Dr. Adam Parnass, ’07

Fellow | Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ann and Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University

Working in the COVID ICU was a tremendously rewarding experience. It was a unique opportunity to work side by side with doctors from all different areas of training. I was in the ICU during the start of the pandemic, so we were still learning new information about the virus. Having multiple disciplines working together to figure out the best course of treatment, in real time, was quite fulfilling. My responsibilities included performing procedures to help give continuous IV medications as well as placing breathing devices and managing patients daily.

One of the most difficult things was knowing the patients were unable to have loved ones visit and stay with them during these difficult and uncertain times. Often, we are able to update patients and their families in person. However, given the circumstances this was all done by phone. At the end of almost every phone call, was a heartfelt “thank you” for taking care of their loved ones. This extended past phone calls to sponsored meals for the hospital staff. The outpouring of love and support from patient family members, to my own friends and previous Ida Crown Alumni, helped me to maintain a positive outlook.