Reflections on Courage

From the 6/5/2020 newsletter



Reflections on Courage


Meghan Nothem, DO - Internal Medicine resident


The COVID-19 pandemic has been a disheartening and unsettling time. I have experienced shock, dismay and frustration to a level at which I could never have anticipated prior to beginning my post-graduate training. I have witnessed healthcare providers display both courage and fear in the face of a virulent disease with sparse and often inadequate personal protective equipment. There have been moments which have terrified me to the core but fortunately, these are overshadowed by the selflessness of my peers and the positivity they have shown during this truly terrifying time.


Courage can be defined as "stepping up to the plate" when few others will. It means showing up to care for critically ill patients and maintaining positivity for those who will benefit from hiding personal fear. It means acting as a connection between patients and families when they are separated by a screen. It means acting as a leader for those who need a strong voice to carry them through. It means telling your family that you are not worried, so that they may rest easy. It means telling your civilian friends that the situation is under control but that they should continue to stay home for their own protection and for the safety of others. It means isolating yourself in an already emotionally challenging profession. It means putting your own feelings, worries, pain and sleeplessness aside and fighting another day. Thank you to all of the co-residents, medical professionals and staff who have helped me to help others during this era of unforeseeable challenge.

Meghan Nothem, DO is a second-year internal medicine resident at MCW