The Second Edition of Recapturing Joy in Medicine is NOW available!

 GREAT NEWS! 

The updated and revised Second Edition of my book, 

Recapturing Joy in Medicine 

is NOW AVAILABLE!!!

I love the new cover and how it highlights a central need for all medical professionals: Community! We long for camaraderie and effective teamwork to provide the care we are trained to give.

Praised as "a love letter to the medical profession," this revised and updated edition adds resources, stories, and strategies to support journeys to thrive, not merely survive, at work and in life! The book maintains the same relatable style with fresh insights and new prompts for reflection and personal transformation.

In today’s high-pressure environment, Recapturing Joy in Medicine invites you to reflect and rediscover what inspired you to practice medicine in the first place. This interactive, practical resource sparks insights and new ways of thinking that help you see possibilities rather than obstacles. Amaryllis shares stories and lessons from her thirty years in medicine, leadership, and advocacy alongside inspiring colleagues. From her early days as chief resident to her practice in the military, corporate, nonprofit, and faith-based settings to life-changing medical missions overseas — her diverse experiences fill the book with unique perspectives that inspire introspection and action.

This updated edition is an expression of hope and gratitude 

for my colleagues in medicine and every member of the healthcare team. 

My hope is to equip, empower, and encourage each of you 

to be good to yourselves as you care for others!

The book is a well-researched, hope-filled companion to daily practice in any setting where patients receive care. Caregivers also find it valuable as they learn about challenges of modern medicine and the need for medical professionals to pursue greater personal wellbeing in mind, body, soul, and spirit while striving to provide excellent care in a fractured system.

Thank you for sharing this resource with medical professionals of all types, including students, residents, fellows, medical schools, health professions schools, training programs, hospitals ... and all who love and work alongside these dedicated human beings!

Blessings,

Dr. Mari (Amaryllis)

Move beyond fatigue and frustration and rediscover 

purpose, possibilities, and JOY!

P.S. Contact me HERE with your stories, questions, and requests! And share the link to the book with your family, friends, and colleagues! 

Click HERE to ORDER!

Let this book be your guide to a more joyful and fulfilling career — and a reminder to extend the same compassion and kindness to yourself that you extend to others!

Stillness: A Path to Life

 It's been two years since I've written here. And now, it is time to return.

The psalmist wrote these words in Psalm 46:10,

"Be still and know that I am God."

While praying through Psalm 46 years ago, the Lord spoke these words to my heart,

In stillness 

you will know Me 

as the eternal 

I AM. 

Years later, life events forced the need for stillness. Perfect stillness. 

And those words returned tenderly to my mind, my soul, and (I hope!) every cell of my body.

Like the psalmist in Psalm 42 is led to deep waters and his thirst is quenched ... 

    like Thompson in "Hound of Heaven" is pursued relentlessly by Love, and finally trusts, giving in ...

 I am now drinking 

and breathing 

and living into 

those words of Life.

Moved to become perfectly still,  

my heart grew aware

of Love's pursuit gaining ground.

 And right there, as I lay perfectly still, 

the invitation returned:

In stillness

you ... will ... know ... Me 

as the eternal 

I AM. 

You will.

Anchored in Eternity 

while grounded in this present moment,

I treasure this sweet friendship 

with the eternal I AM.

The Source of everything beautiful, praiseworthy, and good.

The Maker of wildflower, cheetah, cardinal, 

lava, dew, ocean, and storm.

The One who knew we would need both moon and sun, 

sunset and sunrise, 

and was pleased to make it so.

In Him is Life, indeed, 

and Light unto humankind.

In stillness, we listen. 

We taste.

We see.

We know.

May we be still and know.

Dr Mari

P.S. Bird-listening (it's so much more than birdwatching!) was a first step on my journey to deeper and longer-lasting inner stillness. Here's a Great Egret I captured in flight over the waters at Orlando Wetlands -- one of my favorite thin places of encounter with God!

