My father loved to sing and some favorite tunes came from a Broadway play,” Stop the World- I Want to Get Off” (1966) with Anthony Newley. I wonder what he would make of this pandemic which has actually stopped the entire world. But we cannot jump off; we have to find a way to be right here and now. Clarity is lacking.  The overarching directive is: everybody stay at home until we figure this out.

Sure we hope there will be a vaccine eventually and a treatment that rescues those at risk. Perhaps we’ve already blown past the testing and contact tracing that may have been helpful early. We are finding just this week that the virus was here and contagious long before expected and millions are probably already exposed. Can we really expect the luxury of studying thoroughly before engaging? No.

We are impatient now- we did the work of stopping our lives for the 6 weeks needed to ramp up requirements to care for the critically ill. Hospitals were built, the military involved, the all hands on deck efforts have succeeded. Hospitals and ICU’s are waiting for the surge. Nursing homes are under more scrutiny.  Taking the first baby steps back into the world is becoming necessary.

Unfortunately, this selfish virus and the impact of devotion to it, will have unintended consequences.  We are ignoring the health and wellbeing of our patients while waiting for control of this virus. Well, life cannot wait for a cure or vaccine. After forty years, there never was a vaccine or cure for HIV-Aids. There is no cure for the common cold either (a coronavirus) so we need to be realistic. These discussions are happening in all specialties. We can no longer ignore and stand by. Collectively all healthcare is ready to get back to caring for you.

If you have an issue, concern, lump, bump, a need to be seen and your physician’s office is closed, then call a cancer center. They are open and ready to help. If we use safety measures, we can get back to the business of saving lives. That’s living. We cannot stay distracted with inertia. We must help you to stay well. We are here for you and ready to be champions for your care.

We all are ready to step out into this new world. Paralysis is no longer a healthy option. Some habits remain: washing hands, avoiding crowds and elderly at risk, wearing masks, wiping high touch surfaces at home and car, getting sunshine and fresh air. As we look around like hibernating bears, we hardly recognize ourselves- I’m not talking about the crazy hair or sweats. Getting back into the world finds us more thoughtful. We can see more clearly what we always knew, what is really important- the love of family and friends. As we re-engage we will all be more loving and devoted. That’s the clarity that will cure us.  The world may have stopped but you and I believe, as well as my physician colleagues around the globe, that we have the power to give it a push to start turning again.