As I entered the emergency room bay, her scared eyes shouted silently. An elderly female in obvious distress, she was non-verbal except for head nods. No family accompanied her. As a medical student, I felt clinically powerless, but I knew I wanted to assist however possible. As an extrovert, it was natural for me to think in terms of a human connection. I navigated through the crowded room, hearing conversations of suspected infection, and positioned myself at the bedside.
Smiles from Behind a Mask.