Distance Brought Me Closer

Abstract

The early dismissal from my rotation in the intensive care unit at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic confirmed and further strengthened my insecurities I had developed as a medical student—that I was just an extra body, always in the way, never helpful, easily expendable. I felt that in order to rid myself of these insecurities, I should be waking up before sunrise to check on my patients and studying late into the night, even during this pandemic. My only chance at becoming better was to maximize my time spent up close and in-person to get to know my patients, learn about their diseases, and experience their hospital journey alongside them.