Introduction for this Issue's Commentaries

Coronavirus hit like a bullet train; it shattered our world and our borders, and it left the collective norms and economic pillars of our modern world in shambles. Our medical community once again demonstrated that our work is not just a career, but a calling. We saw acts of selfless courage, generosity, and personal sacrifice. As Albert Camus said through his protagonist in The Plague: “I have no idea what is awaiting me, or what will happen when this all ends. For the moment I know this: there are sick people and they need curing.” Our medical heroes, physicians, nurses, and all ancillary service staff put their lives on the line and rose to the occasion in all 4 corners of the world. For all of them, we owe our gratitude and our outmost respect and admiration. We will, despite all the challenges we are facing, emerge stronger and more resilient. As our researchers and clinicians work diligently to find therapies and vaccines, new paradigms of care may emerge. In this issue of the journal, My Corner is happy to host thoughts and observations from the COVID-19 pandemic. Drs. Jacob Hen and Elizabeth Foden describe their experience and consider future challenges in the new world of telemedicine, borne from the social distancing algorithm, so desperately needed to control this virus. Dr. Leroy Graham, a crusader for health equality shares with our readers his heart and mind in hope for a better tomorrow. His hope is that the current tragedy would encourage substantive changes to alleviate human suffering and lead to a more equitable health care for all. For as Camus skillfully and prophetically stated: “What's true of all the evils in the world is true of plague as well. It helps men to rise above themselves.”