Disciplines

African American Studies

Abstract

Abstract

INTERVIEWER: Grace Schmidt, Allison Leche

INTERVIEWEE: Ridwan Shabsigh (Dr. Shabsigh)

SUMMARY BY: Christine Rong

Originally from Syria, Dr. Ridwan Shabsigh, Chairman of Surgery at St. Barnabas Hospital, discussed his role, hardships, and experience working during the extreme surges of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the pandemic hit in early 2020, he led a hospital serving one of the most socioeconomically disadvantaged communities in New York City. The hospital, known for its critical care services, had to adapt to the overwhelming patient surge rapidly. The book Dr. Shabsigh co-authored documents this adaptation process, offering a detailed account of the hospital’s response. It covers mobilizing essential resources, such as ventilators and ICU equipment, and establishing new ICU-ready areas within the hospital.

Although Dr. Shabsigh and his team were accustomed to high-pressure situations, the scale and severity of the pandemic presented unprecedented challenges. Dr Shabsigh explores how the hospital managed to

]integrate hard skills—such as medical equipment and staffing—with soft skills, including developing a collaborative and supportive culture among the staff. This culture proved vital in coping with the intense demands of the crisis and maintaining a high level of patient care.

The innovative cross-training program implemented to prepare surgical residents for critical care duties was also discussed heavily to emphasize the dynamics and experiences of the team. This initiative involved training around 15 to 18 physicians, ensuring they could handle severe respiratory and multi-organ failures competently. The book illustrates how this training was carried out under careful supervision to create a safe and effective environment for both patients and medical staff.

Throughout the narrative, Dr. Shabsigh reflects on the emotional impact of the pandemic, including the profound loss of a senior colleague and moments of hope, such as creating a celebratory announcement system for patient recovery. Dr. Shabsigh underscores the critical need for continued support and philanthropy, particularly for hospitals serving high-need communities. He highlights how donations can significantly impact institutions like St. Barnabas, which provide essential care to low-income communities. Through detailed accounts of their response and improvements made between surges, his department's hard work serves as a testament to the resilience and dedication of healthcare workers during one of the most challenging times in recent history.

Download
COinS