, people all over the world have been stepping out on their porches every evening at 7 p.m. to applaud health care workers who have been putting themselves at risk caring for those with COVID-19.<\/strong> Clay Lowder \u201989<\/strong><\/span> Phifer Suber \u201995<\/strong><\/span> Clean Water Ahmed Mohiuddin \u201906<\/strong><\/span> Spirits to Sanitizer<\/strong><\/span> \u201cThe South Carolina state government reached out and asked if we can make hand sanitizer,\u201d said Craig \u201905 and Meredith Stilwell \u201905 Amick, owners of Hollow Creek Distillery in Leesville, S.C., which specializes in bourbon, whiskey and moonshine. \u201cWe jumped right in and rolled up our sleeves, glad to be able to help the state in which we have been born, raised and educated.\u201d<\/p>\n The Amicks\u2019 engineering degrees were put to good use during the conversion of liquor to hand sanitizer production, Meredith said. The first step was to create a sanitizer formula that was FDA compliant, which required at least 190-proof ethanol. \u201cFor our initial production batches, we redistilled alcohol we were holding in barrels to increase the proof enough for hand sanitizer,\u201d Meredith explained. \u201cThis allowed us to produce some product as quickly as possible and make our initial deliveries.\u201d<\/p>\n By mid-April, the Amicks had delivered over 2,000 gallons of hand sanitizer through the South Carolina Department of Transportation. \u201cOnce the order for the state is filled, we have a waiting list for health care facilities and essential businesses that have requested product as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Here are some highlights of Clemson World<\/em>‘s Q&A with the Amicks in April 2020:<\/strong><\/span> We talked with alumni around the country on the front lines. \u2019Emergency Medicine Physician \u00a0\/ \u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Columbia, South Carolina<\/strong><\/span> Completing medical school this spring at USC-Greenville and beginning an OB\/BYN residency at UT College of Medicine \u00a0\/ \u00a0Chattanooga in July<\/strong><\/span> Assistant professor of Emergency Medicine \u00a0\/ \u00a0<\/strong>Medical University of South Carolina \u00a0\/ \u00a0<\/strong>Charleston, South Carolina<\/strong><\/span> Emergency Medicine Physician \u00a0\/ \u00a0<\/strong>Savannah, Georgia<\/strong><\/span> Family Physician \u00a0\/ \u00a0<\/strong>Chester South Carolina<\/strong><\/span> Physician Assistant, Pediatric Surgery \u00a0\/ \u00a0<\/strong>Greenville<\/strong><\/span> Executive Vice President, American Board of Family Medicine \u00a0\/ \u00a0<\/strong>Lexington, Kentucky<\/strong><\/span> Class of 2021, University of South Carolina School of Medicine \u00a0\/ \u00a0Greenville\u00a0<\/strong><\/span> Emergency Medicine Physician \u00a0\/ \u00a0<\/strong>Global Healthy and International Emergency Medicine Fellowship Director \u00a0\/ \u00a0<\/strong>Columbia<\/strong><\/span>
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\nIn the same spirit, we\u2019d like to recognize those Clemson alumni who are among the heroes of this crisis \u2014 those doctors and nurses, physician assistants and administrators \u2014 who are doing their jobs at the risk of their own health.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>
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\nLowder, a primary care physician in Sumter, South Carolina, was skiing in Colorado when he saw the news about a case of COVID-19 in Seattle in February. He called his office manager and ordered a year\u2019s supply of masks and personal protective equipment. When the virus began to hit South Carolina, his practice, Colonial Healthcare, opened one of the first drive-thru clinics in the state, providing almost a hundred tests a day for the rural three-county area. \u201cI\u2019ve watched my staff and doctors put their hands up and go to the frontline,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve watched young mothers and nurses come out of retirement and swab people all day for a dangerous disease. It\u2019s just a huge team effort.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>
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\nAs the night charge nurse in the emergency room in Newberry, South Carolina,\u00a0Suber\u00a0and her team balance the care of normal emergency room patients with those showing COVID-19 symptoms. \u201cWhere I am is nothing like the big hot spots, like New York, and I pray it doesn\u2019t get that way,\u201d she said in April. \u201cIf it does, I will show up with my team to take on this challenge because that\u2019s what we do.\u201d
\nHer wife is also a nurse, so as she says, \u201cWe\u2019re kind of in the same boat. We both think about the possibility of bringing something home, but just try to be extra careful, and not dwell on it.\u201d
\nCorey McCubbin \u201917<\/strong><\/span>
\nMcCubbin\u00a0works nights in Greenville as an emergency room nurse, where he has to be prepared for anything from a broken leg to COVID-19. He\u2019s extremely careful with the work-to-home transition, but even so, he\u2019s distanced himself from friends and family over the last several months \u2014 for their safety.
