June 04, 2020
Dr. Schumaku Lee, currently a Rheumatology doctor, was a resident doctor in 2003, when SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome) epidemic broke out. SARS is caused by coronavirus as COVID-19, led by the new strain of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
Being a Rheumatology doctor, he practices his regular duty service during this epidemic of COVID-19. However, his experience of taking care of SARS patients in quarantine room helps him aware his patients’ unease.
Therefore, he advices every of his patient how not to be infected by the viruses, and how to protect themselves, their families and friends. After the discussion, usually his patients feel comfortable and not so fear of the virus. They believe that they can protect themselves and go through the epidemic.
Dr. Lee further indicated that we need to realize that the virus may not disappear in the future. We should learn to protect ourselves. ‘Epidemic new life movement’ will be our new life style from now on. That is to wash hands, not to touch eyes, noses, or mouth, to keep adequate social distance, and to wear face mask whenever in crowd public or high risk place like hospital where is difficult to keep social distance. This is not just for new coronavirus, but also for measles, influenza and enterovirus.
In addition, Dr. Lee suggested that everyone receive vaccination when available, because vaccination is the best way to achieve group immunity. Then we can prevent the virus pandemic again.
Dr. Lee recalled the time being a resident doctor in 2003, he and colleagues did not think anything about themselves of life and death, but care only about their patients. He then realizes, in this special moment, that we are responsible for our future generations and human species shares the same sunlight, air, and water with other species in the planet.
With these thoughts in mind, Dr. Lee found that our thought or say our heart is the matter of the development of the world. Few days ago, he was invited to endorse for the International Day of Conscience declared by the United States to promote the culture of peace with love and conscience.
Dr. Lee then understood that conscience is the key to fulfill a meaningful life. It is especially important in the pandemic periods, when everyone finds his conscience, and practices conscience all the way. For instance, most people bear their conscience to follow government’s direction, and not to store goods and masks. That’s the way we can keep our society calm and peace.
By asking the question of what kind of the world we wish in the future, he reminds every world citizen should bear in mind to find his true heart. Only follows the conscience, can we unselfishly do more and generously give more for those we don’t know at all. In the end, he asserted himself it is the best way for a common future of a peaceful world.