It took a pandemic to change the world. We were busy in our lives and then the pandemic hit…the world shut down…a sense of panic gripped everyone. Everything went into a state of lock down except for us in the health care world. Never in my wildest imagination did I dream of the ICU and pulmonary medicine being pushed into the forefront of health care. We have shows on television about trauma, life in the Emergency Room, about weight-loss surgery but never about what goes on in an ICU- which along with the emergency department is the most happening place in the hospital.
The ICU…what is it? A place where patients come when care cannot be delivered in the regular part of the hospital. In the ICU they fight for their lives. Fighting with them are the care team (physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, respiratory therapists, environmental services, etc.). Families come to see their loved ones on “life support”, emotions run high as they advocate for them. During this last year I have had difficult conversations with families. Comments about mistrust, being told what to do with treatment protocols, demanding care, families googling information and the most remarkable comment was, “transfer my loved one to a republican hospital so they can get the care Trump received”… what people do not understand is that we all fight for their loved ones- those patients who lay on the bed in ICU are our loved ones and we fight for them day in and out…the entire team does without expecting much in return.
We have heard wonderful things, actions of love and great feedback. This pandemic has tested humanity in more ways than any pandemic before it. Some battles are won others we lose…we are human too we have emotions we feel, we hurt, yet we process and move on and that is what those on the outside may not understand. We in the ICU grieve privately as we are on the forefront…yes we are human and please look at us in a different light and that is why I write….
Iqrah is the arabic word to read and that is why I write… to communicate with those outside the ICU as to what happens, the encounters we have, the people we treat and meet. Please read with care…read with love…read so when you are in an ICU for any reason please understand that those who care for you have emotions as well… they are there not only because it is their job…but because they care!
The ICU Diaries 
I am so proud and honored to have Dr Qureshi as my Pulmonologist. Advent Health is so fortunate to have a dedicated Physician as well as the staff treat and care about the patients. Please take care of yourselves and may God keep you safe.
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I totally agree! Dr Qureshi is one of the most intelligent, honest and personal doctors that I ever had the privilege of working with. I have the deepest respect for him.
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I had the privilege and honor to work with Dr Qureshi.. One of the best Pulmonary Physicians in the country.. His dedication and care to each and every patient is beyond superb. Intelligent.. with a heart ❤️ of gold.. May God bless each step you take..
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Well said, this captures the essence of what I like to call the “in between”, the level of care necessary from the ER to discharge.
It is a very critical part of emergency medicine not well recognized by the public but without it patients would not survive. I thank all of the HCW’s from the critical care docs to the nurses to the respiratory therapists to the case managers who make the team flow as smooth as well as it does. It is a “vital” sign we could live without.
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That was beautiful, and I’m glad you’re there fighting for all the people who come under your care. 🙏🏼
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I am so blessed to have Dr Qureshi as my pulmonary doctor for about 12 years now, he is one of the most kindness, caring, intelligent, honest and personal doctors that anyone should have. The world should have more people like Dr. Qureshi (caring person) I have the deepest respect for him. God bless you doctor and many thank you for everything you do. Stay safe!
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What a great concept! Can’t wait to read more. Dr. Qureshi is a knowledgeable and talented person. Each day I worked with him, I learned something new. This will be no different.
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Thank you for sharing Dr. Q .
social media has allowed for so much misinformation and led society to lose trust in healthcare providers, unfortunately when we’re needed most.
We need to continue to show a united front and share just as you are to hopefully minimize/revert some of the negative effects of those who are sharing false information!
be blessed and stay safe!
thank you for all that you do!
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I have watched nurses and doctors in ICU, and the things they must take with them. I am proud of all our nurses and doctors.
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