Colegio Espíritu Santo - ¡Damos Gracias con Nuestras Vidas!

This week I learned that my beloved high school, Colegio Espíritu Santo in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, will close its doors tomorrow after 80 years of faithful service. Like so many thousands of alumni, I was shocked and saddened by the news. As I reflect on the implications of this closing -- along with the closing of tens of other outstanding schools on the Island -- I realize this is a sign of the times, and bigger than any one of us. Yet, the overwhelming gratitude I feel for our Espíritu has kept me focused on the future, and how we can honor the treasure we received through superb education of the mind and formation of the human being. 

A small group gathered this morning at the school in solidarity and to sing our school hymn, and I was able to join via live transmission. It was special, and I'm so grateful I could be part of that moment that helped bring some closure to us all. I could barely sing through the tears, and was glad to end the song with our traditional cheer, ¡Espíritu, fuá! 

I can't imagine all the ways my life would have been different had it not been for the blessing of Colegio Espíritu Santo. I may very well owe my strong faith to this institution and the many teachers and inspiring nuns who instilled in me, beginning in third grade, not only a deep, abiding faith and trust in God but also a discerning mind and spirit. My strong prayer life and desire to live a life of service are rooted deeply in Espíritu, our teachers, and the various organizations to which I belonged there.

The blessing of an academically solid bilingual education with a strong foundation of faith, truth, and hope are incomparable gifts. I am forever grateful to my parents for driving 30 minutes in city traffic each day to get my brother and I to school all those years!

I learned to love theater and dance even more through our professionally planned and executed talent shows, for which we became known all over the island. I also experienced the blessing of true community, something desperately needed in our world today.

As the author of four books, I am so grateful for the class where I mastered speedy typing! And who can forget the 'torneos' we'd host and staff faithfully (concessions, anyone?) and the away games we'd join regularly to cheer for our teams and friends!

My friend group -- such exceptional human beings -- are still in my daily life more than thirty years later. What would life be like without each of you, my dear friends? I can't even imagine it. I love you ALL, whether we remain actively involved in each others' lives or not. I love each of you as the family you are!

Finally, I join all CES alumni in expressing our immense gratitude to EVERY teacher who invested in our education and in our lives. Some of you were quite literally lifelines during some of our toughest times in life. Your investment in the formation and lives of young people has left an enduring legacy of love and excellence that will continue to bear good fruit down the generations. 

We LOVE you -- our amazing teachers -- and we are GRATEFUL for each of you. Thank YOU.

Going forward, no matter what happens, I know there is something we all can do to give back, and it has to do with how we continue to live our lives. Each of us will keep the fire of the Spirit alive, making sure the education we received at our Alma Mater continues to make a difference in our communities and in the people we are called to serve, influence, and love. Let that be our legacy for Espíritu.

¡CES por siempre! 

Con gran amor, gratitud y esperanza, gracias a nuestro Dios, quien es la Verdad, nunca nos falta y es el mismo ayer, hoy y por siempre. (With much love, gratitude, and hope -- thanks to our God -- who is the Truth, never fails us, and is the same yesterday, today, and forever.)

Amaryllis (Dr. Mari)

Video from this morning's gathering at Colegio Espíritu Santo.

Video of children singing our school hymn during the pandemic.

Our school hymn, written by Frankie Jirau:

Colegio Espíritu Santo,

Alma Mater sin igual.

Aurora de la enseñanza,

modelo del saber y del triunfar.

Alma Mater, nuestro amor

te cantamos con fervor.

Este himno, ¿qué será?

Luz de Dios que es la Verdad.

Colegio Espíritu Santo

eres flor de inspiración.

Por eso te guardaremos

grabado en el jardín del corazón.

Letting the Word Speak

 

"Rejoice in the Lord always.

I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all.

The Lord is near.

 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble,

whatever is right, whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—

think about such things.

 

Whatever you have learned or received

or heard from me, or seen in me—

put it into practice.

