How COVID changed this physician forever

"As a professional woman who most identifies as a physician more than any other title, I know that I run the risk of losing myself to this disease.  I am not ignorant to the risk.  I understand that my identity is supposed to be separate from my achievements and that my babies are supposed to make me value something greater than my career.  But my oath runs through me in a way that I can only describe as visceral.  And for this reason, the pain is that much worse.  Because as much as I miss them.  And as much as I miss me.  I can’t not keep going.  Because they deserve the best we have to offer.  And those of us who have stood here on the front lines for over 10 months know more than anyone else, that if we don’t do it, then who will?"

Nicole M. King is an anesthesiologist.

She shares her story and discusses her KevinMD article, "I keep going because I miss them. And I miss me." (https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2021/01/i-keep-going-because-i-miss-them-and-i-miss-me.html)