Second Wave

During the winter semester of the 4th year I will have gone through 11 subjects. So far, I have completed a surgery, genetics, and eye study blocks. The most interesting was a surgery block, where we went through Nemocnice Na Bulovce, heart surgery at VFN, abdominal surgery at Thomayerova Nemocnice. During this block, we had seminars as well as the opportunity to see surgical operations and even assist during some of them. This experience has been the best so far, as I plan on being a surgeon in the future. 4th year has been the first “calm year” on medicine so far, as we have more time to focus on the clinical aspect of it and it is not just about being overwhelmed by medical books.

Given that the second wave of COVID-19 has been way graver than the first one, I decided to help, because the Czech healthcare is under a lot of stress with hundreds of medical workers infected by COVID daily. I joined the pneumology department, with focus on COVID-19 cases and after five 12-hour shifts in 9 days I can say that the precautions as well as the work itself quite demanding. During every patient visit you are required to wear multiple protective layers, including respirator, 3 pairs of gloves, full body suit, face shield and shoes protection. With all the equipment, it is very difficult to take care of the patients, as it is very hot and very hard to see through. The most difficult test for me was blood collection, as to find a vein from which we could collect the blood while wearing 3 pairs of gloves is quite strenuous. I have successfully collected blood, despite the difficulties, and am doing my best to help during the pandemic, taking care of the patients. Not only is this experience good in terms of the help to the country, but I am also improving my medical skills as well as my communication skills.

I hope that soon we will lower the daily infected cases in the Czech Republic, as well as finding a cure that would ease the treatment. Until then, all we can do is try to help, both in the hospitals and outside them.