Life In The Time Of Covid-19
A brief guide on how to not give up on the gift of time.
Since December of 2019, the world was taken by a storm that scientists have dubbed the Novel Covid-19. Across borders and seas, students internationally have been instructed to remain at home as schools, universities, libraries and other educational facilities hung its ‘off for a break’ signs indefinitely. This idle condition has put our patience to the test, after all, haven’t you also wondered how long you could stare at your room wall?
However while laying low is important, too much of anything can be excessive. Humans seek drive, and when you take away the thrill (or anxiety) of deadlines, you’re left with what the internet refers to as a couch potato. That’s why I’ve taken it upon myself to lead you through the several paths to take to have a somewhat mentally engaging few months at home.
Attend webinars on subjects you’re interested in: Throughout the first months of 2020, dentists and dental specialists worldwide have taken their knowledge online in the form of countless conferences and lectures on platforms like Zoom and Instagram Live. I’ve spoken to a dentist in the United Arab Emirates by the name of Dr. Tasneem al Ali who has been announcing international dental webinars on her personal Instagram page on a daily basis. Here’s an excerpt of our conversation:
- It’s been recognized that you’ve been putting efforts into collecting international webinars and placing them in a single post daily, what inspired you to do that? Dr. Al Ali: Obviously, as a general dentist, a pivotal part of my job is to remain actively engaged in self-development. The dental field is extremely dynamic, and is constantly evolving. I have always sought additional knowledge to remain up to date with the field, regardless of the situation that I am in. Quarantine, understandably, spread very negative vibes within the community. We are at a time where hope and positivity is what we, as a collective need, in order to overcome this crisis. This is especially important to those working in the medical field. By collecting international webinars, and posting them in one place, I try to do my part in spreading positivity. Essentially, I started out this initiative by organizing a variety of webinars in one place, so that I do not miss out on any particularly important lecture. Now, however, I upload a daily schedule of webinars, hoping that others could watch them and benefit as well!
- In your opinion, how are webinars useful in a time like this? Dr. Al Ali: Currently, everyone suddenly has plenty of free time and they have no idea how to utilize it in a profound and meaningful way. The webinars can fill our time, whilst simultaneously expanding our knowledge and fortifying our dental background. Nevertheless, the globalized nature of these webinars allows doctors to become open-minded in regards to how dentistry is practiced according to different protocols around the world. And even more importantly, doctors that are new to the medical field get to expand their networks, meeting like-minded professionals from all over the world.
- What are the tips to getting the most out information and usefulness of the webinars you attend?
- Keep a notebook only for quarantine lectures, and write down the title of the lecture you attend and the name of the lecturer.
- At the end of each course you attend, note down a lesson that you have learnt from attending it, and share it with your friends
- Try to discuss the lectures with a friend or a colleague and expand your knowledge regarding it
- Have a personal rating record of the lecturer at the end of each lecture you attend
- Follow the Facebook, twitter or Instagram accounts of the doctors whom you liked their way of explanation and you felt that they updated your information.
- Write a list of everything you said you ‘wanted to do but never had the time for’ and start ticking off items. Whether it is re-visiting basic but important topics you learnt in your first and second years such as anatomy or pharmacology, sitting down to read research papers un-coerced with a cup of morning coffee, arranging your photo-documentation of the cases you’re most proud (but are hanging in your photo album unappreciated), or beginning to prepare for board exams you always dismissed as too far off. Jotting things you always wanted to brings you a step closer to setting aside lack of time blaming and doing things you’ve always wanted to get to.
- Listen to podcasts. This is not a strictly dental related advice. Podcasts are a fun way to discover different topics that may take your mind away from your dentistry during in-between lecture breaks.
- Prepare for tomorrow, Covid 19 isn’t forever.This item is for all my fellow 5th years and interns who are too busy otherwise to organize a CV, write to their post-graduate school of choice, ask about board exams dates, material, and eligibility requirements. This is your chance to take a step back and think about where you’d like to see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years.
- Relax: Taking a deep breath never hurt anyone. Remember that the world has unanimously agreed to pause for a while. You will get back to clinics and lecture halls eventually, but for now, you may want to sleep in an hour or two or perhaps give yourself the time of day to remember all the hard work you put in and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.
- Finally, I asked Dr. Al Ali about what her recommendation to dental students on how to spend their time in general. Dr. Al Ali: First, safety, I recommend that everyone, not just dental students, stay safe and protect their families. However, in particular, I recommend that dental students take part in spreading useful medical knowledge within the community, and perhaps debunking some of the paranormal misinformation about the virus. Obviously, whilst attending their lectures and studying them well. It is also important to stay active within the medical community, perhaps tune in for a lecture or so that aligns with their interests; staying active physically, as well. Use time in quarantine as an opportunity to strengthen your relationships with your family, the community, and the dental field. And lastly, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @dr.tasneem_al3li.
