Rebuilding after COVID-19
From the President
Dr. Thiers served as Academy president from March 2020 to March 2021.
By Bruce Thiers, MD, June 1, 2020
It’s June 2020. Depending on where you’re located, you may still be in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. Others may be fortunate enough to be just climbing out of the fray — maybe even heading back to the office and seeing a few patients in person. Maybe.
There is so much unknown about this virus and what the future holds for us as physicians, employers, spouses, parents, and humans. When asked what it will take to go back to normal after the coronavirus pandemic, Anthony Fauci, MD — a member of the Administration’s task force on the pandemic and head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases — said, “It isn’t like a light switch, on and off.” I echo this sentiment. Our transition to a “new normal” will take some time.
I know of colleagues who are trying to dig their practices out from significant distress. Some had to lay off or furlough staff. Some had to close their doors. The Academy knows that you are going through a difficult time and has amassed a plethora of information for those who need assistance on: payment protection loans, emergency paid sick leave, Medicare advance payments, economic injury disaster loans, and more. Don’t know where to start? The Academy has developed a checklist to guide you through the process of getting back on your feet after COVID-19.
I think it’s fair to say that no one is quite sure how or when the dust will settle after this pandemic. However, in addition to assisting members with their individual COVID-19 needs, the Academy is also thinking about the bigger picture and encouraging members to participate in the COVID-19 Dermatology Registry to help us better understand the dermatologic manifestations of the COVID-19 virus. This 5-7 minute survey is intended for all health care professionals taking care of COVID-19 patients who develop dermatologic manifestations, or dermatology patients with an existing condition who then develop COVID-19. The success of this collaborative effort depends on active participation by our international health care community to obtain accurate and reliable information. Please visit the COVID-19 Dermatology Registry to learn more and participate.
I do want to note that as we attempt to rebuild, our patients still need us. While the Academy has devoted hundreds (probably thousands!) of manpower hours to these COVID-19 resources, staff has also been working hard to ensure that you continue to receive the member benefits you know and love. Thousands of you are still getting your CMEs through the weekly Question of the Week. Many of you are staying current on the latest clinical trends by regularly checking in with JAAD, Dermatology World, DW Weekly, and DW Insights & Inquiries. Some of you are checking the Academy’s numerous clinical guidelines as you manage your patients remotely.
All told, while you are helping your patients, the Academy is here to help you. Our efforts to rebuild will not happen overnight — it will be a slow and cumbersome process. Rest assured, however, that the Academy is here to help you every step of the way.
