Page 10 - Delaware Medical Journal - July/August 2020

PRESIDENT’S PAGE
created a challenge, but for those
who were successful, it has helped to supplement lost income. It’s been a tough challenge to remain afloat in our “new normal.”
As I write this, we are all in a maintenance/monitoring status as
we do our best to manage the spread
of COVID-19. A statewide testing protocol has been developed and
placed into operation. The state has instituted a rolling reopening process, as well as begun preparing for a possible resurgence of the virus in
the coming months. Governor John Carney requested MSD to identify a representative for the state’s newly formed Pandemic Resurgence Advisory Committee (PRAC). I have committed to serve as your representative on
the PRAC and will also function as a member of the PRAC’s Health Care Subcommittee. The PRAC was formed to assist in developing protocols
to ensure that our state and health
care system are prepared to respond
to a possible reoccurrence/spike in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths as we continue steps to achieve some sense of normalcy.
I would ask for your input and opinions on how the state and MSD can assist you in the care of your patients during this critical time as the reopening of our state progresses. I encourage you to reach out to MSD as your practice reopens and adjusts in this new post- COVID-19 environment. I remind
all our members of the coronavirus resources available to you from MSD and hope you have accessed the “Guidance for Reopening Medical Practices” document which can be found on the MSD website.
By working together for a common goal, Delaware has “righted” itself and continues to keep this virus at bay for the time being. We accomplished this as a community out of concern for our neighbors’ welfare.
Completing the perfect storm is the sequela of the tragic and insensible death of George Floyd. Although they are different “storms,” the pandemic and the death of Mr. Floyd both brought us aground.
The battle cry of the pandemic was, “We are all in this together.” Could something actually good come from this pandemic, unifying us because we were all experiencing the same restrictions and threat, regardless of race or ethnicity?
Our differences have been amplified as shown by the many protests occurring across the country. We have again become divided — divided on how we view this current state of affairs, and divided on the path forward.
As physicians, we see the effects of health disparities. They are a contributing factor in the elevated COVID-19 infection and mortality
rates in minorities. By working together, we can and should help minimize these factors because of the impact they have on our communities. We can accomplish this as a community and do this out of respect for and the concern of our neighbor, just as we did to conquer the virus.
The members of the MSD Executive Board have had many discussions over several weeks to address systemic racism. The Executive Board has established a collective statement in response to the death of Mr. Floyd and those before him. I encourage you to read the statement, published in this issue.
It is my hope the MSD Executive Board’s statement is not lost among
the many statements shared by others who are equally concerned. This is a time for action and it begins by having conversations, difficult conversations, and gaining an understanding as to how we, as a physician community, can become actively involved in helping to make a difference in our community and implement needed change.
Joseph J. Straight, MD
President, Medical Society of Delaware
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Del Med J | July/August 2020 | Vol. 92 | No. 4