 

And the God of peace will be with you."

Philippians 4:4-9

 

 

Choosing. Abiding. And, thus...

 

Rejoicing!

 

Dr Mari

The Last 3 Sermons - Fr. Russell's Trifecta

This summer marks a significant transition for our family. My husband Russell has served as associate rector for pastoral care at our church for fourteen years while also serving the children, teachers, and administration as the chaplain for our outstanding pre-school. As he transitions to a new ministry, it's been so moving to hear his last few sermons these past three weeks. I've been asked to post them by several people, so here is the link to the trifecta of sermons by Fr. Russell beginning with Trinity Sunday (May 30, 2021), followed by a powerful D-day message about Christ's victory (June 6, 2021), and ending with today's moving reflections on the Gospel message and Fr. Russell's final exhortations (June 13, 2021).

Endings may be bittersweet, yet we feel blessed and immensely grateful. We have another forever family in our church community that we will take with us wherever we go. We also know that endings are essential for new beginnings, so we're excited for all that lies ahead.

As Russ follows God's call to "a new thing," we know the promise spoken over our family years ago will continue to be fulfilled in God's perfect time and way. As we follow God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — we thank Him for calling us as a family to be "oaks of righteousness, His planting for the display of His splendor" (Isaiah 61:3).

Imperfect as we are, we acknowledge our absolute reliance on Him for everything, and we are grateful to know that our future ministry and lives are in His hands. We have a few more weeks, still, with our church family of 21 years and will cherish every conversation, prayer, and hug. 

Thank You, Lord, for Your goodness and love. We are blessed.

Joyfully,

Mari

See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

Isaiah 43:19a 

Join Us for Live CME in Women's Health!

This summer, I am working with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) again to offer evidence-based CME covering health issues unique to women. Women’s health encompasses so much, and family physicians are often the first point of contact for health-related moments throughout a woman’s life.

Join us via livestream June 9-12, 2021 and earn up to 20 live CME credits as you explore topics you need daily in practice!

AAFP livestream courses like this one are designed in half-day sessions you can access from anywhere. Attend the full course or choose from half-day sessions to suit your schedule. As a faculty presenter at the conference, I am thrilled to have tested the technology, which will enhance the experience for all of us!

Follow the link to register for the AAFP Women’s Health Livestream coming up June 9-12, 2021! For more information, visit aafp.org. I hope to ‘see’ you there!

Joyfully,

Dr. Mari

Healthy Living Tips for All!

A few years ago, I was proud to collaborate with the Florida Medical Association as they launched the statewide Healthy Living initiative to provide education and resources for physicians and patients. As always, it was a joy to work with their dedicated and supportive staff, and I felt honored to be asked to contribute to such a meaningful project. 

The short video we created provides simple tips to help physicians and other medical professionals incorporate conversations about lifestyle change more naturally. It also speaks of small paradigm shifts with big impact to help us all make healthier choices each day. You may watch the brief video below.

Other resources available from the Healthy Living initiative include motivational interviewing tips, a free healthy living toolkit, and a continuing medical education (CME) presentation titled, Inspiring Change: Lifestyle Choices Made Easier. 

 

Joyfully,

Dr. Mari

A Unique Physician Wellness Conference: Join Us in April!

One of my favorite conferences of the year is coming up ... I'm so excited! It's always inspiring, equipping, and a lot of fun. And this year, it comes at the perfect time.  

We all need some refreshing, don't we?

I've been blessed to serve as faculty, content developer, and presenter at the AAFP Physician Health & Wellbeing Conference every year since its inception. And this year, we have another superb conference planned on a fantastic virtual platform. I will provide a keynote session where I'll share stories from my 25 years in medicine and strategies to de-escalate difficult encounters. My second presentation will be packed with gems from my book, Recapturing Joy in Medicine, recently referred to as "a love letter to the medical profession." Yes, that made my year ... because it's true!

