The Daily

'It's Like a War.' Revisiting Dr. Fabiano Di Marco.

Jul 14, 2020
Dr. Fabiano Di Marco, a professor and head of the respiratory unit at Bergamo's Papa Giovanni XXIII hospital, shares his harrowing experiences from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. He discusses the overwhelming challenges faced by healthcare workers amidst the crisis, including emotional and ethical dilemmas in triaging patients. As he reflects on discharging his last coronavirus patient, Dr. Di Marco draws comparisons to the ongoing situation in the U.S., highlighting the lasting impact of the pandemic on healthcare systems and workers.
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ANECDOTE

Working Non-Stop

  • Dr. Di Marco had not been home in three weeks due to constant work at the hospital.
  • He described the situation as being "like a war."
ANECDOTE

Hospital Transformation

  • Dr. Di Marco's hospital transformed surgical wards into COVID-19 units due to the influx of patients.
  • They trained other specialists to treat respiratory failure, highlighting the strain on resources.
ANECDOTE

Staff Infections

  • Many hospital staff, including his department chief, became infected with COVID-19.
  • A significant number of nurses were either sick, burnt out, or in quarantine.
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