Dr. Joshua Insler
Age: 26
Hometown: Orange
Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple
Work: Resident physician in general surgery residency program at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation
How have you served the community during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Throughout my fourth year of medical school in Chicago, I was acutely involved in the surgical and nonsurgical management of both COVID and non-COVID patients in our institution’s operating rooms, intensive care units and general medicine floors. Insofar as medical students were able, this once-in-a-century global pandemic served as a daily opportunity to grow my clinical decision making capacity and expertise, all while caring for some of the highest acuity patients in the greater Chicagoland area. Additionally, I was afforded the opportunity to collaborate with the departments of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at Cleveland Clinic, in which we sought to elucidate the pathophysiologic basis of novel blood clotting disorders impacting COVID-positive patients undergoing major cardiac surgery. Our work resulted in two publications in high-impact surgical and cardiovascular medicine journals.
What has been the most challenging part?
Losing patients, as well as patients who fail to improve after intensive treatment, will eternally be the most difficult aspect of this noble profession. Breaking poor prognoses to families and friends of patients is just as hard though. Having personally lost family members after prolonged hospital stays, I am uniquely aware of the challenges of being on the other side – specifically in having to relinquish control and put my trust in those who are providing care for my loved ones. Yet, these experiences continue to afford me the chance to connect with patients and families in ways that many other providers simply cannot. I take pride in transparency, communication and upholding my relationships with patients and those who are present both in and outside of the hospital to support them.
What has been the most rewarding part?
It has, and will always be, extremely gratifying to work with patients longitudinally – from their surgery and ICU stay through their recovery process and eventual discharge from the hospital. Surgery is unlike many other medical specialties because, in many instances, you are frequently providing definitive therapy for a patient and are, moreover, directly responsible for their improvement. The instantaneous gratification of knowing that your expeditious intervention can potentially alleviate pain and suffering is simply unrivaled. Watching patients thoroughly progress and improve in the hours and days following surgery – all the way until their discharge and future outpatient follow-up – is undoubtedly the most rewarding aspect of my work.
How can Clevelanders continue to support frontline workers?
Continuing to receive the most up-to-date health care information related to COVID-19 from reputable sources and educating yourself on precautions to take during these times is of paramount importance in supporting frontline workers. Misinformation about COVID-19, vaccinations and other precautions from unverified sources is as contagious as COVID-19 itself. Websites such as cdc.gov/coronavirus, coronavirus.ohio.gov and my.clevelandclinic.org are great places to get accurate information regarding the pandemic from both national and local health care leaders.
What are you most looking forward to doing this summer in Northeast Ohio now that you are vaccinated and everything is opening up?
I am most looking forward to hopefully spending time in-person with family and friends, as well as my incredible co-residents before we begin our intern year on July 1.
What local restaurant are you most excited to visit?
Marotta’s in Cleveland Heights – it’s been our family’s favorite New York-style pizza spot for more than 10 years.
What Cleveland activities are you looking forward to this summer?
Long runs through the Metroparks, drinks in The Flats, backyard barbecues and as many Tribe games as I can attend.
Dr. Steven Insler
Age: 59
Hometown: Orange
Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple
Work: Critical care physician/anesthesiologist at Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation
How have you served the community during the COVID-19 pandemic?
As a critical care physician, I have worked with a team of critical care providers (nurses, therapists and technicians) initiating life-saving therapies to those members of our community affected with COVID-19 infections. Our medical providers labored long hours administering evidence-based therapies to this patient population and providing human interaction and dignity during the darkest days of the past year, when visits by family were strictly forbidden. I don’t describe what “I did/do” because managing and overcoming this virus required the commitment and compassion of a team. I am proud to be part of the critical care team helping to arrest this scourge.
What has been the most challenging part?
Not knowing what to expect with the virus that we had little experience dealing with. Early on, our concern was doing all we could for our patients while worrying about protecting ourselves and spreading the virus to our family and loved ones. Ultimately, trying to provide the best medical care possible given the limited and often contradictory information that was available about the virus, and how often we were surprised (to) have much we didn’t know. We continue to learn the best practice message to manage this virus, but it is still deadly and too many continue to get very sick. Getting all who are eligible vaccinated is therefore the most challenging part now.
What has been the most rewarding part?
I can honestly say the most rewarding part of this past year was working with teams of medical professionals who demonstrated compassion, care and resilience while wading through the unknowns of a highly contagious and deadly virus. Our professionals traveled globally to aid those in need. Our teams worked via remote/virtual means to collaborate, teach and learn from colleagues globally.
During dark times, it was heartening to see how caregivers and community members alike worked together for the good of all. I am so proud of the selfless dedication our Northeast Ohio medical providers displayed in keeping this community safe. The most rewarding aspect was witnessing and being part of an incredible collaborative effort in battling COVID-19. We have made tremendous strides in this country against the virus, demonstrating solutions can be found when we are committed to working together.
How can Clevelanders continue to support frontline workers?
Clevelanders can do their part by making sure they get vaccinated. Listening to our scientists and medical professionals about how to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community is vitally important.
What are you most looking forward to doing this summer in Northeast Ohio now that you are vaccinated and everything is opening up?
My family and I are looking forward to enjoying our Metroparks, traveling to see family and friends, and especially going to cheer on our Indians.
What local restaurants are you most excited to visit?
Lindey’s Lake House, Lucky’s Cafe, Tandul, and of course, Corky & Lenny’s.
What Cleveland activities are you looking forward to this summer?
We are looking forward to cheering on our Indians and going to baseball games once again, exploring a reinvigorated downtown Cleveland and some of the great restaurants that have sprung up. Finally, taking part in a great Cleveland tradition of hugging family and friends.
Meet more of Cleveland’s frontline workers at jstylemagazine.com/frontlineworkers.