COM Outlook Summer/Fall 2020

4 | DR. KIRAN C. PATEL COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE When I began plotting the content for this issue of COM Outlook , the United States was just confirming its initial cases of COVID-19. As the weeks progressed, it became clear that the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) community would be dealing with an unprecedented crisis unlike any it had faced in its 56-year history. By mid-March, NSU made the prudent decision to convert to a tele- work and online class model to ensure the safety of its workforce and student body. As events were canceled and the United States went into lockdown, the question of how to produce a magazine in the midst of a pandemic demanded an immediate answer. In my search for a solution, I reached out to the amazing network of students, faculty and staff members, and alumni who comprise NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (KPCOM) family for COVID-19-related content. Within days, I was flooded with responses from individuals who wanted to share their stories of hope and heartbreak. When you peruse this issue of COM Outlook , you will read engrossing stories about two of our alumni who put their lives in daily danger by serving on the front lines of the pandemic at hospitals in Georgia and New York. You will also learn about the altruistic student organizations that mobilized efforts to raise funds and provide everything from personal protective equipment for several Florida hospitals to care packages for the families of health care providers. Additionally, you will also see a kaleidoscope of perspective pieces that serve as a time capsule for what the KPCOM community was enduring as the quarantine expanded from weeks to months, including a compelling one from a staff member who details her personal battle with the debilitating virus. Scattered amidst these stories are reflections that serve as a microcosm for what the world is experiencing—fear, frustration, sadness, adaptation, and optimism. Finally, I want to extend heartfelt thanks to the KPCOM’s extraordinary dean—Dr. Elaine M. Wallace—on behalf of the entire college. During these difficult months, in addition to her regular duties, Dr. Wallace served as chair of the NSU COVID-19 Preparedness Committee. In this role, she provided Dr. George L. Hanbury, NSU president and chief executive officer, with valuable advice to help him adeptly navigate the challenge of keeping the NSU community safe and operational in the midst of a crippling pandemic. Despite a demanding schedule, Dr. Wallace also made time to send daily email messages to the KPCOM faculty and staff members, which kept everyone informed and uplifted. In addition, she established the KPCOM COVID-19 Cares Fund in late March, which raised more than $15,000 to benefit those in the KPCOM and HPD community monetarily affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other hardships. Thank you, Dr. Wallace, for your inspired leadership—and for keeping us informed, engaged, and entertained during a most difficult time. Scott Colton, B.A., APR HPD Director of Medical Communications and Public Relations EDITOR’S Exchange