Connecting doctors during isolation

PEOPLE DON’T say ‘hi’ anymore. I’ve noticed that on my evening walks with the kids, the ‘hey, how are you’ greetings said in passing from people we meet on the sidewalk have dried up and at best we’ll get a smile and nod of the head (or if they’re wearing a mask, it’s just a smize).

I don’t think people are intentionally being cold. In fact, I suspect it’s probably the opposite – that by not opening our mouths (and releasing a stream of aerosols) we’re politely acknowledging the current risk that exists. As we are told on a daily basis during the 11am press conference, you have to assume that every time you walk outside you are exposing yourself to the risk of catching COVID.

Lockdown is isolating, but I had assumed that our members, who are going to work in hospitals or practices, are still finding ways to connect professionally and personally. So it was somewhat of a surprise when I heard from our doctor-in-training members that they are also struggling with feelings of isolation at this time, that is amplified by the emotional toll of the pandemic.

Consequently, we are organising online discussions for members. These ‘Ask Me Anything’ sessions will be Facebook live Q&A sessions, featuring a moderator and a speaker and focused around themes, such as COVID-19, medical leadership, wellness, and more. We’re hoping these discussions will foster a sense of community and allow connections between doctors-in-training and senior doctors, as well as other experts.

We’re also organising a program by which doctors-in-training can support women’s shelters in NSW. We’ll be contacting RMOAs to come up with some localised fundraising ideas at their hospitals to run in September and October. AMA (NSW) will donate additional funds to the RMOA that raises the most funds during this period, that will go towards supporting their local women’s shelter.

Again, we’re hoping this initiative helps connect our doctor-in-training members and gives everyone something non-COVID related to focus on.

We’ve got a tough few months to get through yet before we start to see restrictions lift across the State and we know hospitals will still be required to do a lot of heavy lifting for COVID-patient care going foward. But we need to come together and look after each other as we go forward. AMA (NSW) is always here to support members and we look forward to finding new ways that we can look after you, your colleagues and the community.