Intrusion

Tiffany chen

Click, click. The medical record opens. Check vitals. Check labs.

On the surface, just another day in the hospital.

But…CORONAVIRUS. Another email.

I walk to pre-round on my patient, as all interns do.

“You can go home today.”

His eyes fill with tears.

“Thank you, for the great care you’ve given me.”

We had treated him for a knee infection.

*Ding!* Another text message. “COVID-19 rule-out.”

Check the heart monitor. Atrial fibrillation.

“Doctor, can have some water? I’m so thirsty!”

Not yet, sorry. We’re not sure if you need a procedure yet.

Wear your mask. But where can I find a gown?

Ah. And here we are. Mask, googles, gown, gloves.

“My cough is getting better, the antibiotics are working!”

But here we are. Still protecting ourselves. Just in case.

The gown is hot. I’m starting to sweat.

Back in the clinic. Time to put in an IUD.

“We are wearing the masks not because we are sick, it’s the new clinic policy.”

The patient returns a wry smile, “I know, it’s crazy out there.”

My breath becomes hot behind the mask as the procedure drags on.

Maybe my fingers wouldn’t shake so much if I could breathe freely without the mask on.

We have been invaded.

Tiffany Chen is a UMass Med alum and current PGY1 at Sutter Sacramento FMRP, who is interested in geriatrics and palliative care. She uses writing as a medium to reflect on life and dig up her subconscious.