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Nightly Applause Is Nice, but Some Doctors Think Votes Would Be Nicer Nightly Applause Is Nice, but Some Doctors Think Votes Would Be Nicer
(about 16 hours later)
Maxine Dexter, an intensive care physician, remembers exactly where she was sitting the Thursday morning her political ambitions were born. She was looking out her bedroom window toward northwest Portland — the snow-capped peak of Mount Adams winking at her from across the valley. She clutched a coffee her husband had brought upstairs in her favorite mug, the one that read: “Well yes, I’m overqualified.”Maxine Dexter, an intensive care physician, remembers exactly where she was sitting the Thursday morning her political ambitions were born. She was looking out her bedroom window toward northwest Portland — the snow-capped peak of Mount Adams winking at her from across the valley. She clutched a coffee her husband had brought upstairs in her favorite mug, the one that read: “Well yes, I’m overqualified.”
She turned on NPR. Christine Blasey Ford was testifying in the Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Brett Kavanaugh, describing what she alleged he did to her when they were teenagers. Dr. Blasey’s language was empirical, precise. “Indelible in the hippocampus is the laughter,” the research psychologist recalled.She turned on NPR. Christine Blasey Ford was testifying in the Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Brett Kavanaugh, describing what she alleged he did to her when they were teenagers. Dr. Blasey’s language was empirical, precise. “Indelible in the hippocampus is the laughter,” the research psychologist recalled.
Dr. Dexter, inhaled sharply. As a clinician, and as a sexual assault survivor, she would have used those exact words to describe her own experience. She began to fill with rage listening to the questions being put to Dr. Blasey. Three hours later she called a friend involved with Emerge Oregon, a program that recruits and trains Democratic women to enter politics. “I want to run for office,” Dr. Dexter announced.Dr. Dexter, inhaled sharply. As a clinician, and as a sexual assault survivor, she would have used those exact words to describe her own experience. She began to fill with rage listening to the questions being put to Dr. Blasey. Three hours later she called a friend involved with Emerge Oregon, a program that recruits and trains Democratic women to enter politics. “I want to run for office,” Dr. Dexter announced.
Now the pulmonologist is moonlighting as a Democratic candidate for Oregon’s state legislature — while spending her days treating Covid-19 patients in the I.C.U.Now the pulmonologist is moonlighting as a Democratic candidate for Oregon’s state legislature — while spending her days treating Covid-19 patients in the I.C.U.
In 2018 the country saw a “STEM wave” of scientists running for office, and Congress welcomed nine new members with degrees in science, technology, engineering and medicine — two Republicans and seven Democrats. Five were women. Patrice Harris, president of the American Medical Association, said she has seen a steady uptick in physicians running for office over the course of her career.In 2018 the country saw a “STEM wave” of scientists running for office, and Congress welcomed nine new members with degrees in science, technology, engineering and medicine — two Republicans and seven Democrats. Five were women. Patrice Harris, president of the American Medical Association, said she has seen a steady uptick in physicians running for office over the course of her career.
Some candidates said they decided to enter a new arena because they viewed the Trump administration as hostile to their old one: scientific expertise. A president who said there are “scientists on both sides of the issue” on climate change was cause for alarm.Some candidates said they decided to enter a new arena because they viewed the Trump administration as hostile to their old one: scientific expertise. A president who said there are “scientists on both sides of the issue” on climate change was cause for alarm.
For some, that alarm has only grown in light of the government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, from failures in state testing programs to suggestions from the president on the merits of ingesting disinfectants.For some, that alarm has only grown in light of the government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, from failures in state testing programs to suggestions from the president on the merits of ingesting disinfectants.
As the pandemic turns a spotlight on health care workers, — nightly applause in New York, murals going up around the country, free plane tickets and other signs of appreciation — many doctors-turned-candidates say it is a prime time to try and convert those cheers into votes.As the pandemic turns a spotlight on health care workers, — nightly applause in New York, murals going up around the country, free plane tickets and other signs of appreciation — many doctors-turned-candidates say it is a prime time to try and convert those cheers into votes.
“Americans are looking to physicians as honest brokers that are going to keep them safe right now,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action, a political action committee that aims to see more scientists in politics. “They’re tuning in to briefings to hear from Dr. Fauci and Dr. Birx and Dr. Redfield,” she added, referring to the White House coronavirus briefings. “It’s doctor doctor doctor.”“Americans are looking to physicians as honest brokers that are going to keep them safe right now,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action, a political action committee that aims to see more scientists in politics. “They’re tuning in to briefings to hear from Dr. Fauci and Dr. Birx and Dr. Redfield,” she added, referring to the White House coronavirus briefings. “It’s doctor doctor doctor.”
The rising tide of STEM, Ms. Naughton said, has come at the same time as the pink wave of women running for office. Ms. Naughton herself, a chemist, ran and lost two previous primaries. “Part of what people are looking for is not the status quo. Women and physicians represent change.”The rising tide of STEM, Ms. Naughton said, has come at the same time as the pink wave of women running for office. Ms. Naughton herself, a chemist, ran and lost two previous primaries. “Part of what people are looking for is not the status quo. Women and physicians represent change.”
