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The year 2020 will mostly be remembered for the terrifying COVID-19 pandemic that changed the world. This pandemic transformed every aspect of our lives, from the masks we wear to how we shop, learn, work, and socialize. Before this year, such a pandemic scenario was something only imaginable in science fiction, but now, very few people believe it couldn't happen again. This year has seen an overwhelming amount of loss and destruction that many would prefer to forget.
From a medical perspective, the pandemic rendered all fields of healthcare powerless. Despite years of training and practice, and all the medications and treatment technologies we could offer, far too many people succumbed to this disease. The routes of infection were unpredictable, and many treatment methods proved ineffective, insufficient, or too late. The mortality rate for patients in intensive care units was around 80%. Our healthcare system became overwhelmed with patients, leading to many individuals remaining in emergency rooms or using makeshift hospital beds. In a climate of misinformation, a fabricated report co-authored by doctors from top medical institutions like Harvard and Baylor was published in a prominent medical journal. However, we continue to hope for the development of effective treatments and vaccines, and in this regard, the pandemic has shown us just how crucial science is.
Many people have become more aware of their health during this pandemic. In the first three months of the outbreak, the average weight of Americans increased by about 12 pounds. The rates of depression and anxiety surged, with over 40% of adults showing signs of mental health issues—three times the usual rate. Among younger generations, 63% reported experiencing anxiety and depression, and 25% indicated they had contemplated suicide in August alone. Additionally, there is now a rising trend in cases of cancer and other infectious diseases that were previously neglected due to the pandemic. The only exception is a decrease in sexually transmitted infections due to social distancing.
Social distancing has also provided many people with more time alone. Some have finally been able to get the sleep they needed. Many of us have realized how easily our lives can be threatened and have become grateful for our survival. Everyone knows colleagues, family members, teachers, or friends who have battled this disease or died from it. Many have also come to know their families better, for better or worse.
On one hand, many children returned to their parents' homes, which can be seen as a blessing. On the other hand, in severely affected areas where quarantine was mandatory, divorce rates surged. On a community level, this pandemic has clearly shown how closely connected we all are. The fact that this virus started from a small case in Wuhan and spread worldwide within months illustrates how literally we are in contact with one another. At the same time, thanks to technological advancements over the past few decades, we have been able to maintain social relationships without direct face-to-face contact. We continued to work and connect through Zoom, FaceTime, and countless social media platforms. In this sense, we can argue that we were historically better prepared for a pandemic than ever before.
Beyond the pandemic, 2020 will also be remembered for the widespread social justice movements in American society. We are in a time of change, and the pandemic has likely taught us something in this regard. To survive, we truly must come together.
By Paul Han, MD
President, Association of Korean American Medical Graduates (AKAM)
The Association of Korean American Medical Graduates (AKAM) is a volunteer organization based in New York and New Jersey. We are dedicated to promoting the health and welfare of our community. We focus on volunteerism, education, research, and mentorship for physicians and students interested in medicine. For more information, visit www.akam.org.