\nHe encourages people who are feeling sick to try using a virtual health care provider to evaluate symptoms and recommend a course of action, \u201cwithout having to visit an ER or MD360 where you might be exposed to more sick people.\u201d
\nHis words of wisdom? \u201cBe safe and keep others safe.\u201d
\nTeamwork and community were recurring themes in conversations with alumni.
\nJessica Tolley-McLendon \u201908<\/strong><\/span>
\nTolley-McLendon, an emergency medicine physician in Savannah, Georgia, spoke of her pride in the team of health care workers and first responders with whom she works: \u201cWe have seen decreased Emergency Department visits but higher acuity (sicker) patients. This has been a very scary time, but I am very proud of our \u201cfront liners\u201d (health care workers and first responders). We have been very brave through this pandemic and have stepped up to the task at hand.\u201d
\nLike many health care providers, she takes many precautions to protect her family. \u201cI am sure to always wear appropriate PPE at work. When I come home, I have designated a decontamination area in our garage where I strip out of my scrubs and use disinfectant spray on my belongings before I go into the\u00a0<\/u>house. I skip embracing my husband and children until I have showered.\u201d
\nShe encourages the general public to continue following guidelines for social distancing and wearing masks in public to flatten the curve and ensure hospitals are able to handle the load: \u201cYou may feel great and could be contagious with COVID-19. If you were to cough or sneeze,\u00a0you could pass the virus on to someone who could become very ill. The newly infected person may pass along the virus to an immune-compromised or elderly family member at home.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>
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\nAmid COVID-19<\/strong><\/span>
\nGeorge Greene IV ’01<\/a> was recently named CEO of Water Mission<\/a>, a nonprofit Christian engineering organization committed to providing clean water solutions worldwide. Greene most recently served as president and COO.
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/clemson.world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Water-Mission_George_Glass.jpg\")
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\nDuring COVID-19, Water Mission’s global response team has developed a “cohesive, internal safety and security campaign” to keep staff, in-country leaders and communities as safe as possible.
\nTo learn more about how Water Mission is working to minimize the risk of COVID-19 while still operating and providing clean water for global communities, visit their blog post “Behind the Scenes: Serving Safe Water Amid COVID-19.”<\/a>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/clemson.world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Water-Mission_Video.jpg\")
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\nMohiuddin\u00a0is a primary care physician in New Orleans, which has been hit heavily by COVID-19. \u201cI\u2019m managing a few dozen patients with COVID-19 through FaceTime text messaging, phone calls and the like to try to keep people watched, treated and safe while in the safety of their homes.\u201d
\nHe is married to a physician, and they have a one-year old. \u201cWe have our own desensitization protocols coming into the house. Changing clothes, showering, washing our scrubs and wiping our phones\/keys have become part of the ritual. We\u2019re trying our hardest not to contract COVID-19, but also have accepted that it may just happen \u2014 dozens of our co-workers and friends have been affected already.
\nMohiuddin spoke of what he had learned as an undergraduate: \u201cClemson taught me about community \u2014 about being there for our neighbors and for our loved ones and to support each other through good times and bad. We\u2019ve had to find creative ways to be supportive of our community but are there for each other nonetheless. That\u00a0sense of community and responsibility I\u2019m carrying with me from day to day came straight from the Blue Ridge to the bayou.\u201d
\nHerbie Cooper \u201999<\/strong><\/span>
\nCooper\u00a0an emergency medicine physician in Orlando, sees some hope in how the pandemic may change all of us. He described the culture he experienced in Clemson as one where \u201cwe realize we are all on the same team.\u00a0If there are any positives from this pandemic, I think the world is becoming a little more like that. And if the world becomes a little bit more like Clemson, we are going to be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>
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\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/clemson.world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Sanitizer_Portrait.png\")
<\/a>When the novel coronavirus hit the U.S. in late February, it was clear certain supplies, like hand sanitizer, would soon be hard to come by.<\/p>\n
\nQ: Can you give us the origin story of Hollow Creek Distillery?<\/strong>
\nA:<\/strong> A good family friend was part of a large moonshining family in the Gilbert\/Leesville area many years ago. When the opportunity to open micro distilleries in S.C. became available, we asked him to come work for us making moonshine. When he agreed, we began purchasing property, building a facility and completing the required federal, state and county licensing processes. We have now been open just over five years in the community that Craig\u2019s family has been a part of for 10 generations and have expanded our product offering to include High Cotton Bourbon and White Hot Cinnamon Whiskey in addition to Hollow Creek Moonshine.
