The best care includes compassion
In August, two American missionaries who contracted Ebola while working in a Liberian hospital—Dr. Kent Brantly and Ms. Nancy Writebol—were flown back to the US to be cared for at Emory University Hospital. Our entire team, under the leadership of Dr. Bruce Ribner, worked around the clock preparing the hospital’s special isolation unit for the country’s first Ebola patients. We knew we could provide a high level of care that would improve their chances for a positive outcome and that we could do it safely, in a manner that would protect others.
Brantly, who arrived on Aug. 2, and Writebol, on Aug. 5, were met by a cadre of highly trained doctors, nurses, medical technologists, and other staff who had prepared for years for just such a scenario. The team members all volunteered to work in the isolation unit (and several even cancelled vacations to do so). In fact, they had trained to handle pathogens much more virulent, and more contagious, than Ebola.
Nevertheless, we received a lot of phone calls and emails from people who were understandably anxious. Some were scared, others merely curious. Was there a possibility that Ebola could spread? We were able to offer assurances that the likelihood of an outbreak occurring here was virtually nonexistent. Upon Brantly and Writebol’s arrival, and again with the admission of our third patient with Ebola, the worldwide media response was immediate. A silver lining to all of the publicity was that it raised awareness of the help desperately needed in West Africa. Although this response has begun, there is much more to do in terms of providing aid to those on the front lines of this outbreak.
After nearly three weeks, both Brantly and Writebol were determined through extensive testing to be virus-free and were able to leave the hospital and rejoin their families. We’d like to recognize the preparation, collaboration, courageous work, and dedication it took for that day to arrive, and to express our thanks to everyone involved.
At the press conference on the day of Dr. Brantly’s discharge, much of the unit’s clinical team stood behind him and his wife, Amber. "Today is a miraculous day," he said. "I’m thrilled to be alive, to be well, and to be reunited with my family." Saying that he was speaking also for fellow missionary Nancy Writebol, released two days earlier, Brantly thanked the hospital and its medical staff: "You treated me with such expertise, yet with such tenderness and compassion, I will never forget you and all that you have done for me." He then hugged each member of the team.
During the Q&A, a reporter asked Dr. Ribner if the hugging was meant to send a message, and he replied, "Yes, that strong feelings developed over that three-week period of time." It was a vivid reminder that the clinical aspect of care is vital, but we must also acknowledge the abiding value of compassion.
