For many young physicians, the coronavirus pandemic has become a career-defining experience. Not since the emergence of HIV/AIDS in the 1980s has the health care system as a whole faced such uncertainty, such tremendous strain, and call for growth. No one could have imagined that a viral particle between 0.2 and 0.5 microns in diameter could wreak havoc on the entire world.
Young anesthesiologists in general, and especially those with a subspecialty in critical care medicine, have seen our specialty rise to the forefront. Our particular skill set has positioned us ideally to provide unique insights during this crisis. As airway and physiology experts, we have been called upon to lead the charge in many ways, defining safe approaches to care and thinking outside the box to extend capacity and resources. Our training in crisis resource management and team dynamics helps us understand and address the stressors within the system...