\nQ: What was the new process of converting your product to hand sanitizer like?<\/strong>
\nA:<\/strong> We had to use some Clemson engineering ingenuity to make hand sanitizer production a reality! The first thing we did was research the FDA policy for ethanol-based hand sanitizer and create a formula for an FDA-compliant product. Next, we ordered all the non-ethanol chemicals required by the formula as well as bottles \u2014 lots and lots of bottles. The last piece of the puzzle was very high proof (at least 190 proof) ethanol. For our initial production batches, we redistilled alcohol we were holding in barrels to increase the proof enough for hand sanitizer. This allowed us to produce some product as quickly as possible and make our initial deliveries.
\nRedistilling alcohol we had in storage was certainly the best option for fast delivery, but we couldn\u2019t meet the state\u2019s demand solely with alcohol we distilled, so we sourced more alcohol from all over the nation. This has proven to be the most challenging part since there is such an unprecedented demand for ethanol in the nation right now.
\nQ: How are you distributing the sanitizer?<\/strong>
\nA:<\/strong> At this point, we are only working with SCDOT, which is coordinating the state effort to purchase and distribute hand sanitizer to all state agencies and county offices. Unfortunately, demand is so far ahead of supply we are not able to offer hand sanitizer through any other distribution channels.
\nQ: Is there any way alumni can help aid you with this process?<\/strong>
\nA:<\/strong> Well, ethanol is really our limiting constraint, so if anyone has contacts in the distilling industry, we\u2019d love to get some grain neutral spirits. Otherwise, stay home as much as possible, wash your hands and stay healthy!
\nQ: Favorite show to watch to pass the time at home?<\/strong>
\nA:<\/strong> When we aren\u2019t working crazy hours to produce hand sanitizer, our favorite show to watch after we put our son to bed is NCIS<\/em>. He\u2019ll be headed your way soon \u2014 Clemson class of 2033. \ud83d\ude42
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/clemson.world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Sanitizer_Production.png\")
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\nRead more about the experience of Clemson alumni in their own words:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>
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\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>WILLIAM RICHARDSON \u201995<\/h3>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/clemson.world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/WilliamRichardson.png\")
<\/a>I am married to another Clemson graduate, and we have two children. I have established my own decontamination routine that I\u2019m comfortable with when I arrive home from work. After that, I go back to being dad and husband. My wife and I have discussed these risks and have found a balance between being careful and intelligent in order to minimize the risks, but we choose not to live in fear. We have fortunately all been healthy so far with our family in isolation, but I only plan on self-isolation (even from my family) if I were to get sick.<\/span>
\nHeed the social distancing measures, and you will decrease your chances of getting sick as well as decreasing the chances of illness in others in your community. If you want to understand what it can look like when these measures are implemented too late and\/or in areas with high population density, then just look at Italy and New York City. Be glad you live in a less populated area, as it allows social distancing to be easier to accomplish and tolerate.<\/span>
\nMy words of wisdom?\u00a0Stop watching the 24\/7 news cycle, whether it be Fox News<\/em> or CNN<\/em>. Instead, re-watch the 1981, 2016 and 2018 Clemson National Championship games. Don\u2019t live in fear. Be smart, and take scientifically intelligent precautions. Take this unusual time of social isolation and make the most of it with your children or whoever you are confined with. Understand that this pandemic has and will cause a lot of suffering and death, but humans have endured civil wars, world wars, cold wars and other pandemics. We will get past this at some point, especially with the scientific capabilities we have in the 21st century, but it will take some time. Lastly, do it the Dabo Swinney way \u2014 support those around you and be a “glass half full” spirit.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>ROBERT HUTCHINSON \u201916<\/h3>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/clemson.world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/RobertHutchinson.png\")
<\/a>I and the other medical students at our institution have paused all on-site clinical responsibilities in accordance with AAMC guidance released on March 17. To my knowledge, all US MD\/DO institutions have also abided by this recommendation. This was done to protect students and patients by decreasing interpersonal contact and to preserve PPE for essential health care employees.<\/span>
\nI hope, more than anything, that the general public trusts the medical community at this moment in time. There is a lot of uncertainty and fear, but clinical and research personnel are working tirelessly to protect people and find solutions as they have always done. That can be hard to see, especially when all of us are distracted by the adjustments we have had to make in recent weeks, but it is no less true.<\/span>