I'm particularly excited to be part of a special session we've planned where we hope to connect with our colleagues in a deeper way ... by being just a bit vulnerable. We're letting ourselves be stretched to connect with one another. It will be unique and very meaningful. I can't wait!

Join us via livestream this April 7-9, 2021 for a conference that changes lives. Reach out to me here with any questions. Follow the link or click on the image above to learn more about the conference and register. I hope to see you there!

Joyfully,

Dr. Mari

Finishing Well in the Storms of Life

Finishing well. Such an energizing, hopeful statement, isn't it?

The title of my next retreat is Finishing Well in the Storms of Life. 

The Quiet Day retreat is coming up on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 starting at 9:30 am ET! 

I will lead three short reflections followed by time for prayer, meditation, journaling, or whatever your soul needs to reflect and rest.

Join us at 9:30 am ET via livestream or in person (following all CDC protocols, including masks, social distancing, etc.). We will adjourn at 11:30 am.

REGISTER HERE!

As a bonus, I have a FREE GIFT for all attendees. Follow the link to download my book, Finishing Well in the Storms of Life, which will form the basis for my reflections at the retreat. The book will walk you through Paul's letters to the Philippians and Colossians as we explore the theme of perseverance and finishing well with faith and hope. I would love your feedback HERE and hope the book enriches your journey through Lent.

Joyfully,

Dr. Mari 

This retreat will be a nice follow-up to the Quiet Day retreat I led in March 2020 right as the pandemic began in our community. You can read more about that in Standing Together in Times of Uncertainty.

Strategies to Stay Well in 2021

Happy New Year! Do you love the start of a New Year as much as I do? I find it so helpful to set aside an intentional pause to consider the year we've left behind before planning for the one that's ahead. I hope you've engaged in that process and, if you haven't yet, perhaps this weekend is a good time!

As you ponder and let go of what needs to be left behind with 2020, consider what's going well in your life. What is helping you stay hopeful and motivated? Who has been a blessing in your life or at work? What has inspired you to persevere?

Lately, I've been inspired by the contractor who walked around our house and sent "his best guys" so we didn't have to do another home project on our own. It makes such a difference to have support and expertise from the right person when we need it, doesn't it? I've also been inspired by my loving husband and children, and I continue to be inspired by YOU -- my colleagues!

Thank YOU for your dedication to caring for people with excellence and for your perseverance during this stressful time. As always, I like to add JOY, MEANING, and HOPE to your life, so here are a few ways to keep moving forward in 2021:

• Choose carefully what you watch on social media, TV, and your smartphone, and what you lend your ears to ... rumors, gossip, and negativity erode the soul and breed more of the same.

• Discern and control what draws your attention and the voices you empower inside your head ... as well as external voices coming in.

• Get outdoors daily and rotate your favorite ways to exercise so you don't get bored and keep moving.
  

• Listen to uplifting music or podcasts daily.

• When you feel down or discouraged, have a plan that includes reaching out to people who care about you so you don't isolate.

• Rest ... reflect ... restore your soul with intention.

A new year brings HOPE! Stay connected with optimistic people who lift you up and help you be better as you invest in your wellbeing and growth in 2021!

Joyfully, with Hope,

Dr Mari (Amaryllis)

Want to hear some of my story and learn the "why" behind my advocacy work? Listen to my January 2021 podcast interview with the CEO for the Florida Medical Association HERE. 

 

Hope is Here!

In the year of the pandemic and every year,

in good times and trying times,

whether we're expectant or indifferent,   

grieving or elated,

engaged or apathetic,

regardless of our circumstances

or the state of our hearts,

our minds and our souls,

whether we see ourselves as saved 

or as sinners

or both.

Today and every day,

from this day forth, forevermore...

Hope has arrived.

Hope is here.

Hope is a Person.

His name is Jesus,

the Name above all names

at whose mention,

one day,

every knee will bow 

and every tongue confess

that he is our Lord.

A good Lord.

