Dear Colleagues,
In over 20 years of being a laboratorian, I have never heard the words “labs, tests, reagents, PPE, supplies, kits, RT-PCR, serology” and so many others uttered so often across all media outlets that it has become difficult to complete a sentence without invoking one of these terms. What I mean to say is that the laboratory has never been more important than in this era of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whatever your role in the laboratory, none of us entered the field of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine for the accolades or the glory. We are a group accustomed to serving behind the scenes, just doing our job, never looking to take credit, and comfortable with others claiming it. In fact, most patients did not even know who we are or what we do. COVID-19 has changed this. We are no longer the unseen warriors. We have been thrust into the spotlight; we did not seek it but will not shy away from it. What should not be lost in all of this are the sacrifices that our laboratory workforce has, and continues to, endure. What you do is not without risk to your health and to your loved ones’ health. Every day you show up to work leaving at home children, elders, or significant others who need your attention more than ever before. Many of you are doing this with little or no support system; schools and daycare centers are closed, and tensions and stressors are high. Our work environment is just as stressful as we deal with the challenges of reagent and PPE shortages but just like fire fighters who do not abandon their posts at the threat of a fire, you too have stood with unmatched resiliency, ready to serve and ready to answer the call of duty. The past few days have been pivotal as we have finally began testing COVID-19 in our ULH core laboratory on Saturday. This was a collective effort by so many and much work remains to be done to ramp up our capacity and prepare to meet other needs. Most importantly, what I wanted to communicate so passionately and unabatedly is how much we appreciate you and the work that you do. The words “thank you” do not sufficiently express the gratitude that I have for you, yet at the same time we can never say it enough. What you do each day is so vital to our mission and we appreciate the contributions of every one of you.
With utmost gratitude,
Eyas
