Aah Aretha! Everybody is Zoomin’ everybody! Even with telehealth, 7 months into this I can confirm what you already know. The novelty has worn off. No more finding the fun background, mute and unmute, changing out of t shirts. People working from home now just go about their business, move around, leave sound on, but rarely sit full face for hours. The practice wasn’t meant for long term interaction.

 Nor should it replace face to face between doctors and patients, teachers and students. It is a failing concept and pulling up grafts, images and diagrams is not an idea whose time has come. For many interactions and some businesses where interpersonal interactions are critical, it is time to move on. As Bridget said, “Can you believe it, the doc tells me over zoom how he’s gonna take the tumor out of my head are you kidding me?? I was so insulted I turned the computer off!”

Ariana from Italy comes with family and as we review the scans and come up with a plan she says, “I have ‘seen’ seven doctors and didn’t understand over the computer, here I feel much better -its like going to the movies!” A calm relief of understanding helped her see the way forward and I believe the in- person interaction was critical. There is less misunderstanding, greater chance for nuanced questions and dialogue. Even in work or family interactions, the non-verbal communication cannot be replaced by the computer, text and email.

 Our office has been at this since the US “closed”  in March. We’ve never missed a day. Not one staff members has caught the virus. Our patients received care and treatment continuously. I am proud that the organization has supported us and them.

I implore companies and leaders to reverse course: up until now it has been, “Everyone work from home who can”. I believe that the directive should now be “Everyone get back to normalcy if you can”. Yes use caution, mask, no groups, but we have had months to get a handle on managing this disease and not everyone, thank goodness, becomes critical. In my arena, I manage patients with diseases who may not have the luxury of waiting for a future when it is “safe” to start up again. I am an advocate for breaking away from the computer, getting out and actually living our best lives. Sorry Zoom I am so over you.