Ob/Gyn Dispatches During COVID-19: Lynn Simpson, MD

Each day during the COVID-19 pandemic, we'll share an update from a member of our team in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Today's note is from Lynn Simpson, MD, Chief of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at NYP/CUIMC.

It is often said that a crisis brings out the best and the worst in people. Some step up, some are nowhere to be found. Some ask what they can do, others are silent. Some move forward to the front line, while others remain in the shadows. 

But this crisis has brought out the best in our department, reminding all of us why we do what we do – because we care about people and we want to help. Committing little acts of kindness, making sacrifices, working together to find solutions – everyone is doing their part in this brave new world. People are scared, yet they show up to work, welcoming our patients to the office, performing their ultrasounds, drawing their blood, taking their vital signs, scheduling their follow-up and upcoming deliveries. 

On a daily basis, the hospital staff, our residents and fellows, my colleagues covering the inpatient services demonstrate compassion, bravery, and professionalism, even when caring for suspected and confirmed COVID+ patients, sometimes under less than optimal conditions and early on, without sufficient testing and PPE. 

I have always been inspired by this department and its contributions to women’s healthcare. In my opinion, this crisis has brought out the best in us. You should all be proud of your contributions to optimizing patient care during this pandemic. I am so grateful to be a member of this outstanding department and am so looking forward to the future, when again I can see those smiling faces now hidden behind the masks!

Lynn Simpson, MD