What kind of research do you generally focus on?
I do mainly clinical research, including clinical trials and database studies focusing on breast cancer.
How difficult was it making the switch from working on campus to working remotely? What were some of the challenges you faced?
Initially, it was pretty tough. Much of my time is spent interacting with patients in clinic, in the operating room, and that's where clinical trials happen. In addition, I was used to having an incredibly busy structured day with work, the gym, church, etc, so when we first started canceling clinics and surgeries due to COVID-19, I felt badly. I felt badly for patients that I couldn't see or care for (but I know that it is in their best interest, and we're still taking care of them!), and badly for me as I was missing out on a part of my job that I really love. Losing the structure of the day was also tough. The gyms are closed, church is closed, so for the first couple of days, I was in a bit of a tailspin. Now, however, I've embraced this as a great opportunity to help students finish some papers and get a bunch of projects working with databases done. I'm also still able to give lectures by zoom and meet with students one-on-one with this platform which actually works really well! I have made a schedule for myself that is pretty packed. I now go between doing work, getting to live streamed fitness classes, taking time for personal prayer and reflection, not to mention learning some new things and getting work done around my home that I had been procrastinating. So now I'm adjusting pretty well.
Have you ever had to do this before?
No and truthfully, this is one of those things that is truly "earth shattering". We'll be telling our grandchildren about how we lived through the pandemic of 2020, and hopefully how we showed resilience and tenacity, and emerged even stronger despite the challenges.
How are you staying connected with co-workers?
I think this pandemic has really opened our eyes to technology. I have meetings and give lectures via zoom, and we're even seeing patients by Telehealth and truthfully, it's working really well!
What are your biggest worries concerning your ongoing research/future research?
Well, some trials are on hold for now, but that's okay. We'll weather this storm. It may actually make us a bit more productive in terms of research given that we've been scaling back on clinical care.
You also care for patients. How are you transitioning their care during this time?
Well, we've cut back clinics almost entirely. We're seeing the patients we can by Telehealth. For those patients whom we need to see in person, we're seeing them at one of our community care centers. The Smilow Breast Center has been turned into space for inpatients in the hospital. We've also deferred most (if not all) of our surgeries for patient safety and to free up resources for the epidemic. We're still ensuring that patients get adequate treatment though. Many are just getting their chemotherapy or endocrine therapy first, before surgery.
What are the biggest concerns patients have about their treatment?
Patients who have been scheduled for surgery are understandably upset when their surgery gets delayed, but by and large, most patients have been incredibly understanding. We're all in this together as a global society, and people get that. They know that we're working hard to do what we think is in their best interest - taking care of the cancer, while still reducing their risk of infection.
Are there any advantages working remotely?
Absolutely! I'm pretty productive, and using the time wisely to get all of the things I want to get done, done. In addition, I think I've learned new skills with Telehealth, and have really taken some time to pick up some good habits in terms of my own personal wellness. In every challenge there is opportunity, and I think this crisis has really allowed us to see what matters most and what we are capable of.
Do you have any words of wisdom/message for fellow scientists or your patients for getting thru this difficult time?
From a philosophic point of view, I would say "Find the positive in every negative". This pandemic, as awful as it is, has really allowed us to discover some positives! Yes, we can work from home and be productive. It's in times like this that you realize what really matters — it reveals your character, your inner goodness, your compassion in a whole new way. From a practical standpoint, I would say "Take advantage of this time". We go through life complaining that we don't have time. Well, now you do! So take the time to get the papers written, the analyses done that you've been putting off. Take the time to care for yourself. Learn new things, de-clutter, try a new workout, connect with an old friend you haven't seen in a while (virtually, of course!). But we've been given this (thankfully!) rare opportunity, so why not take full advantage?