Dr. Jennifer E. Guyther '00

Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine

University of Maryland School of Medicine

"Everyone has been focusing their efforts in preparing for the inevitable surge of patients related to COVID-19 while continuing to care for the typical medical emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes. [...] We also have to continue to properly wear our personal protective equipment so that we do not contract COVID or take it home to our families; that is the biggest concern—taking COVID home. We walk around an essentially empty hospital—no visitors allowed—socially distancing from our coworkers and wearing face masks. The atmosphere is surreal and isolating."

Dr. Tonya N. Taylor '01

Associate Director, Medical Science Liaison

Novartis Pharmaceuticals

"Before COVID-19, I was usually traveling and meeting with doctors in person three to four days a week. I haven't been able to meet with doctors in person at all since the therapy I support is for immunocompromised patients. I've had to answer a lot of safety questions from doctors as they navigate safely treating their patients during this time. All medical conferences were cancelled due to COVID, as well as all travel to our US headquarters. I've been spending a lot of time on internal medical training, virtual training of sales reps, and reading a lot of medical journals to keep up with new research."

Katherine C. Gill, FNP '11

Registered Nurse, Neuro Critical Care Unit

Johns Hopkins Hospital

"I work on the Neuro ICU at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and my 24-bed unit was converted to accommodate 16 COVID patients. [...] I think the part that has affected me the most is seeing patients coming to the hospital alone. For the past few weeks, we have not been allowing any visitors. It is heartbreaking because many of my patients are sick and unstable, and it saddens me that family cannot be with these patients during this vulnerable time. [...] Although there has been a lot of change, I feel so blessed to have my job and work with my incredible team members."

Dr. Heidi B. Ginter '89

Chief Medical Officer

Recovery Centers of America

"I have been humbled by how much I continue to learn every day. Information and guidance changes quickly. Constant collaboration and communication is required to provide safe, excellent care for patients. There is a wonderful sense of community at work; we are all in this together and our team can work together to solve each new challenge that arises. The shared wisdom of the group ensures that multiple perspectives, values, and priorities are considered when decisions are made. The gift of this pandemic for me has been the teamwork. I am a better doctor, mother, and person as a result of these collaborations."

As we begin work on the next issue of Spiritus magazine, all alumnae should have received a request for class notes from your class secretaries. We invite you to share updates regarding new jobs, promotions, retirements, relocations, babies, weddings, hobbies, travel, and alumnae networking. Submissions are due by Friday, August 14. Any news or photos received after August 14, will NOT be published.