Ms. Naughton also said for female candidates facing perennial voter biases on competence or confidence, leaning on the credibility of a medical degree provides a helpful boost. (Dr. Dexter said she used to sometimes forgo her “Dr.” title and white coat, until her husband implored her to stop, saying: “Wear your white coat. The sexism is real.”)Ms. Naughton also said for female candidates facing perennial voter biases on competence or confidence, leaning on the credibility of a medical degree provides a helpful boost. (Dr. Dexter said she used to sometimes forgo her “Dr.” title and white coat, until her husband implored her to stop, saying: “Wear your white coat. The sexism is real.”)
The pandemic has given front-line physicians like Dr. Dexter a clear view of the life-or-death stakes of government decision making, whether on social distancing or contact tracing. At work, Dr. Dexter has seen how even healthy, young patients can rapidly devolve, some spending enough time on a ventilator to cause lifelong physical damage.The pandemic has given front-line physicians like Dr. Dexter a clear view of the life-or-death stakes of government decision making, whether on social distancing or contact tracing. At work, Dr. Dexter has seen how even healthy, young patients can rapidly devolve, some spending enough time on a ventilator to cause lifelong physical damage.
“People who aren’t in health care wouldn’t necessarily understand what we’re seeing in the same way,” Dr. Dexter said. The recoveries that she has witnessed in the I.C.U. have given her added inspiration, she said, as she stares down a May 19 primary, with recent endorsements from The Portland Tribune and former Gov. Barbara Roberts of Oregon.“People who aren’t in health care wouldn’t necessarily understand what we’re seeing in the same way,” Dr. Dexter said. The recoveries that she has witnessed in the I.C.U. have given her added inspiration, she said, as she stares down a May 19 primary, with recent endorsements from The Portland Tribune and former Gov. Barbara Roberts of Oregon.
She has found that her medical work unexpectedly prepared her for campaigning. “I knock on the doors of strangers every day,” she said, “when I knock on the door of an exam room and need to establish trust.” (Since the pandemic hit, her door knocking has turned to phone and Zoom calls.) If she wins, she plans to decrease her clinical work by 50 percent and take a steep pay cut; Oregon state legislators make under $25,000 a year.She has found that her medical work unexpectedly prepared her for campaigning. “I knock on the doors of strangers every day,” she said, “when I knock on the door of an exam room and need to establish trust.” (Since the pandemic hit, her door knocking has turned to phone and Zoom calls.) If she wins, she plans to decrease her clinical work by 50 percent and take a steep pay cut; Oregon state legislators make under $25,000 a year.
In Texas, Dr. Christine Eady Mann is looking to make a similar leap. She spends half her week practicing as a family care provider, where she sees firsthand the fallout of testing delays and medical supply shortages; the rest of her time is devoted to a race for Republican Representative John Carter’s seat, with a Democratic runoff in July. “There’s a vast difference between having someone who actually understands the science and data, versus someone who’s just read about it from a policy book their staff put together,” Dr. Mann said.In Texas, Dr. Christine Eady Mann is looking to make a similar leap. She spends half her week practicing as a family care provider, where she sees firsthand the fallout of testing delays and medical supply shortages; the rest of her time is devoted to a race for Republican Representative John Carter’s seat, with a Democratic runoff in July. “There’s a vast difference between having someone who actually understands the science and data, versus someone who’s just read about it from a policy book their staff put together,” Dr. Mann said.
The physician also feels that her clinical skills would serve her well in the delicate work of political communication. “My day job is talking people into getting colonoscopies,” Dr. Mann said. “You find ways to convince people that what you’re telling them is a good idea. It’s an excellent fit for policy.”The physician also feels that her clinical skills would serve her well in the delicate work of political communication. “My day job is talking people into getting colonoscopies,” Dr. Mann said. “You find ways to convince people that what you’re telling them is a good idea. It’s an excellent fit for policy.”
Dr. Mann’s frustration with the government’s coronavirus response began to mount as her clinic struggled to access personal protective equipment. She has been relying on the same single-use masks repeatedly, disinfecting them between shifts and hoping for the best. She struggled to get face shields, too, so a sympathetic patient manufactured them locally using a 3-D printer.Dr. Mann’s frustration with the government’s coronavirus response began to mount as her clinic struggled to access personal protective equipment. She has been relying on the same single-use masks repeatedly, disinfecting them between shifts and hoping for the best. She struggled to get face shields, too, so a sympathetic patient manufactured them locally using a 3-D printer.
