Pandemic Spotlight

Book excerpt: Eminent CBC journalist Ian Hanomansing profiles the Canadian doctors who stepped up to guide the nation through its worst medical crisis in a century. Most medical doctors, are accustomed to living lives of quiet dedication far from the public eye. What is it like for conscientious professionals like them when a country panicked by pandemic is suddenly beating down their doors desperate for answers? One of the remarkable features of the Covid-19 pandemic is the strength and compassion of the previously low-profile doctors who took to the public stage to lead the bewildered nation through the pandemic, counteracting misinformation and articulating the most up-to-date medical advice on avoiding infection and reducing viral transmission. British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry attracted international attention for her calm, empathetic and evidence-based approach. Ontario infectious disease specialists Dr. Zain Chagla and Dr. Sumon Chakrabati advocated passionately for effective measures within the South Asian community disproportionately affected by the virus. Dr. Lisa Barrett and her infectious disease colleagues at Dalhousie University lobbied to set up rapid testing in places like bars, sports centres and university campuses in order to detect those unwittingly spreading the virus and to provide an early warning of potential outbreaks. Hanomansing captures the perspective and insights of doctors from coast to coast who accepted roles as public advocates and advisors, exploring the impact of unaccustomed celebrity as well as the skepticism, resistance and even hostility that sometimes went as far as death threats from Covid-deniers. Few of the stories to come out of the pandemic are as inspiring as this one of the doctors, scientists and health officials who transcended their accustomed roles to become public symbols of trust and hope. As they prepare to return to their private careers, they respond to Hanomansing’s invitation to detail lessons learned and measures that need to be taken to improve the response to future deadly pandemics. All author royalties from sales of the book will go to UBC’s Centre for Health Education Scholarship.