\nThe adjustments we have all made are enabling health systems to treat patients without being placed in critical situations, and that is the most vital task at hand. In essence, loving your neighbor right now looks a lot like staying away from them.<\/span>
\nPractically speaking, I never studied epidemiology or virology at Clemson. But I have always felt that my undergraduate education prepared me well for my graduate studies. More importantly, being a part of the Clemson Family has always helped me feel a connection to thousands of others I have never met. In the midst of this cultural event, that familiarity and connection has provided a buoy, knowing that I am not alone, even in isolation.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>JAMES TOLLEY \u201977 MD<\/h3>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/clemson.world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/JessicaMcLendon-1.png\")
<\/a>I retired from emergency medicine, which I did for about 30 years.\u00a0Presently, I serve on\u00a0MUSC\u2019s College of Medicine Dean’s Office Diversity and Inclusion\u00a0and Admissions Committees. I also serve on other committees of the organization. I am presently the president of the Waring Library Society.\u00a0As a result of the instituted contact and work precautions, I attend all my meetings remotely and have not physically been on campus for several weeks.<\/span>
\n\u200bHaving been in practice during other pandemic threats (SARS, H1N1) and being in the age of increase risk for poor outcome, I find this one very scary. My wife and I have been practicing social distancing, wearing masks in stores, washing hands frequently and using hand sanitizers. We have only been able to visit our daughter and her children through Facetime. Not good.<\/span>
\n\u200bAt Clemson, I learned\u00a0that not everyone had an interest in microbiology, or science for that matter. I learned that you have to develop the ability to talk, work with and appreciate people of different majors, interests, and later, education and social economic levels in order to be successful.<\/span>
\n\u200bAs a result of this health care crisis, we should all take note of the flaws and disparities in our health care system and work together to help correct them while not becoming victims of them.<\/span>
\nAbove:\u00a0From hooding ceremony May, 2013 with his daughter, Jessica Tolley-McClendon. First Clemson and MUSC African American, College of Medicine father-daughter graduates.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>JESSICA TOLLEY-MCLENDON \u201908 MD<\/h3>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/clemson.world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/JessicaMcLendon.png\")
<\/a>With the Coronavirus, we have seen decreased Emergency Department visits but higher acuity (sicker) patients. This has been a very scary time, but I am very proud of our \u201cfront liners\u201d (healthcare workers and first responders). We have been very brave through this pandemic and have stepped up to the task at hand.<\/span>
\nLike many health care providers, I take many precautions to protect my family. I am sure to always wear appropriate PPE at work. When I come home, I have designated a decontamination area in our garage where I strip out of my scrubs and use disinfectant spray on my belongings before I go into the\u00a0<\/u>house. I skip embracing my husband and children until I have showered.\u00a0<\/span>
\nI encourage the general public to adhere to their local government mandates. Social distancing is very important for the safety of you, your family and your community. By flattening the curve,\u00a0we can ensure that your local hospitals will be better able to serve you, your family or friends should they unfortunately develop any life-threatening complications due to COVID-19.<\/span>
\nI also encourage the use of masks when going out in public. You may feel great and could be contagious with COVID-19. If you were to cough or sneeze,\u00a0you could pass the virus on to someone who could become very ill. The newly infected person may pass along the virus to an immune-compromised or elderly family member at home.<\/span>
\nAt Clemson, there were so many opportunities to grow as an individual outside of the strong academic offerings. I became a well-rounded individual and learned the balance between work and play. During this very stressful time,\u00a0I continue to ensure that outside of my time in the hospital, I make lasting memories with my family during our social distancing. We are loving all the fun we have playing with our children in the yard and watching a lot of Disney+! \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div> SAM STONE \u201976, MD<\/h3>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/clemson.world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SamBeverlyStone-1.png\")
<\/a>I have been a family doctor in Chester, S.C., for over 35 years. We take care of a large part of the county through our practice, taking care of newborns to elderly patients. We see diabetes, cardiac disease, hypertension and COPD. I take care of the local high school athletes as their physician. We also cover the free clinic here in Chester. COVID-19 has had an impact on all we do. We have had to see patients and care for them in many different ways, including video and phone visits and even going out to the cars and seeing them. Even though this virus is the main topic, people still must have their diabetes and blood pressure regulated. Children must still keep up with their well visits and immunizations. All this must be done in spite of COVID-19.\u00a0The main emphasis must be on being careful not to expose folks to it. We must screen carefully before treating patients. This is a great stress to the staff and us all.\u00a0<\/span>
