Dr. Sam Torbati’s role as a frontline health care worker during the coronavirus crisis has been made much more manageable thanks to the support of his community.
“The outpouring of support from people who want to feed us. … I don’t know if it’s a Jewish thing or a human thing, but everything is much easier to tolerate when your stomach is full,” the co-chair and medical director of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s Ruth and Harry Roman Emergency Department told the Journal.
Torbati said his workday has taken on a different rhythm since the outbreak of the coronavirus. There has been an urgent need for medical professionals to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when treating patients.
“We have to be careful,” Torbati said. “We’re very cautious in terms of the PPE we wear. As we’ve gotten more used to interacting with patients who have COVID-19, we’re continuing to come up with new processes that are more patient-centered to make it less traumatic for them. You go into battle now and you need to make sure you have your armor. Before, we did not have to wear armor.”
Responding to the coronavirus outbreak, Cedars-Sinai set up three surge tents “to take care of patients that are not terribly sick but need to evaluated,” Torbati said, while the emergency medical department continued to “take care of patients both critically ill and other patients who need our help.”
“The outpouring of support from people who want to feed us — I don’t know if it’s a Jewish thing or a human thing, but everything is much easier to tolerate when your stomach is full.” — Dr. Sam Torbati
Torbati admitted the consequences of the disease have been frightening and witnessing the separation of patients from their families has been emotionally draining, but he added the significant number of COVID-19 patients who have recovered has been encouraging.
“Our job is to alleviate suffering and prolong life and cure disease when possible. Until we have more treatment options, our hands are a little bit tied. I am reassured by many of the patients who come in critically ill but get better,” he said.
While Cedars continues to treat COVID-19 patients, Torbati said they are still treating other patients. “One of the things we noticed both in our department and nationally is patients appear to be afraid to come to the hospital when they have potentially true emergencies. We’re concerned if they are too afraid, they could have bad outcomes. We want people to understand Cedars is fully operational and there are separate areas that will take care of them. One big message to the community is if you need us, come in,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.”
