VIDEO: Anne Schuchat, MD, encourages pediatricians to ‘please take care of yourselves’

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Anne Schuchat, MD, former principal deputy director of the CDC, has a message for pediatricians.

During a talk here at the AAP Annual Conference & Exhibition, Schuchat reflected on what she called her “personal pandemic journey” and some of the challenges the United States has faced in responding to COVID-19. In an interview with Healio, she also spoke about the role pediatricians will play in getting children caught up on vaccinations and urged them to monitor the mental health and social impact the pandemic has had on their patients.

“But I guess the last thing I would say is: Please take care of yourselves,” Schuchat said. “Pediatricians were part of that health care workforce that really went through the ringer. I know pediatricians who ended up caring for adults in the intensive care unit because hands were scarce, and they knew how to handle respirators. We really want the profession to heal so that you can heal those you care for.”

References:

Schuchat A. Section on neonatal perinatal medicine program: Organization meetings and keynote lectures. Presented at: AAP National Conference & Exhibition; Oct. 7-11, 2022; Anaheim, Calif.