STRESS

A short while ago I participated in a simulated patient workshop for our upperclassman who have been accepted to study abroad for a short time at med schools in the US and elsewhere.  There were 14 fifth year students including some from my last classes before the panic.  However, I only recognized 2 of these as 12 wore masks.  Perhaps this is good as they are going to hospitals in the US and other countries where masks are still required or again required at some health care facilities.

Both presenters were American.  This was the first time I have worked with this esteemed colleague of mine despite being employed by the same medical university for at least one full school year.  Covid.

Once we paired the students off to practice their roll plays of doctor and patient, my esteemed colleague asked if we too should mask as 12/14 students were.  Immediately, I stated that I was certified in respirators and do not wear masks as they cannot stop viruses and are not benign.  She countered that, “Yeah, can’t be good to rebreath our own breath.”, in a way suggesting that what she just stated was a foolish belief.  I informed her that masks have long been known as germ incubators.  She scoffed at the notion.

Later, during a break, she stated that she wished we could go back to lockdowns and closed borders.  Too many people in the city.  Reminded that the tourism industry is providing the only real economic activity needed to keep the country going,  she said that she doesn’t care.  The number of tourists inconveniences her too much.

STESS:  The condition one is in when the mind must over ride the body’s basic need to choke the living shit out of someone who desperately deserves it.