As part of the COVID-19 pandemic, I see signs everywhere saying they have perks for health care workers. I can go to the front of the line at Costco, or for takeout at a restaurant, or to checkout at the grocery store. Certainly it would be easy, I always have my hospital ID in my car.
Dr. Allan M. Block
I have no interest in doing so. None.
As I’ve previously written, I’m in the back seat right now. For me to take out my hospital ID and grandstand to get in front of the line is not only a lie, but takes away from someone – a nurse, a paramedic, another doctor, whatever – who actually is on the front line of the pandemic and may be in a hurry to get home or back to work.
Me? I may be a doctor, but certainly not part of fighting the pandemic (unless you count wearing a mask and washing my hands frequently as such). I’m here for anyone who needs a neurologist, and my office is open, but that’s always been my normal day at work. I’m not at the hospital, or a screening center, or urgent care.
To me it seems pretty hypocritical, or at least inappropriate, for me to take advantage of a “FastPass” (as Disneyland calls it) when I’m really not one of the people it is intended for.
Perhaps it’s a minor point, but I have three kids, and part of raising them is leading by example. Don’t take something that isn’t yours.
Which is what it would feel like to me.
Dr. Block has a solo neurology practice in Scottsdale, Ariz.