We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
I vividly remember the meetings I had with the medical students in Chattanooga the second week in March. The concept of social distancing was just being introduced in Tennessee. An immense amount of information was being shared with us via the news, social media, the newspapers, and emails. We only knew what had occurred related to the COVID-19 outbreak on the West Coast and that it was likely to rapidly approach and impact us in the Southeast.
In an attempt to provide a safe and open space to share our questions, concerns, fears and anxiety, I invited the students rotating on each of the specialties to separate meetings. I wanted to ensure each group was small and not crowded in the conference room. I shared with them what I knew, that their didactics were going to be provided virtually to promote social distancing and there would be no more than 10 students in a room at any time.
Their clinical rotations were still ongoing at that point. We spoke about precautions, noting it was reassuring that because they were young they would likely not suffer the serious illness that was then predicted to inflict the older adults with comorbid conditions.
The students expressed concern about infecting others, especially on their geriatric or palliative care rotations. We shared worries for our elderly relations and friends. I shared my fears and discomfort of not knowing. At that time, we felt with some certainty that this would last a few weeks at the most. Spring break was around the corner. Some wondered, should they travel home?
How much has changed since mid-March! The demographics of the pandemic, its spread, its symptomatology all evolving rapidly in front of our very eyes. The student’s clinical rotations are on hold—for how long depends on the dynamic situation in the state. Their national high-stakes exams are on hold as testing centers are also closed.
These are some of the questions medical students are asking: What will my schedule look like? Will I be able to get all the requirements to graduate? Will I be able to get all the experiences I need? Will I still be able to apply for residency in the fall?
Depending on their year in training, the questions vary slightly, but the underlying theme is the same. The students are all aware and anxious at the tremendous rapid change and the many uncertainties. This sentiment resonates with what I am feeling too.
I reassured them that the one thing we are certain of is that they are not alone! We are in this together, and all the leadership, myself included, are working to minimize the disruptions! We must maintain a positive outlook and keep up our hope!
I share what gives me hope and comfort:
I sincerely believe that nothing is permanent. This is hard, especially now when we want to feel safe and secure. However, everything does change, so acknowledging this fluidity in life makes acceptance easier.
I am open about my vulnerabilities and anxiety, acknowledging the emotions that sudden change brings. Doing so helps me let go and accept.
I always maintain hope. Hope that out of this change will come creative collaborations, our new normal of stronger united and resilient communities!
One of our third-year medical students captured the essence of change and hope beautifully in her wonderful photographs, a compilation she made of the same view at Cloudland Canyon taken a just a few weeks apart.
She writes:
“I think it speaks to the evolving nature of our world and how things can change very quickly. On the left, a beautiful yet cold view of clouds rolling over the mountains and on the right, a landscape of new life and a promise of a brighter tomorrow—perhaps a nice parallel between where we are now and where we will be at the end of this fight against uncertainty and illness.”
—Mary Virginia Portera, M3 UTHSC COM
We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
#REFLECT: What gives you hope despite disappointment?
How is the coronavirus changing the way you think of self-care, community and resilience? As this challenging time unfolds, I am posting a daily quote on this blog with a reflection prompt. Please join in the conversation here or on Twitter with your thoughts or about what you are doing for self-care and care of others. My new book explores these ideas too: Resilient Threads: Weaving Joy and Meaning into Well-Being.
What gives me hope is the knowledge that nothing in the universe is static; everything is on the move, and change is the law of nature. Change is essential for the survival of life on the planet. Belief in change gives hope.
In good times, hope is that they will last; in bad times, hope is that they will change. Hope is that disappointments are part of life and they too shall pass.
To accept the unknown, to reasonably prepare for it, and to expect positive outcome; that is hope.
Every night we go to bed, without any assurance of being alive the next morning, but still we set the alarms to wake up; that is Hope!
When I wrote these lines many years back, it was hope, which by God’s grace, is being fulfilled.
‘We held your hand, when you were small,
And taught you, how to walk!
So that one day, when we are old,
You will hold our hand, and support us,
With our faltering walk!’