It began just five weeks ago in one part of the hospital system with thoughts of how to reconfigure the Gastroenterology Division at Mount Sinai Hospital. We needed to effectively care for patients with GI disease, both inpatients and outpatients, while at the same time plan for a maximal response to COVID-19, as a clear increase in infected patients grew in the hospital setting. This effort occurred in parallel throughout other divisions and departments within the hospital and throughout the medical community around New York City.

We asked for people to move to new roles, take on different responsibilities and in many cases, completely change their routine in an instant. They would need to learn new information and new skills. And yes, this included everyone—nurses, nurse practitioners, fellows, attendings, both based within and outside the hospital system, and so many more. Would everyone respond? Would everyone willingly participate? The response was immediate and overwhelmingly one of “sure, whatever is needed”, and “yes, just let us know where and when”.

Physicians typically working in procedure-based settings are now caring for inpatients. Specialists are staffing phone lines to help those in other specialties deliver focused care in other ways. The spirit of cooperation and unity of purpose is palpable and real.

As an example, the GI fellows are an exemplary group in every way. They are now shining like never before. Each has taken on their new responsibilities with a sense of purpose and dedication that is unparalleled.

They are comforting the sick, both medically and spiritually, in every way possible. We hear stories of physicians picking up supplies at their local pharmacies to support patients unable to get their own supplies in these difficult times. We see physicians thinking through the science of treatments being offered, developing novel concepts for research and suggesting new pathways forward, all at the same time they are confronting fears of their own vulnerability and that of their families and loved ones. This is all happening in real time—we are watching information become available and reacting immediately in an unprecedented way.

At our core, we are all health care providers eager to help in this new struggle against a vicious and seemingly unyielding foe; watching consummate professionals step up and be so ready to do their part is incredible to see. Daily check-ins now bring responses like “this is so great to be able to help” and “we are honored to be part of the team”. We are truly in this COVID-19 battle together.

Indeed, it’s teamwork here that is the common theme. So many people coming together to provide excellent care in every way. We all support and depend on each other—respiratory therapists, nurses, medical assistants, housekeeping and linen services, medical secretaries, lab technicians, food services, radiology personnel, security, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physicians—the list inevitably is incomplete, so best just to recognize everyone globally for their dedication and commitment.

Each night at 7 PM, the roar from the apartments and streets of New York City rises to an almost incomprehensible level. They are cheering on the health care professionals who are doing what they do every day—caring for the sick with true professionalism and dedication. The cheering reminds every one of the critical task we are all doing in healing others; we as a caregiving community should reflect on the incredible opportunity we have to help so many around us.

Why do we do this? We all entered health care to make the world a better place. Times like this reinforce that mission, and reaffirm why we chose this calling in the first place.

Editor’s note: Dr. Greenwald posted this essay to Facebook. Reprinted with permission.