In him is our Hope.

He is the Hope of nations

and Lord of all.

Emmanuel is here.

Our Hope has arrived.

Hallelujah!

 

Wishing you a blessed Christmas with your loved ones near and far.

Hope is here. 

The very Light of the world.

The source of love, healing, and JOY.

Rejoice!

Dr Mari 

  © 2020 Amaryllis Sánchez Wohlever, MD

For more Christmas reflections, read A Christmas Gift for All and A Different Kind of King: An Epiphany.

An Update: Poems, Articles, & Interviews ... Sprinkled with Hope!

Goodness! So much has happened since I last posted here. This is my original blog, and it's so close to my heart. This is where I first tested my wings in the skies of blogging, and where I began to experience it's not only okay to be vulnerable, but it is also good, healing, redemptive, and necessary for our growth as human beings ... with boundaries, of course! 

I know many of you know I now also have a website and a blog for physicians there. Since my fourth book, Recapturing Joy in Medicine, published last year, I've continued to speak to medical and non-medical groups, and it's been such an enriching journey! It's been heartwarming to know that several state medical boards have read the book together, and it's also being used in medical schools and residency programs. So special! 

I've also been invited to a law school, college campuses, churches, retreat centers, and many local, state, and medical conferences and events to share a message of empowerment and hope that applies not only to medical professionals but to all of us pursuing a life of greater meaning and purpose! 

This is a timely message, indeed, during a lingering pandemic! Although it has been difficult for all of us, this challenging time has also brought opportunities for us to connect with what's most important, reassess our choices, and begin to craft something new as needed ... as we feel called. Times of suffering can spark inner growth and reignite a sense of purpose, faith, and hope, and it helps to be intentional. To this end, I continue to spread a message of hope that includes practical ways to stay inspired, engaged, and healthy!

So I've been serving in various ways throughout the pandemic, including presentations (now mostly virtually) at the state and national level (see more under the Events tab). It's been deeply meaningful and rewarding, as always ... and it's time for an update here! Below are links to some of my recent interviews, speaking engagements, articles, and more.

I'm leading a virtual book study for women physicians; let me know HERE if you's like to join us! And let me know HERE if you'd like to join a co-ed virtual group for physicians starting in the fall.

Surprised by a Song: Gifts from a Study with Women Physicians

A link to my latest peer-reviewed article ("Burnout" in the Workplace: Strategies, Omissions, and Lessons from Wounded Healers) is below, along with links to some of my recent interviews.

Humanizing our World: Articles, Interviews, and More

Below is a link to my recent interview with the international organization, Physicians Working Together. I'm honored to be an advisory board member for PWT. The interview includes some of my story from medical school with an encouraging message and reminders for med students and young physicians.

Real Lives of Physicians in Training ... and in the Pandemic

For me, the pandemic began in the Florida Capitol back in March! I was serving there as Doctor of the Day the week COVID-19 became a reality in the Sunshine State. I'm so grateful for every opportunity to contribute my voice and heart as a human being and physician at the highest levels of government and organized medicine. My purpose remains to ensure the underserved/minority groups and all people are able to receive the best care possible. It's more important than ever to speak courageously to educate our communities, our legislators, and our nation!

A Special Honor at the Capitol: Preparing for COVID-19

Below is my pandemic poem and encouragement for all of us, and one more recent interview below that!

Recapturing Joy During a Pandemic: A Few Thoughts and a Poem

Where our Power Lies: An Interview

As the pandemic lingers, turn up the volume on encouragement and hope, and turn everything else down ... or off! Stay encouraged. Stay connected. This, too, shall pass.

Joyfully,

Dr. Mari

But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in You.

Psalm 39:7

Be Inspired, Friends: A Song of Hope!

Yesterday I posted a song that I've now listened to many times. It absolutely made my week. You'll find it here.

Stay Connected!

