I've been following in her footsteps since I was a student at the University of Medical Sciences in Las Tunas. Her career was promising but, beyond any prediction, what really caught my attention was her dedication and that beautiful soul that she still glimpses when she practices her career with love.
Las Tunas, Cuba - Pediatrician Lianet Zaragoza Ricardo has been a graduate for almost four years. A little more than a month ago a phone call broke the silence of her home. On the other side, the caller asked: We need your support in these times of Covid-19. Without saying more, she did not hesitate, and since then she has offered her knowledge and empathy.
She could have thought that, even if she takes care of herself, it will imply exposing herself to a lethal disease. She could have thought of her mother's anguish, of her younger brother, even of the service of young Christians of which she is an active member. But no, she knew it was her duty and, although she was always told that taking that step was voluntary, she felt a commitment to herself and the Hippocratic Oath she took to defend human welfare at all costs.
Recently she began to serve at Los Cocos isolation center in this province. On the phone, she tells me that she wakes up every morning with a positive attitude, thinking that her work can save lives.
“I make visiting passes, I examine the patients very carefully. Since I am dealing with children, I have to earn their trust, which is a difficult part, especially when you are wearing gloves, a mask, and a cap. Nevertheless, I assist 18-year-old-children.
“The questioning is done to the parents from a distance, but the physical examination does involve closeness to the patient. The oropharynx must be examined, auscultated and the hemodynamics checked. In addition, I do educational work, explain how to correctly use the mask, that they should not share the glass with anyone and similar things in favor of prevention. But this work is not only mine, as all the doctors and nurses contribute to it.
“It is valid to recognize the contribution not only of the Health personnel, because there are also waiters, cooks, cleaning assistants, even orthodontists and rehabilitators who are helping, not in their profession itself, but in tasks such as collecting or distributing the clothes and taking lunch to the patients, she added.
Because of her literary skills and sensitivity, Lianet was able to be a great writer. Although she has not yet given up on that dream, human well-being is a priority.
Aware of the value of each life, she recommends that people do not hide symptoms during investigations or think that it is a common cold; not to self-medicate or abuse antibiotics; to be alert to the appearance of any symptoms and, if so, to go quickly to the doctor.
In the case of the family's response to the children at home, she said: "The children must be assisted with patience, they are restless by nature, but the idea is that they are not playing in the street or with other friends inside the house. Let's remember that there is no way of knowing who is infected."
"You have to look for strategies at home and spend time with them. Playing, talking to them and taking care of them are key elements in this process."
When the service is over, she will be on the precautionary watch, and after the required time, she will be able to go back to work normally. Lianet is a proud part of that army of white coats that today defends not only the present, but also our future.