\nMy biggest fear is spreading this to my family. We have not had direct contact with our family for over a month, but the thought of possibly giving it to them scares me. We wear masks at work and do extensive handwashing. When I get home, the clothes go directly onto the washing machine, and I head to the shower. Everything must be wiped down before leaving work, and anything that can be left at work stays at work.<\/span>
\nMy biggest message to everyone is to take it seriously. Even in less-populated areas, it is still present. Many are not being tested, so the numbers are not truly accurate. If we all do our part and social distance and wear our masks and avoid any gatherings, we can keep it down and as they say, flatten the curve. Until a treatment or vaccine is found, we must not let our guard down.\u00a0<\/span>
\nI’ve had so many Clemson friends check on me to make sure I’m OK and to wish me to stay safe. The many Clemson physicians I have contacts with stay in touch to help each other stay strong. There is such a bond among Clemson folks like no other, and it really shows in times like these.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>KATIE STONE \u201909 PA<\/h3>
\nOur pediatric surgical team continues to work hard during this time, but the number of surgeries taking place has greatly decreased. All elective and time-sensitive cases have been postponed until further notice from hospital and department leaders, so only emergent and urgent cases are being completed. Children are still getting appendicitis, babies are being born with abnormalities that require urgent surgical intervention and traumas still occur,\u00a0but a vast majority of patients are on a surgery wait list until further notice. Our office is still open and seeing patients as well, but we have been taking advantage of virtual visits as much as possible.<\/span>
\nI have not worked with one single\u00a0known<\/em>\u00a0COVID-19 positive patient. If I were working in the ICU with a high concentration of known COVID positive patients, my life would look different right now. Having said that, in the hospital, I change into hospital-provided scrubs as soon as I arrive. After my day in the hospital is complete, I change back into my street clothes, and the hospital-provided scrubs are sent to hospital laundry (this is the same process I followed previously). I am more aware of washing my hands after touching doorknobs, elevator buttons, or public computers than I was before, and I have also increased my awareness regarding good hand hygiene in public after visiting grocery stores or picking up take out.\u00a0<\/span>
\nAdvice? Our public health officials are doing the best they can to protect as many people as they can with very limited available resources. Heed their advice but understand that no one is perfect; we are experiencing unprecedented times \u2014 we don’t have all of the answers. Practice good hygiene, socially distance yourself from others until further notice and limit your trips into public places. Be considerate of our elderly or immunocompromised populations. And if you develop symptoms, stay home to protect others.\u00a0<\/span>
\nIf I learned anything at Clemson, it was how special the Clemson Family is, and how we support each other during difficult times. There are seniors who are missing time with their friends, athletes whose seasons have been cancelled, families who are feeling the great financial impact and many people with angst regarding the unknowns of the future. Every single one of us is being affected by this right now in one way or another, so let’s rally together and do our part to help stop the spread, flatten the curve and return to life as we once knew it!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>ELIZABETH BAXLEY \u201980 MD<\/h3>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/clemson.world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Baxley-Family.png\")
<\/a>Most Americans who receive any health care in a given year do so in a primary care setting, most often by family physicians. In 2016, over\u00a054 percent of all patient care visits\u00a0were with primary care physicians, despite the fact that we represent only 30 percent of the physician workforce. Family physicians provide the majority of care for people with the same\u00a0high-risk conditions\u00a0that put them at risk for COVID-19 infection. We are the predominant providers of health care in small towns and rural areas. In these settings, family physicians often also staff many of the rural and critical access hospitals in those communities. All of that is background to say that, while not currently serving as often in roles in emergency departments and hospitals (those family physicians do that as well in some locations), family physicians have felt a significant impact from COVID-19.<\/span>
\nThis pandemic has uncovered significant flaws and vulnerabilities in our health care system in the U.S. Nearly 1 in 3 family medicine practices remain independent with very low margins \u2014 these practices are already struggling financially to bear that loss of patient care revenue, even this early in the pandemic. I have close colleagues who are bringing home no income at all, in an effort to preserve the jobs of their staff; some are literally going under, including some of the family physicians I had the privilege to train and who went on to become small town, independent family doctors. The third and most recent stimulus package related to the pandemic offers $100 billion for health care providers, most of which is likely to go to hospitals. While $1.3 billion was appropriately allocated for the sustenance of federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs), nothing was specifically directed toward the majority of frontline clinicians.<\/span>
