In the midst of this trying time we are reminded of true heroes among us! Miami Moms Blog is honored and excited to salute our local moms on the frontline.
We launched our #MomsOnTheFrontline campaign to show our support for the outstanding Moms who are serving others during this time. Frontline workers include (but are certainly not limited to) first responders, healthcare workers, law enforcement, and others. We value and appreciate the sacrifices these Moms are making to protect and provide for our community.
To Moms on the frontline: We salute you, support you, and we are grateful for you!
This week we are thrilled to honor Dr. Jessica Quinones, Associate Medical Director of Emergency Departments at Kendall Regional Medical Center.
Meet Dr. Jessica Quinones of Kendall Regional Medical Center
Dr. Quinones, tells us about your work and what you do in your role at Kendall Regional Medical Center.
For 8 years I have been an Emergency Medicine Physician. I am also the Associate Director of three emergency departments and the Co-Director of a fellowship. Furthermore, I educate Emergency Medicine Residents and 3rd and 4th year medical students that rotate throughout our hospital.
Emergency Medicine Physician is at the frontline of the community. We diagnose and stabilize any emergent and urgent illness or trauma when patients arrive to the hospital. We also see patients with chronic medical conditions that don’t have access to primary care physicians.
How has being a mother influenced your work?
Life as a Doctor Mom has been chaotically beautiful. I have learned so much about myself. I have accomplished many tasks that I never imagined were possible. All my life I focused on becoming a physician. I thought it would complete me. However, being a mother has been that piece of the puzzle that truly makes me whole. Being a mother, doctor and having many responsibilities makes be a better multitasker, a better problem solver, a better person and a better doctor.
How has COVID19 affected your work?
COVID-19 pandemic has been an unparalleled illness that no one in our generation has worked with before. We have changed our entire work environment. It has made us all work interminably in looking for the best way to care for our patients. This has always been our priority. We also try to protect ourselves from getting sick. It is definitely a continuously evolving challenge.
What is it like working on the frontline of a global pandemic?
Serving during this pandemic has been very hard. Trying to fight this disease with no vaccine and no treatment. Seeing other EM doctors lose their life to this illness and seeing colleagues getting sick has been very tough. Scared of getting my loved ones ill, because of the nature of my job is a constant thought that never leaves my mind. However, I am thankful for my health and my family’s health. Incredibly touched by so many people for their acts of kindness and supporting us.
How has the global pandemic affected your family personally?
Trying to get used to the “new normal”, full time job, homeschooling a 4th and 5th grader and making sure kids are feed breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wellness moments are scarce. However, I do have an incredible husband that is at home due to the pandemic. He is doing everything so I don’t get overwhelmed with all. He has been encouraging and amazingly supportive, which makes life a little easier.
What acts of kindness and encouragement have you seen in this time?
I have seen doctors volunteering to do emergent dangerous procedures to protect our high-risk doctors. Doctors have left their full-time job to go to New York to volunteer. I have seen our community getting together to send us food so we can eat during our shifts. Doctors that are not in the frontline have joined together to donate PPE equipment so we can continue to work protected. I am thankful for family and friends sending their love and prayers for my team.
What message or encouragement do you have for Miami Moms during this time?
Miami Moms, stay safe. Hold your babies tight at night. Be grateful for having them every minute of the day. Take one day at a time, this to shall pass.
Follow CDC’s recommendations, so we can have more equipment to help the patients that will come to us. Thanks for your patience, and for ALL you do. Your effort counts and what we are ALL doing together is saving lives.
Dr. Quinones, thank you for sharing with us and thank you most of all for your hard work on the frontline. We respect you and are grateful for your hard work. Can you close us out with 3 of your favorite things, life’s “simple joys”?
1. Breastfeeding my precious 2 year old. The time I spend with him is a gift.
2. Having a family dinner after a long shift and hearing about their day.
3. Acrylic Painting
Recognize and honor Moms on the frontline by using #MomsOnTheFrontlines to nominate someone or send us an email: info{at}miamimomsblog.com.
Additional Moms On The Frontline Features include:
Dr. Melissa Gonzalez, Mercy Hospital
Check out our Social Distancing and Quarantine Resource Guide for Moms to discover helpful resources to support your family during this time.
