Central Coast doctors share experiences during pandemic on National Doctors Day

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION)  On the 30th of March, doctors across the country are celebrated and recognized for their work.

Doctors across the country and the Central Coast have been on the front lines of the global COVID-19 pandemic. This past year, doctors demonstrated their dedication to caring for their patients. 

For 21 years, Dr. Mario Cole has been dedicated to ensuring the well-being of his patients. He decided to follow in the footsteps of his father who was also a doctor. But this year was difficult due to the pandemic, he said. 

“It was very frustrating because patients that initially appear to be doing well got sicker and many of them didn't survive and it was it was frustrating because you felt that you have the knowledge you have tools but COVID didn't behave like a normal illness and so it was has been a very frustrating experience for most of us,” said Dr. Cole

This year’s the national doctor's day is different from previous years, said Dr. Cole. He feels good knowing that people are recognizing the work they’ve all done.

“Mow, you know, people's lives depend on the work that we do, and the dedication that we have,” said Dr. Cole. “And so I think this, this illness has highlighted that, and people kind of appreciate what we do.”

Dominican Hospital Santa Cruz Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Gregory Whitley has been practicing since 2000. This year has been scary and stressful but also rewarding.

“This is what we all trained to do,” said Dr. Whitley. “It's why we became doctors and nurses and tax and all the other jobs that we have here because we wanted to make a difference. And this was probably the best example of doing that is during the pandemic.”

According to Dr. Whitley, everyone showed up to work to do their part despite COVID. This pandemic is a perfect example to show the community why many doctors decided to study medicine in the first place.

“We've heard a lot of thank yous’ from our community this year, and it's really meant a lot to people because it has been stressful,” said Dr. Whitley. “So, to know that we're appreciated and our for our medical staff to know that is is important. “

One way people could show their gratitude towards them is to continue to follow social distancing guidelines and get vaccinated when eligible, said Dr. Cole.