Niki is trembling as she is escorted to the elevator up to the chemo infusion center. She is still shocked that the breast cancer found a few short weeks ago requires such aggressive management. Preoperative chemotherapy then surgery then radiation is a plan plopped in the middle of her already busy life. She has a management career and is single mother to a 12 year old daughter. Mocking our impression of genetic vulnerability- she is first in family with cancer and her current gene panel is negative. What helps as she settles into the big barcolounger type chair are that there are others already “plugged in”. Chatting together, on their I pads or phones- looking very normal- no one crying or dismayed. Niki sees that she too can do this- peer pressure in the infusion center. Soon she will lead others by her strength when they arrive.

Peer pressure exists throughout our lives and last week I witnessed it’s force in another less admirable way. Our national conference was held in Ft Lauderdale. Physicians, also under pressure to now ditch the masks from the clinics and come together to learn and engage with colleagues, were juxtaposed with spring breakers. We gazed down at the beach and AIA bar party- goers, perhaps wistfully. I doubt recalling our own youth- as ultimate nerds very few of us broke for spring. The elevators filled with giggly bikinis amid full dress suits- comical. Not so funny the also bottomless margaritas starting before noon. Inhibitions lost. Moms, Dads, Grandparents beware. I tell you that as sirens wailed (a physician’s call to attention) narcan rescues went on all day, all week, protect your kids. Spring break peer pressure is not just fun in the sun.

Moved by the humanitarian crisis unfolding, I consider this sea of energy which could be put to great use. Kids are bored. If charities and companies provided them a purpose, they could make packages, raise money and return from break more uplifted. This would bring these young people renewed purpose and greater fulfillment than drunken frivolity. Harnessing energy and power on every level sends a message to oppressors and tyrants. Why not encourage healthy, helpful, meaningful peer pressure? It would be wonderful to have massive humanitarian movement by students this summer.

In every activity and mission, we are more powerful together. In my own lifetime, I have never seen a stronger need for every single country to band together. Presidents and world leaders must denounce war and the atrocities. President Zelensky is desperately reaching out, rallying his own peers to rise to the call. We should expect nothing less from those elected throughout our country and the world. They must join in solidarity and make every effort to unite to protect and defend their people. It is time to stop observing in horror. It is time for action. It is time to help others. It is absolutely time to demand peace.