268: Maryam Baqir | Treating Covid-19 Patients At The Epicenter Of The Pandemic In New York

There are a select few individuals who have gone through such a recent moment of intensity and pressure as Dr. Maryam Baqir, M.B.B.S., of Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. As Covid-19 cases quickly ramped up in the epicenter of the virus, doctors like her began to respond to an onslaught of cases that turned hospitals into treatment zones far more packed and adaptive than would be the case in calmer times.

Dr. Baqir specializes in Internal Medicine, and received her medical/surgical degrees from Aga Khan University in Pakistan. She grew up in Karachi, though she was born in Tehran, Iran (similar to myself). We met in Manhattan, along with her companion Shan of episode 258. Our discussion in this episode involved much about her recent experience, life messages we both understand and take note of, and a deeper view of what an active response to life challenges looks like. Much was shared and expressed.

Show notes:

• how she got into this career path, and what it means to her at this time
• what it is like to live in the area of Brooklyn, and how Dr. Baqir got there
• the difference in culture between Pakistan and the US
• what the response to coronavirus entailed on its initial run-through
• how the hospital had to adjust in order to be able to treat all the new patients of one specific condition
• processing what occurred, and what the main issues were in relation to the virus, as far as equipment/resources
• the feel of the patients, and what it is/was like for them getting treatment from individuals behind masks and shields
• empathy shared with patients and their families in a time of anguish
• seeing trucks show up because of the out-flux of those who passed away
• healthcare workers deciding whether or not to self-quarantine at their home
• some of the impacts of in-hospital aerosolization of the virus
• fighting for patients for an extensive period of time, and decisions a doctor has to make along the way
• how procedure priorities were changed at the hospital, and how doctors were switched from their specialty to tackling the current epidemic
• the influx of volunteers from around the country to Dr. Baqir’s hospital, among others, in order to meet the response requirements
• connection/unity between healthcare workers on a shared mission
• resilience and strength shown in various stories of the moment
• how some of the responses to the pandemic were come up with on the spot, or served as an impromptu training
• some of the improvements that have been arrived at through these few months of trials and understanding in relation to the virus
• comparing symptoms of individuals in similar proximity, and noting differences
• use or non-use of shame as a response to public hygiene/safety habits, such as the use of a mask
• some of the growth felt by Dr. Baqir during these months
• the value of human compassion, and the difference that makes in care
• a range of emotions that you feel during an intense experience, and not holding back on showing/expressing them
• the concept of not living while being alive, and accepting mortality
• preparing for end-of-life care before it gets to an emergency situation
• the passing of Maimonides Medical Center Chief of Medicine Dr. Stephan Kamholz due to Covid-19, and his career and impact
• a closing message for all people

It was wonderful to have Dr. Baqir on the show. We were able to cover her experience and related life messages in a free-flowing and spontaneous discussion full of detail. You can follow her on Twitter at @MaryamBaqir.