January 15, 2021 –The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed healthcare in many ways including the incorporation of telemedicine into clinical practice. The pandemic has also forced gastroenterology clinicians to be adaptable in the way they provide care to patients due to stay at home orders or COVID-19 surges. Additionally, many gastroenterologists have needed to take on new professional or personal roles by working as hospitalists due to COVID-19 surges, or playing the role of a teacher to assist their children with homeschooling. We have demonstrated that gastroenterology clinicians can successfully adapt to an ever-changing health care environment.
Gastroenterology clinicians should strongly consider accepting one final role to help end the COVID-19 pandemic. GI clinicians should become COVID-19 vaccine advocates by personally receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and sharing their experience with their staff, patients, and family members.