Dr. Anna Zvansky is a hospitalist in the Hollywood area working under incredibly stressful conditions in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.
“Everyone is scared,” Zvansky told the Journal. “We’re trying to ration supplies. A lot of procedures are being cut back on that are non-emergent. We’re canceling elective cases. Everyone’s trying to prepare and do their best.”
Among the resources that are being rationed include masks, ventilators, gowns and protective shields. Zvansky said that many hospitals across the state is dealing with similar challenges due to the unknowns of the pandemic, as they’re having to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
The level of uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic is what concerns everyone at the hospital, Zvansky said, because no one knows how long the pandemic will last and when the hospital will reach its peak of COVID-19 patients.
“Due to the early steps our local government took in keeping us safe by enacting the stay-at-home measures in the beginning, thousands of lives will likely be saved here. Thank you Mayor [Eric] Garcetti and Gov. [Gavin] Newsom.” — Anna Zvansky
“You’re constantly preparing for the peak,” she said. “It’s just hectic. It’s stressful and depressing.”
Zvansky praised organizations, such as the Burbank Dental Lab, which has donated supplies including reusable N95 masks to the hospital. She also credited her employer, Regal Medical Group and Lakeside Community Healthcare, for sending her weekly boxes of protective gear. “There’s been heroes assistance in this whole thing,” she said.
“Due to the early steps our local government took in keeping us safe by enacting the stay-at-home measures in the beginning, thousands of lives will likely be saved here,” Zvansky added. “Thank you Mayor [Eric] Garcetti and Gov. [Gavin] Newsom.”
