Editor's Corner: A Time to Reflect

With the end of the Thanksgiving weekend, I must reflect on recent events in New York City, and the impact they had on our medical infrastructure. I was finally filling my car up with gasoline and in front of me was a large pickup truck filling up a huge tank of gas. I asked what it was for and was told "fuel" for hospital generators in Staten Island, New York, that are still without electricity. It reminded me that while much in New York City has returned to normal, much has not. Hospitals and physician practices have been impacted all throughout our tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, in areas that many of our NELA members call home.

On a more personal basis, Superstorm Sandy has shut down our three hospitals for the foreseeable future. The New York University, Bellevue, and Manhattan VA facilities sit empty for the first time. While outpatient facilities at NYU and Bellevue are slowly restoring, my colleagues at the VA have been sent to other facilities in the Bronx and Brooklyn. Our surgeons are at many different sites around New York, and our emergency room and medical services remain shut. Patients have been directed to other institutions; however they often prefer closer facilities rather than our alternative offerings. While many of our full-time faculty have simply been relocated, others, both part-time and voluntary, have not been as fortunate. The other day, on the way to our weekly journal club, I ran into a good friend and nephrologist, who reminded me that most of his income is generated in the hospital. With no hospital at which to see patients, he was worried about what the next few months would bring.

The research costs have also been numerous. Loss of animal models, samples and facilities was countless. Time will restore some, but not all, of these losses, and the concern about funding withdrawal lingers for many. Despite this, our spirit remains strong. NYU has a tradition of rising above disaster, and the community is strong. Many of us trained here, and while the administration has changed, the direction and leadership of our dean has been wonderful. The shadow of Saul Farber looms large, and he would - I am sure - tell us all to push forward, as we plan to do.

Three days before the holiday weekend our lipid clinic reopened at Bellevue. With the opening of our outpatient radiology facilities this week, much is returning to normal for some. For others, it will be a long process. The personal calls, e-mails and concern voiced by friends and colleagues were numerous and sincere. We thank you all. We will persevere. I am proud to have trained here and to be part of a wonderful institution that will rebuild and continue its tradition of excellence.