The COVID Journals: Healthcare Workers Write the Pandemic

In The COVID Journals: Health Care Workers Write the Pandemic, three physicians—Shane Neilson, Sarah Fraser, and Arundhati Dhara—offer an intimate glimpse into the lives of medical professionals during the pandemic through a rich tapestry of stories, art, and poetry. The volume collects powerful narratives—primarily memoiristic in form—written by healthcare workers reflecting on their experiences during COVID-19.

For example, “Fight or Flight,” by Shane Neilson, draws a parallel between the pandemic and 9/11, examining the notion of pandemic heroism while grappling with the weight of a title often given to those facing insurmountable odds. The title of Neilson’s story encapsulates the expectation put on physicians to subordinate their personal lives to battling the virus despite the difficulty and pressure of this commitment. Other narratives in the book echo similar themes, exploring ethical dilemmas, the burden of responsibility, and the pervasive uncertainty of the pandemic. The editors emphasize storytelling as a means of fostering empathy and as a record of resilience and professional dedication amid unprecedented crisis.