Columbia University Med Student Helps Workers Tell Their Stories


Monday, May 11, 2020

As the coronavirus continues to be a public health menace, one medical student at Columbia University has found a way to help front-line medical workers tell their stories online.



Vibhu Krishna, a medical student at Columbia University, initially began the coronavirus outbreak by helping to provide food and protective gear to doctors and nurses. As the covid-19 pandemic continued, she found another way to help. Krishna created a digital online platform for front-line medical workers to tell their stories.

Faces of the Frontline features posts like one about a pregnant Emergency Room worker.

“The community rallied behind her commenting like ‘we’re here for you. We support you,’” shared Krishna.

This project fulfills her ambition to help people.

“The wellness aspect of this is huge. For people to share their anxieties. We had a nurse respond the other day, just saying, ‘I needed to hear this today. Thank you.”

Dr. Mannat Kaur, a doctor at a public hospital in Queens, shares that she sees these stories and considers them quite therapeutic.

“I don’t want to be a hero. I Just want to do my job the way I used to before this pandemic hit, which to be fair, we were always working at capacity. It was a difficult flu season too. We didn’t necessarily sign up to be on the front line of a war, but we are there,” said Kaur.

She has days where she cannot face it.

“Yes. It’s hard to accept being called a hero when the patients are still dying. It’s hard. The risks we take everyday are high,” added Kaur.

Let’s take a look at some of the other stories shared online by other front-line medical workers.

 "Working in the #ER during this time is uncertain and sometimes scary, but our #healthcare team has never forgotten that #teamwork is so important and helping each other keeps our spirits up!" Thank you to Mika (@teethntrauma), Pediatric Emergency Nurse & 3rd-year Dental student, for this important reminder from the #frontline


"No matter how hard the days may get, never forget why you became a #nurse." A beautiful affirmation from Jackie Spagnuolo (@beautynursenyc), #RN in #StatenIsland, who shares her #inspiring #resilience: "I’m hot, I’m tired, my glasses keep fogging up, I’m sweating. This is by far one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my life but I will not give up" Thank you, Jackie, for your #bravery and #strength


United•We•Stand "No matter the religious preference, culture, or race, every healthcare warrior's prayer remains the same during the COVID-19 war...Our prayer is that we use our heart, mind, and #spirit to be strong to fight for those who can’t. We pray for strength, and the courage to never give up‼" —A powerful moment shared by @ms_nurse_nic, an #RN in #Detroit. Thank you, Nurse Nic


"It’s no longer getting through this day or this week; we are in the deep now, the interminable. For #doctors to survive this #pandemic, we have to feel each moment even if it makes each moment more difficult to endure." Max Lazarus #DO shares from the @nytmag piece "I’m an E.R. Doctor in New York. None of Us Will Ever Be the Same" by Helen Ouyang. The reality on the #frontlines can overwhelming, but reminders of our #humanity and #strength will keep us going. Thank you, Max (@emergency__doctor), for sharing such powerful sentiments, and for all that you do


"Hey #fighter, soon things will be #brighter." Inspiring words from Myra Sylvina, a general #surgeon and proud #mother from #Indonesia, who shows us her N-95 #battle #scars after a long day on the #frontlines. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication, @drmyrainscrubs. You are an #inspiration!


"During this #pandemic I've learned that we can all be #united under the same voice, under the same flag," says Roberto, an #MD from #Venezuela. "During this pandemic #medicine had no specialties, whether you trained in Ob/Gyn, surgery, neurology, or any other specialty, at the end of the day, the only medicine we know is “Save lives from #COVID-19” After this Pandemic we will all remember what it’s like to be in the #battlefield, we some battles won, and some lost. After this pandemic we will all know what life really is about and what #medicine really is about." Thank you, @bertosmooth, for your strength


Interested in reading more front-line medical worker stories online?

Click here to visit Faces of the Frontline.




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