Dr. Mari

Loving Your Neighbor During a Pandemic

Follow the link to my latest post titled, Loving Your Neighbor During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic. What we do over these next few weeks will determine whether our communities decrease the speed of spread of COVID-19 or contribute to its spread. It is that simple. Every state across the nation has confirmed cases already, though some states are more behind than others in their success at flattening the curve. Every action taken to slow down viral spread matters, and the time to shelter in place is NOW.

Throughout the country, medical professionals have a serious lack of sufficient and adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). In some hospitals, administrators are discouraging physicians and nurses from wearing masks, which is dangerous, unwise, and unethical. They must stop. The concern is so serious that physicians and others gathered a million signatures in a couple of days to demand increased production and adequate supplies of PPE for every medical professional and first responder urgently. Please help us buy time to fortify our defensive capability. If medical professionals are ill or need to quarantine, that means less people to care for each of us if we need it.

I am not exempt. You are not exempt. Please follow the latest guidelines and stay home. Thank you to everyone who is already being a good neighbor by doing this! While home, I am so grateful that we are not helpless. We have the gift of prayer, and suddenly we have more time with our families to do just that. Let us add prayers to our actions, and pray for the safety of our communities, families, and medical personnel. They stay at work to care for us; let us stay home for them!

And if you are able to donate or get others to donate PPE to individual medical clinics and/or hospitals, please do so. Consider calling your physician to ensure they have all they need and, if not, perhaps you can help them obtain adequate PPE. You can help solve the medical professional PPE shortage crisis within the COVID-19 crisis!

We are in this together. Thank you for being good neighbors! Read more here and please feel free to share it!

Lovingly,
Dr. Mari (Amaryllis)

Standing Together in Times of Uncertainty

I've been posting videos for several days to support, educate, and encourage my community, family, friends, and colleagues during this time of uncertainty. During this COVID-19 pandemic that will touch every inch of our nation and world, I choose to first reach up to our God, who is sovereign, for wisdom and strength. Thus grounding my heart and mind in truth and hope, I then reach out to others in solidarity and love.

I led a Lenten Day retreat titled Trusting God in the Deep on March 7, 2020, which ended up being just days before the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in our community. As the days go on, I see how this time we spent in God's Word together helped prepare me (and I pray all who participated!) for the urgency and surreal nature of this moment. Yes, I choose to trust God in the deep, in the wilderness, in the midst of this pandemic that is separating us physically while, perhaps, bringing us closer to one another in heart and mind, in longing and hope. 

I have chosen Psalm 19 as my focus for prayer and worship throughout this COVID-19 crisis. This psalm reminds me of God's eternal nature and sovereignty over all of creation. When everything we know and trust and rely upon crumbles, our Creator remains, day after day, ever in charge of every detail. Ever-present in our dark moments. Right next to us, even there, in the deep. 

Yes! Our God is the Hope that lasts.

When we are anxious, I am so grateful to know we are not alone. Trusting God during these moments infuses the mind and soul with hope, with faith, with the assurance that regardless of circumstances, the One who holds the entire world in His hands ... is sovereign, and He is good. He loves us and brings good out of evil, and order from chaos.

Perhaps God wants to use these last few weeks of Lent to bring families together in the safety and warmth of our homes to refresh our spiritual lives with a different type of worship. Perhaps God wants to deepen our reliance on Him as the very sustenance for our souls. Perhaps God wants us to be still before Him that we may experience and know that He is God — our God (Psalm 46:10). 

Surely, God will work through this crisis in countless ways. I, for one, embrace His sovereignty and am deeply grateful for His great mercy. Let us pray for one another, for our nation and our world. He holds us even now.

Trusting God in the Deep,

Dr. Mari (Amaryllis)
 

Psalm 19

The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.

They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.

Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. 

 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

It rises at one end of the heavens
    and makes its circuit to the other;
    nothing is deprived of its warmth.

The law of the Lord is perfect,
    refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right,
    giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
    giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is pure,
    enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
    and all of them are righteous.

