Mytime healthpartners7/12/2023 ![]() ![]() Personal observation of long Costco lines, empty toilet paper and bottled water shelves in grocery stores and closing of public servicesĪs I consider this information several related things come to mind:.Leaders making decisions to gather together in a group setting in a “macho manner” with indifference to the risk to them and others.Hospital leaders initially making all communication about this disease in their hospital confidential and hiding it from patients and others.This was later determined to be a rumor and not fact. An RN stating with supposed firsthand knowledge that three children died at a nearby children’s hospital.A smaller church with less than 250 still holding meetings because they assumed the number assured their safety.Several leaders from mega-churches making decisions regarding the safety of attendees to their events on the now outdated CDC guidelines of meetings of less than 250 and not understanding the science of social distancing as the key issue.Young man riding a bicycle with toilet paper piled high in front and obscuring his vision and then T-boning a moving car he didn’t see.Young professionals from the technology industry discussing how they might try to get COVID-19, build immunity and then be available to help others during this crisis.Some of my observations and related anecdotes: This is likely the result of our collective lack of knowledge about this new and quickly emerging danger. My multiple anecdotal and personal interactions from practicing physicians, Public health leaders, RNs from both California and Washington, laypeople and leaders of local organizations trying to create their COVID-19 policy show responses ranging from obstinate denial to extreme panic. What astounds me the most has been the public responses regarding COVID-19. During that time, I have never seen or experienced a pandemic of this sort. I share this initial information as a seasoned family practice physician of more than 40 years. As the firm’s Chief Medical Officer, I will introduce this topic and then share other perspectives from another physician and two actuaries who are part of the firm. As one of the cofounders of Axene Health Partners, LLC, a well-known health care consulting firm, I want to demonstrate our firm’s vital interest in the health and welfare of American families. When I am not working, I relish my time in the simple moments as a wife and mom of two.Over the past couple of weeks, COVID-19 has come upon both the American public and the healthcare community like a storm. I am honored to now serve as the Program Director for the Hospital Medicine APC Fellowship Program. I went on to complete my Master of Physician Assistant Science degree at Augsburg College graduating in 2014.Īlong with patient care, education is another area that brings me immense joy and allows me to give back to a profession that has given me so much. Originally from South Dakota, I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Science. I have been working at HealthPartners as a hospitalist since 2015. As a physician assistant practicing in hospital medicine, I get the privilege of serving patients during some of their most vulnerable times. I enjoy getting to know my patients and helping them improve their overall well-being so they can live healthier and happier lives. Becoming a physician assistant was the perfect choice for me as the profession combines my two great passions: helping others and science.
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