The COVID-19 pandemic may be easing, but health care officials say that many of their embattled colleagues are only now dealing with waves of long-suppressed emotions.
“The cumulative strain has been significant, and we’re just now starting to see the effects of it,” said Dr. Laurie Hommema, a family physician and OhioHealth’s medical director of provider and associate well-being.
“What happened is people were adrenalized and just pushed through, but once they get their head out of water and are out of that `work, work, work’ mode, they slow down and see where they are.
“I take care of a lot of health care workers in my own practice, and I’m seeing anxiety and insomnia and the beginnings of depression, along with some really complex grief reactions.”
News regarding vaccines seems to change everyday: new vaccines coming online from more sources, new age groups and professions approved for appointments, new reports about our neighbors who are wary of getting a shot, and updates about variants of the virus. Our panel will discuss these topics surrounding the conversation about COVID vaccines.
Featuring Dr. Andrew Thomas, MBA, Chief Clinical Officer, Senior Associate VP for Health Sciences, Associate Professor of Clinical Internal Medicine, OSU Wexner Medical Center, Dr. Mysheika Roberts, MPH, City of Columbus Health Commissioner; Dr. Joseph M. Gastaldo, Infectious Disease Specialist, OhioHealth, Brian Pierson, MS, RN, CHWC, Vice President of Community Health & Wellbeing for Mount Carmel Health System, with host Greg Moody, Interim Director of Professional Development, John Glenn College of Public Affairs, The Ohio State University.