Dr. Mann has used social media to call for action from local officials, filming a video for NowThis condemning the lack of public health information coming from the government. She envisions a government that might have responded to the pandemic entirely differently if it had more scientific voices to debunk misinformation.Dr. Mann has used social media to call for action from local officials, filming a video for NowThis condemning the lack of public health information coming from the government. She envisions a government that might have responded to the pandemic entirely differently if it had more scientific voices to debunk misinformation.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
She has also begun mobilizing other physicians to consider the leap to politics. She is helping to launch Doctors in Politics, a coalition of medical workers running for office . The group has recruited 10 members across eight states. Though the group is officially nonpartisan, nine of those candidates are Democrats and one is independent.She has also begun mobilizing other physicians to consider the leap to politics. She is helping to launch Doctors in Politics, a coalition of medical workers running for office . The group has recruited 10 members across eight states. Though the group is officially nonpartisan, nine of those candidates are Democrats and one is independent.
Republican doctors are also running this year, including one high-profile congressional candidate in Texas: Ronny Jackson, who formerly served as Donald Trump’s physician and who often speaks about his medical experience in the context of public policy. In a tweet this month he said he knows “as a medical doctor” that abortion is “definitely not essential.”Republican doctors are also running this year, including one high-profile congressional candidate in Texas: Ronny Jackson, who formerly served as Donald Trump’s physician and who often speaks about his medical experience in the context of public policy. In a tweet this month he said he knows “as a medical doctor” that abortion is “definitely not essential.”
Dr. Lisa Reynolds, a Democrat and pediatrician in Oregon running for a seat in the state house, said her early experience treating Covid-19 patients showed her the need for more testing and social distancing at the start of the outbreak. “I’m certain we were seeing kids with Covid in early March and we had zero testing then,” Dr. Reynolds said. “There were a few times I left work and thought this could’ve been the day I caught Covid.”Dr. Lisa Reynolds, a Democrat and pediatrician in Oregon running for a seat in the state house, said her early experience treating Covid-19 patients showed her the need for more testing and social distancing at the start of the outbreak. “I’m certain we were seeing kids with Covid in early March and we had zero testing then,” Dr. Reynolds said. “There were a few times I left work and thought this could’ve been the day I caught Covid.”
Dr. Reynolds worried, too, for the health of patients not affected by Covid-19. She established safe hours when parents could come in to vaccinate their young children, ensuring the current coronavirus outbreak doesn’t trigger an outbreak of whooping cough, or another preventable illness, in later months.Dr. Reynolds worried, too, for the health of patients not affected by Covid-19. She established safe hours when parents could come in to vaccinate their young children, ensuring the current coronavirus outbreak doesn’t trigger an outbreak of whooping cough, or another preventable illness, in later months.
As Dr. Reynolds scrambled to change her routine to accommodate panicking families, she wondered why she wasn’t seeing the same proactive approach from state and local officials. “If I were a legislator I would be camping outside the governor’s office saying I don’t think we’re moving fast enough on this,” she said.As Dr. Reynolds scrambled to change her routine to accommodate panicking families, she wondered why she wasn’t seeing the same proactive approach from state and local officials. “If I were a legislator I would be camping outside the governor’s office saying I don’t think we’re moving fast enough on this,” she said.
Hiral Tipirneni, a former emergency physician and member of the Doctors in Politics coalition, is running for Congress in a district in the northeast valley of Phoenix this year, after a loss in 2018. She said health care workers have always been the first to see the fatal consequences of flawed policies, whether on public health or the economy. But it wasn’t until now, amid the coronavirus crisis, that they found themselves with far-reaching platforms and captive audiences.Hiral Tipirneni, a former emergency physician and member of the Doctors in Politics coalition, is running for Congress in a district in the northeast valley of Phoenix this year, after a loss in 2018. She said health care workers have always been the first to see the fatal consequences of flawed policies, whether on public health or the economy. But it wasn’t until now, amid the coronavirus crisis, that they found themselves with far-reaching platforms and captive audiences.
She recalled once treating a young woman with an infected wound on her sternum. Months before, the woman had noticed a small lump on her breast, but hadn’t sought treatment because she wasn’t insured. It grew so quickly and aggressively that it ate through her chest wall. Once in the E.R., there was nothing the doctors could do to save her.She recalled once treating a young woman with an infected wound on her sternum. Months before, the woman had noticed a small lump on her breast, but hadn’t sought treatment because she wasn’t insured. It grew so quickly and aggressively that it ate through her chest wall. Once in the E.R., there was nothing the doctors could do to save her.
It was then that Dr. Tipirneni began to realize the stories she encountered in her work could provide important evidence in policymaking discussions, whether on employment, insurance or disease. She later told her family she thought more women doctors should run for office. Then, she recalled: “My daughter looked me in the eye and said, ‘Well Mom, if not you then who?’”It was then that Dr. Tipirneni began to realize the stories she encountered in her work could provide important evidence in policymaking discussions, whether on employment, insurance or disease. She later told her family she thought more women doctors should run for office. Then, she recalled: “My daughter looked me in the eye and said, ‘Well Mom, if not you then who?’”