DR. ADLIA EBEID, DIRECTOR OF PHARMACY SERVICES AT SAN JOSE CLINIC, HOUSTON
As told to Gwendolyn Wu
Our normal process is patients coming into the pharmacy, they pick up their medications, they ask us any questions, we make any adjustments they need. Switching into this oneday-a-week “interaction” is challenging because they’re so used to a certain way of access to us. There’s a little bit of frustration where they try to call and nobody’s answering, or they want to come and we’re trying to limit access to the building.
For the most part, everybody was very grateful that we’re still operating under the circumstances. Without a doubt, they would really struggle to try to figure out how they’re going to get their medications outside of us.
I called a few patients back, and they just wanted to have small talk and I was like, “I wish I could.” It’s so much more difficult keeping up with the calls and voicemails when you’re doing it remotely. They’re like, “How are you doing? How’s everything?” and they just want to go on and on. I feel bad because I know that need is there. They see us as family and want to have that communication. But at the same time, we really need to stay on task.
Coming home to my family after work has become a strategic process to ensure I don’t expose them to what I may have been exposed to.
Needless to say, it can get overwhelming. I think I am developing anxiety. I also feel this undistinguishable guilt for not doing more about this pandemic or knowing more about what the future holds.
What keeps me going and what keeps me strong is knowing my journey is making a difference. I get to make an impact, whether it be spending more quality time with my family, making my patients feel more secure about their medications or teaching my staff how to navigate a remote work lifestyle. This is where I find my comfort and this is what will carry me through this.