Mar 8, 2021
Heroes on the front lines: Rebecca Pham
A Coverage series features the voices of clinicians and others caring for coronavirus patients in Massachusetts
This year, health care workers have been confronting an emergency like no other, the battle against the coronavirus.
They are struggling to treat a disease with no known treatment, one to which no human has natural immunity.
At Coverage, we are grateful for Massachusetts doctors, nurses, NPs, PAs and other hospital workers.
And for the past year, we have been giving them a chance to speak to you, our readers, in their own words. We asked that they share their most urgent messages as they face this new virus — and as, finally, they get vaccinated.
I feel like I have a strong duty to my patients and community to get this vaccine and show that it's safe. I was very excited before getting it. I cried making my vaccine appointment. The data was not only reassuring, but extremely positive.
Personally, I am really looking forward to seeing friends and family and hugging without fear. I haven't seen my parents in over a year and I’m looking forward to being able to fly home and see them in person when it's safe to do so.
I also teach with Boston Ballet School’s Adaptive Dance Program. We teach three types of classes: specialized classes for individuals with Down syndrome, specialized classes for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and inclusive classes for individuals of all abilities and needs. I miss my students and look forward to one day being able to teach again, thanks to the vaccine.
The pandemic has brought extraordinary challenges. I have been deeply personally affected by the racism that's been experienced in the Asian American community over the past year. The stigma against Asians and Asian Americans is not new and it's not something talked about often. During this pandemic, when I've stepped out my front door or walked home or gotten on public transportation, I've often felt heightened anxiety about running into the wrong person at the wrong time. It's hard battling a pandemic from a virus and a pandemic from racism at the same time.
Rebecca Pham, 29, Physical therapist,
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Read more in the "Heroes on the front line" series
Are you a health care worker who would like to share your thoughts with Coverage? Contact us.
PHOTOS BY FAITH NINIVAGGI