Fearing courageously in the face of COVID-19

(RNS) — As the COVID-19 pandemic grips the world at an exponential rate, many health care professionals are admitting that they are scared. “The sky is falling,” wrote one pediatric surgeon. Another physician said, “It’s the first time in my entire career that I’ve ever been afraid.” 

I respect that. Though the North Carolina hospital where I work has not yet seen the rush of cases that are challenging the health care systems in New York, New Orleans and elsewhere, I am afraid, too.

I fear the toll that COVID-19 will exact on the many elderly and medically complex patients with whom I work as a psychiatrist. I fear that hospitals near and far will run out of masks, gowns, beds and ventilators. I fear for the health and safety of the many health care workers, young and old, who are at the front lines of caring for the sick.