TSMD ~ August Newsletter
August Greetings
“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” ― Rumi
To say that this has been a difficult summer is an understatement.
But I am struck by the growth—personal, professional, institutional—that I have witnessed over the past few months. It may be hard to spot sometimes, and it may be imperfect, but there is progress happening.
I hope you recognize that, no matter where you are or what challenges you may be facing, there is growth taking place for you, too.
This year, we are examining the structures that hold up our lives. And the ones that did not withstand the pressures of the first half of this year? We have the chance to rebuild those. We have the opportunity to learn new ways of being.
Impactful conversations are happening. New systems are emerging. There is growth.
This is happening collectively. We are learning how to navigate change and loss and uncertainty. We are building a better tomorrow for ourselves and our communities. And it is bringing me comfort that we are learning how to do all this side by side. No matter what this year has brought into your life, you are not alone.
Take some time this month to reach out and connect with someone who has been on your mind. These are challenging times, but we will get through—together.
Airing Our Dirty Laundry
I wanted to share with you an important piece by my colleague, Dr. Cristina Zeretzke-Bien. In this important essay, It's Time to Air Our Dirty Laundry: Moms Who Work the Front Lines, she examines the intersection of practicing medicine during a pandemic and parenthood. I hope you’ll take the time to read the essay and the important questions it raises here.
“It is as though an internal boundary has been crossed. My family or my patients? I have always had both, and never saw them competing. But now I do, and this struggle is ongoing. Those of us living on the frontlines have continued fear that we will bring this virus home. Fear that our significant others may get sick, or worse, that our children could be infected and may not be part of the lucky who recover unscathed.”
Around the Web
Held back: As parents realize how badly the U.S. botched the next school year, we’re furious
“The implicit bargain of the spring was that if everyone complied with the shutdowns, the isolation, the social distancing, the working-while-parenting disasters and the rest, the government would use that time to build enough testing, tracing and public health infrastructure so that students could safely go back to school in person in the fall.”
CDC study shows COVID-19 cases may be 10 times higher than reported
“The study bolsters earlier comments from CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield, who said in late June that the infection rate could be 10 times higher than reported.”
Covid-19 is pushing doctors to the brink. Medicine needs to recognize they’re human and need help.
“Loss of control, failure and helplessness are all part of practicing medicine, though never before, at least in modern medicine, on this magnitude, for this prolonged duration and with so many confounding uncertainties.”
Where to Find Me
As many events and gatherings continue to move online, I wanted to share that I am available for virtual lectures and speaking engagements!
I love speaking about communication, workplace culture, personal development, and finding work-life balance. Learn more about my work as a speaker here.
Email me at hello@tracysansonmd.com if you’re interested in working together!