VINCENT FELLOWS IN GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
Voices from the Front Lines
When the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world, exceptionalism was everywhere at Mass General. As COVID patients arrived in increasing numbers, all in the Vincent OB/GYN community, were called to battle this previously unknown and devastating disease. Within days, beds on the Vincent inpatient gynecology floor were converted to caring for COVID patients. When non-essential surgeries and outpatient activities were cancelled, many whose schedules were suddenly less full were redeployed to care for COVID patients. Labor and delivery, of course, could not be deferred, so our obstetrics team sprang into action to create a safe environment to deliver babies and continue outpatient care. Our researchers quickly pivoted to investigating the biology and effects of COVID-19 in Pregnancy. Below are the stories of three Vincent fellows on the front lines of COVID care.
Providing Patient Care While Protecting Families
“As a mother of two, it was challenging to deal with the unknowns of this new virus, particularly to provide care to our patients while also protecting our families. We shared these concerns with colleagues during Zoom meetings and helped each other stay positive. When the inpatient unit for Gynecologic Oncology (Phillips House, Ellison 22) was reassigned to COVID patients, our cancer patients were placed throughout the hospital in as many as 10 units. Because they could not receive visitors, we did our best to provide supportive care for their emotional well-being.”
— Katelyn Dorney, MD, a Vincent fellow in Gynecologic Oncology, credits her family and colleagues with helping her stay focused and resilient during the pandemic. With the vaccine now widely available, many initial stresses have been resolved, and surgical schedules have returned to normal.
Embracing Telehealth and Online Technologies
“When our outpatient care model shifted to telehealth, we realized some older patients might have a hard time using online technologies, so we contacted them ahead of their appointments to offer guidance. We also interacted with our colleagues via online meetings, which provided important updates on the pandemic. Because surgery in my subspecialty was largely considered elective, I went to the medical floors to help COVID patients, drawing upon my former training in internal medicine.”
— Marcus Ortega, MD, a Vincent fellow in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, attended many of the department’s Zoom meetings and an outdoor social gathering held in November. Adding to his Vincent training in urogynecology, he is beginning a Mass General fellowship in Healthcare Policy and Administration.
Encouraging Patients and Supporting Colleagues
“Our job as obstetricians is a happy job. So even though COVID made women very scared, we highlighted that having a baby could still be an exciting experience. In Zoom meetings with Vincent colleagues, we discussed how to help all women in the hospital, not just OB/GYN patients. We consulted with colleagues in other states to discuss care strategies. And while most people in society were isolated, we at least could come into the hospital and interact with other human beings, which helped us retain a semblance of normalcy.”
— Marti Soffer, MD, was the fellow in Maternal-Fetal Medicine assigned to the inpatient high-risk service throughout the first wave of the pandemic. She recently joined the department’s Well-being Council, which strives to optimize work satisfaction by promoting a sense of community and feeling valued and respected.