During COVID the one thing that is certain is uncertainty. Politicians and world health leaders flip-flopped on protocols. Experts disagree on everything from the use of masks to school closures. So, who you gonna trust?
Trustworthy
Trust is a strong word with heavy commitment. We use it as a part of our foundation for relationships with people, places and things. Trustworthy sources matter most when it comes to health matters.
Early into COVID, I made a decision to trust Dr. Deena Hinshaw and Dr. Bonnie Henry, chief medical officers in Alberta and BC, respectively. Why? Because, Dr. Henry, nor Dr. Hinshaw were in a popularity contest. The information and directives they presented, often unpopular, were based on science and their professional abilities. Both were able to help “flatten the curve” in their provinces.
Leadership
Dr. Hinshaw and Dr. Henry have been widely commended for their calm and measured delivery in press briefings, their solid command of the pandemic response and genuine expressions of empathy for those suffering from the disease.
In March, Dr. Hinshaw cautioned Albertans not to turn to “misinformation.” She consistently supplies so much detail so people won’t go looking for it somewhere less reliable.
Success
The religious community, and some fundamentalist leaders in particular, questioned Dr. Hinshaw’s ability to set respectful protocols for church gatherings. During a province-wide Q & A with religious leaders, I heard Dr. Hinshaw credit her pastor for emailing a daily, personal prayer as a source of her assurance. She spoke with humility, care, grace, and wisdom.
Life advances at the speed of trust. How have you found assurance during COVID? Who have you decided to trust?
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I put my trust in the medical community…since I used to be part of the medical community. I worked at The Cross Cancer Institute as a Dietary Technologist for 22 years of my career. It was always a norm for us to sanitize our hands…as there are soap dispensers all down the hallways of each station. As our patients don’t have strong immunity going through treatments, it was always on our minds to do the right thing. Sometimes, it was to protect ourselves from what our patients might give us….but, often, it was what we might bring to them. At times, we had to mask & gown in order to visit with them. We were always encouraged to stay home if we were sick so we would not spread the sickness to our co-workers or worse…bring sickness to our patients. It’s a “no-brainer” for me. To not only protect myself…but, to protect others. It has been deeply ingrained in me…ever since I worked in the health field. To this day…I practice those same hygiene habits. Whenever I work at a computer station…I will sanitize my phone & keyboard…just a habit I learned early on. There are so many germs on items like that.
Dr. Hinshaw has my respect. I think she has done a great job in keeping us all informed on the Coronavirus. To her and all staff working with her – thank you.
I too have great respect and trust in Dr. Hinshaw. It seems to me that the areas in the states where everything seems to be out of control are where the politicians are the spokesmen and the medical advisors are in the background. Dr. Hinshaw is not telling us anything “to keep her job” or win votes but Is leading us with her expertise, knowledge, empathy and wisdom and has earned the respect of many. Therefore, the majority follow her advice and this has allowed us to open the economy up more and keep the Covid numbers flatter. Covid is a little less political here because it is doctors at the front and not desperate politicians.
Great observations about who has the mic, Wendy.
I second the motion of gratitude to Dr Hinshaw and her staff.
Great thoughts, Julie on keeping your work area sanitized. A lifetime work of care.