\nWhile independent and small practices may be able to eventually apply for small business funding, they have no special standing and little idle time to take the steps to successfully apply for such funding. As such, those physicians to whom most people traditionally turn for care find themselves in a moment of great risk. For small and independent practices, it means abandoning their primary business. And after the surge of the pandemic is over and as demand for chronic, acute and preventive care returns or even increases, we may find a landscape dotted with failed practices not able to come back. This worries me and other family medicine leaders and organizations greatly. We want our colleagues to continue to be there for their patients and communities, and we are advocating for changes now that will help support them through this.<\/span>
\nAn enduring lesson I learned at Clemson \u2014 shared by my husband and children (who are also all alums!) \u2014 is the power and satisfaction of belonging to something bigger than yourself. Clemson represented (and still does) family for us \u2014 an extension of our own nuclear families. My specialty of family medicine is grounded in family. My husband, Ed Baxley \u201980<\/strong>, is a retired veterinarian, so together, we provided total family care! Accepting others into your family (however that is defined, by birth and by choice) is a value that was honed for us at Clemson. That concern for others and desire to create family is more important than ever in this challenging period of our history.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>DOROTHY (DORY) ASKINS \u201917 <\/h3>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/clemson.world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DAskins.png\")
<\/a>Medical students across the country have been removed from their clinical responsibilities. This has been a huge shift for all of us, as we have gone from being a part of the healthcare team to watching this all happen from the outside. Our clinical rotations have transitioned online, which has come with its own set of problems. With that being said, I am thankful that our administrators made the decision that they did and that they have our health foremost in their minds.<\/span>
\nThis time has been very chaotic but also has brought some blessings in disguise. I have had some time (for the first time in three years and probably one of the only chances looking ahead at residency) for my own mental health, to reflect, to reevaluate what is important to me. I have had more time with my family, more time for my personal fitness goals and more sleep but also more anxiety for the unknown and the impacts that this pandemic will have on our world. It feels trivial even thinking about it but also the impacts that this will have on our medical careers and our rigid academic journey that this virus has interrupted.<\/span>
\nThe great news is that the social distancing is working. I think it is important to regain perspective during these crazy times \u2014 re-examine what truly makes you happy; examine the things that you want to invest your time and love in, even when COVID-19 is conquered. I live with my parents, and this is scary as they are middle-aged and are higher risk than I am. Every time we leave the house for any reason, we are now making sure to wear masks and practice safe hand hygiene. We wipe down everything that comes into the house.<\/span>
\nI wouldn\u2019t have had the chance to pursue a medical degree without my Clemson education, and I believe that Clemson taught me resilience and how to go with the flow \u2014 both of which have been incredibly important throughout this epidemic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>HEATHER BROWN \u201904 <\/h3>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/clemson.world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/HBrown.png\")
<\/a>I work clinical shifts in the emergency department, where I see patients and teach both residents and medical students. I coordinate our residents’ global health electives and work with several nongovernmental organizations and African hospitals to strengthen their emergency systems and improve clinical care.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>
\nI am married, and luckily, we are both healthy.\u00a0Now when I arrive home from work, all of my work clothes go directly in the washing machine, and I go straight to the shower.\u00a0Some of my colleagues have immunosuppressed\u00a0or chronically ill family members in their household, and this has been much more challenging for them.\u00a0Some are sleeping in their garages or have moved into hotel rooms to protect their vulnerable family members.\u00a0<\/span>
\nI first became interested in global health as a sophomore\u00a0at Clemson when I went on a medical mission trip to Samoa during summer break.\u00a0Although the trip wasn’t school sponsored, it changed the trajectory of my life. I am from a small town in South Carolina and had never left the country, let alone imagined that I would become a physician working on multiple continents. Every professor and adviser I encountered at Clemson made me believe it was possible. Working as a physician in resource-limited settings in Africa and Asia over the past decade was the best preparation I could have had for an event like this.\u00a0<\/span>