Separating Fact Versus Fiction in a Pandemic: Social Responsibilities of Clinicians & Researchers?
Joseph R. Osborne1
1Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States

Synopsis

Over the last year, hospitals and Radiology departments -- particularly in New York City are -- have been inundated with cases of COVID-19 from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This period of time has been very difficult, but has also forced introspection to discover where we as imagers can participate in solutions in this accelerated healthcare environment. This includes those who develop imaging probes, design imaging devices as well as those involved in direct patient care.

Synopsis

Over the last year, hospitals and Radiology departments -- particularly in New York City are -- have been inundated with cases of COVID-19 from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This period of time has been very difficult, but has also forced introspection to discover where we as imagers can participate in solutions in this accelerated healthcare environment. This includes those who develop imaging probes, design imaging devices as well as those involved in direct patient care.

Summary of Main Findings

Understanding our role in delivering solutions, particularly equitable solutions will be the way forward. This will require each of us to discover our unique place in radiology-public health and make an impact at that level.

Takeaway Message

1. COVID-19 is global. The only long-term solutions will be global. Existing US vaccines are efficacious, but only part of the value proposition.
2. Vaccine equity cannot be achieved by value alone.
3. Imagers need to know where they can advance value into equity. It will not happen by reading imaging studies or investigating observational/diagnostic findings alone.

Multiple-Choice CME Questions

1. What is the range of efficacy of the mRNA vaccines.
2. What is the range of global deaths from COVID-19 globally in 2020-1.
3. What year was the Institute of Medicine’s Unequal Treatment published.
4. What is the range at which we expect to get to herd immunity.
5. Which social determinant of health are we most likely to impact as imagers.

Acknowledgements

No acknowledgement found.

References

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2. Interim Clinical Guidance for Management of Patients with Confirmed Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html

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8. Individuals of Black and Asian ethnicity are at increased risk of COVID-19 infection compared to White individuals; Asians may be at higher risk of ITU admission and death. https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/eclinm/PIIS2589-5370(20)30374-6.pdf

9. Schneider E. Failing the Test — The Tragic Data Gap Undermining the U.S. Pandemic Response. N Engl J Med 2020; 383:299-302. (7/23/20) https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2014836?query=featured_coronavirus

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Proc. Intl. Soc. Mag. Reson. Med. 29 (2021)