key: cord-0014092-r7vy8t23
authors: Fuller, Patrick D
title: Of gratitude and hope in trying times
date: 2020-10-08
journal: Am J Health Syst Pharm
DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxaa330
sha: a9d48608fa587651415f653618dcd180d11154c9
doc_id: 14092
cord_uid: r7vy8t23

nan

A quote from Dr. Edith Eva Eger in her book The Choice: Embrace the Possible recently caught my attention. Dr. Eger, a survivor of Auschwitz, wrote that "sometimes our pain pushes us, sometimes our hope pulls us. " 1 Since a little over 5 months ago, our lives, society, and profession have been changed in ways we could never have imagined by a virus that-although too small to be seen by the naked eye-has exerted a presence felt everywhere. Its physical, emotional, and economic tolls have permeated every aspect of our society and challenged our profession to adapt faster than ever before.

As I think about the past, I remember years ago taking the Pharmacist's Oath, which states in part, "I promise to devote myself to a lifetime of service to others through the profession of pharmacy. In fulfilling this vow . . . I will consider the welfare of humanity and relief of suffering my primary concerns." 2 It is gratifying to be part of our profession and have the opportunity to fulfill this oath to the best of my ability. It is by serving side by side with mentors, colleagues, residents, coworkers, technicians, students, and healthcare workers who contribute, even in the smallest way, to the needs of our patients and society that we gain purpose and meaning in our lives.

As a profession, we are very blessed. We have thousands of pharmacists who are highly skilled and experienced and many who are board certified. We have exceptional residency training programs, outstanding colleges of pharmacy, and a highly skilled technician workforce. Over decades, armed with medications, drug therapy knowledge, and an endless amount of compassion, our profession has earned the respect of our peers.

As I think about the present, I think about pharmacists, pharmacy residents, and pharmacy technicians, as well as nurses, physicians, and other providers who are on the front lines of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, especially in emergency departments and critical care units across the country. The work they do fulfills their professional oaths every day. I think about the innovations and new practices that have emerged in terms of logistics, operations, telehealth, and communication of what seems to be an infinite amount of information coming at us each day. The ability of residency programs and pharmacy schools to rapidly change the delivery of education and training reinforces the power of innovation, which has accelerated exponentially. I think about our professional organizations, which have led with grace and determination to serve the needs of many. The stories I read and hear of healthcare professionals going above and beyond to do their best to care for patients are heartfelt and inspiring. They are sacrificing and risking their lives to save lives.

I think about our patients and their families, friends, and loved ones. I often wonder what they are thinking about. The countless stories we hear in the news about the support of healthcare professionals and first responders are unimaginable, heartwarming, and palpable. Two themes that resonate with me the most are gratitude and hope.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is impossible to predict with certainty what the future holds. Human pain and suffering are parts of life and death that will never be fully eliminated. Indeed, some of these pains have changed lives forever and will push us forward. While no one can ever go back and change the past, we must carry the lessons learned and the feelings felt into the present. We must focus on the things that we have control over and make the best of any situation. We must not let any crisis go to waste. It is my belief that being hopeful will ulti mately pull us farther that we ever could have imagined possible. Reflecting more, treating each other with kindness, demonstrating human compassion and empathy will strengthen us along our journey.

You many wonder just how far our hope will pull us forward. The amount of hope we have inside our hearts and the choice we make in giving others hope are part of the answer. The depth of our empathy, the caring for the welfare of humanity and our resolve to relieve each person's suffering will ultimately determine where and how far we go. Taking time to pause, reflect, and think about the things we are thankful for will magnify the real meaning of life. Individually, demonstrating gratitude will fill our buckets with hope. Collectively, our hope will brighten the future of our profession and enrich the lives of many.

The author has declared no potential conflicts of interest.

The Choice: Embrace the Possible