They are more precious than gold,
    than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
    than honey from the honeycomb.

By them your servant is warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.

But who can discern their own errors?
    Forgive my hidden faults.

Keep your servant also from willful sins;
    may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
    innocent of great transgression.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
    be pleasing in your sight,
    Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. 

For more encouragement, read Trust: A Pathway to Peace (a timely message for such a time as this!).

Letter to Church Leaders Re: This Weekend's Services & COVID-19

I have been asked by a national physician leader to post the letter I sent some church leaders to provide medical guidance regarding church services these next 2 weeks (effective immediately as of March 14, 2020). Please use as appropriate in your communities.

------------------

Good afternoon, (INSERT CHURCH LEADER'S NAME). I write to emphasize the importance of this moment in time for our community and country as we all make wise decisions regarding infection control to combat COVID-19 and prevail. The goal is to avoid a rapid rise in cases that will overwhelm our local healthcare system from the start. The medical community is very concerned, noting U.S. numbers are tracking almost exactly with the numbers of cases seen in Italy as the virus spread. If we avoid a steep rise early on and, instead, the virus spreads over a longer period of time, the medical system will be able to keep up with the numbers of patients needing care at the same time. This is the key concept I think some people aren't grasping. The response these next 2 weeks is absolutely critical, and we are already behind (U.S. cases are already above 1,700, and the rise has been exponential, as in Italy...).

Infection control measures such as hand hygiene, covering cough/sneeze, etc. are NOT sufficient when you place people next to each other for ten minutes or longer without the recommended 6-foot social distance between them. A church service that lasts one hour would have people next to each other 6 times the amount that's been shown to increase the chances of spread via droplet (coughing or sneezing).*

Also, the virus is not only much more contagious than influenza (the "flu"), but the treatments remain experimental and available only for "compassionate use," requiring informed consent. There is also no vaccine at this time, and we likely won't have one until 2021.

The unprecedented nature of this pandemic requires decisive actions to protect communities. Truly, our safety and health are in each others' hands. This public health emergency calls for accurate information, medical expertise, prudence, sacrifice, and actions based on science, and we have the benefit of seeing what's happened in China, S. Korea, Italy, Seattle, and California. If we act decisively NOW to prevent a rapid rise of the virus in our community, my physician colleagues, nurses, and other medical professionals will not only have enough supplies and equipment to provide the care patients need but also the personnel to do so. The rapid rise has the unfortunate consequence of also infecting more medical professionals, leading to staffing problems. Minimizing exposure to clergy is also essential so they may continue to care for their congregations, communities, and families.

A fork on the road: choose an abundance of caution!

A medical crisis needs medical interventions, and social distancing beginning NOW is the next step. Please don't allow our churches to threaten the health and well-being of our congregations and communities. I'm not suggesting cancelling services for 6 months. As an experienced physician with a background in infection control, I urge churches to begin by cancelling services today and tomorrow (March 14 and 15, 2020), this week, and next week, reassessing after that based on trends in the community and country, and expert recommendations from the medical community.

Thank you for the opportunity to communicate the essential medical perspective during this crisis. I believe it is possible to slow down spread of this virus, but only if we all act wisely, together. 

In Christ,

Amaryllis Sánchez Wohlever, MD
Board-certified family physician
Physician Coach and Patient Advocate
Author, Recapturing Joy in Medicine
My website

* https://emcrit.org/ibcc/COVID19/?fbclid=IwAR3qQbhrz0U0R3AAMoquSrRW1NiIAudzqBJp3H8lyhuzNo7bmktN8L_sl98

P.S. Instituting necessary infection control measures such as avoiding handshakes for now does not mean we stop expressing our love and affection for people. It simply gives us the opportunity to find creative ways to do so! Social distancing does not mean we isolate from others. We can stay connected with family and friends in different ways, leveraging technology and reaching out to our neighbors frequently, especially the elderly and those who live alone. Stay connected!