on the
FRONT LINES Faith (Slaton) Byland ‘10
Staff Pharmacist at the Mount Sinai Hospital What have you found to be the most challenging part of dealing with the pandemic on the front lines? When the coronavirus had first hit NYC, a vast majority of our patients were mild cases and simply would receive oxygen in the emergency department and would be discharged. As time progressed with this pandemic, patients were quickly becoming sicker and critical-often requiring intubation and a plethora of medications to keep them stable. One of the biggest challenges has been trying to keep up with the increased workload as more and more patients have been admitted. Our hospital’s policies and procedures are constantly changing even multiple times a day so it has been crucial to ensure patients are receiving the most appropriate medications and care possible as more and more
30 alumni & friends
data and information is known about COVID-19. Since I have never worked in a pandemic, I have gained so much experience and knowledge on the importance of adaptability and resilience. What have you found to be the most rewarding? I feel as though it has and always will be a privilege and honor to work in NYC at any time but especially at such a trying time like now. I became a pharmacist
because I wanted to help people. I have a responsibility to my patients to ensure they are receiving the most appropriate, best care possible especially at such a traumatic time for them. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a pharmacist during this pandemic has been seeing the progression of patients as they fight to beat the coronavirus and become stable and healthy enough to be discharged from the hospital.
