COVID-19 Brings Out the Best in Us

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives dramatically, both professionally and personally, in just a few weeks. Here in Michigan, where the number of confirmed cases has increased more than 10 times in a week, the outbreak has stoked new levels of uncertainty and fear.

But it has also inspired selfless heroism by people across the country. Even as we practice social distancing, Americans are coming together to battle a common enemy and provide comfort to those in need. A virus that weakens the body and soul is also summoning displays of resilience and strength in countless individuals and communities.

Everyone I know has witnessed unsung stories of teamwork and commitment. In times like these, it is especially important that we share these inspiring, uplifting experiences – not to sugarcoat our challenges but to understand the wonders of the human spirit.

As CEO of Michigan Medicine, the University of Michigan’s medical school and health system, I have seen amazing instances of pulling together, introduction of innovation in many ways and extraordinary commitment and effort.  Here are a few from the University of Michigan. 

• More than 2,000 employees have volunteered for redeployment to areas that need the most support and help. This is the true meaning of teamwork.
• More than 300 nurses have volunteered and are staffing the regional infectious containment unit (RICU), a special unit that has been created to care for COVID-19 patients, and prioritizing the needs of these vulnerable patients.
• Students from the College of Pharmacy are working alongside our Pharmacy staff to compound Michigan Medicine’s own hand sanitizer at a rate of 200-300 bottles per day. They will continue providing this very critical supply as long as they can source the ingredients.
• The community has also recognized that our health care workers are the true heroes in this pandemic. There has been an outpouring of support, including donations of over 24,000 masks and nearly 140,000 gloves, among other critical supplies. Our philanthropic friends have also contributed $300,000 so far through the recently established COVID-19 Philanthropy Fund.  

Those are just a few of the many examples I could point to of the remarkable ways our Michigan Medicine team has stepped up and then gone many extra miles. They do not include the countless ways that corporations, foundations, government agencies, private citizens of others have contributed to our ongoing work to serve those in need.

This crisis has the ability to drain our resources and drive tension into every aspect of our organization. These are hard and stressful times. But instead of breaking us, it is bringing out our best.

I am impressed by this response but not surprised. Challenging times remind us that we are members of a community built on a foundation of caring, learning and innovation. We know how to respond when people are in need. It’s what we do.

Our work looks different now, and will continue to test us at each pivotal milestone and decision point. We have many more difficult days ahead of us, but I know we will get through them together. 

I am also confident that the remarkable behavior I am seeing at Michigan Medicine is happening across the country. It is natural in such times to fear the worst, but we must always keep our eyes open so we can see the best.

Marschall S. Runge, MD, PhD, is Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of the Medical School for the University of Michigan.  He serves on the Board of Directors for Eli Lilly and Company.