On April 16th, Governor Cuomo officially announced that New York State would go on pause, meaning all non-essential workers would begin working from home, if possible. Among those essential workers: Healthcare workers, like PPTC member Erin Reese.

Erin is originally from Arizona and she has lived and worked there, as well as in Tennessee and Texas, in her travels for work and graduate school. After living in Tribeca for nine years, Erin moved to Brooklyn in 2018 after her separation and divorce. Her ex stayed in Tribeca, but she knew she wanted to live near Prospect Park after running the Al Gordon 4 miler.

Erin has two children: Her daughter, Alex, is currently a law student at CUNY LIC; her son, Ethan, is a junior at Skidmore College, who is currently living with Erin full-time after his study abroad program in Japan was canceled due to COVID-19.

Erin is a member of PPTC’s social committee, and co-hosted PPTC’s Ice Cream/Pajama Run in January.

What do you do for a living?
I am a Nurse Practitioner, and I specialize in gynecological oncology.

How has your job changed since the COVID-19 outbreak?
We have limited who is allowed to come into the office to just patients and staff. I am still going in on certain days to see patients: One provider is required to be there every day for emergency visits, as well as for the patients who need chemotherapy. However, I am also working remotely doing telemedicine 2-3 days a week. I have also screened patients for COVID-19 symptoms, as well as triaged them (sent them to the ER for testing).

Do you use personal protective equipment (PPE) as part of your job?
Yes, I’ll wear a mask and gloves. But we’re avoiding examining patients if at all possible.

Do you foresee any changes to your practice based on what has occurred with the pandemic? Do you think telemedicine will become more popular in your field?
Yes: I think the way we practice medicine will forever be changed. I can see limits on the number of patient appointments and visitors. I also can see us wearing masks long-term.

I do think telemedicine will continue to play a role in medical practice, too. It has been surprisingly easy for a lot of my elderly patients to adapt to; however, it is not the same. I believe strongly in the benefits of a good medical history and physical exam. For the most vulnerable, though, telemedicine does work.

How has your home life changed since the COVID-19 outbreak?
I work long hours from home, and my college-aged son is here with me – his Japan study- abroad program was cancelled – so he is probably very tired of me! I’ve also been cleaning a lot. My floors are sparkly!

Is there anything you’d like to share with us regarding your experience during the outbreak?
I am really thankful to have a job, and I really love what I do. I am also happy to see that our community is taking this so seriously, and hope other states follow New York’s lead. As far as running goes, I have been trying to run on the days I am working remotely in the morning (before starting work). It is really a great way for me to relieve stress.

Do you have any hobbies outside of running, and have you picked up any new ones during the pandemic? I love running, and I am still doing so with a mask – it's worked out fine. I’ve enjoyed having time to cook more, reading, and of course watching really bad television. I binge-watched Love is Blind: It is so horrible and wonderful.

What are you most looking forward to when things get back to "normal"?
I am looking forward to seeing people in real life! Even if we limit contact, just being physically present will be really great. I am hoping to go home and visit my family, as well as get in some swimming and trail running, both here and in Arizona. I am also excited for future races and PPTC’s social runs...especially the food-based ones!

Text by Linda S. Chan
Photo courtesy of Erin Reese
Edited by Alison Kotch

Member Spotlight: Erin Reese