Daemen College hosted the fifth installment of our virtual panel series, “Appreciating Essential Workers in Healthcare,” on Nov. 12 in a live streamed event. The panel featured alumni, faculty, and community members from Daemen, highlighted the U.S. response to COVID-19 and the future of healthcare and public health careers.
Panelists included Tiffany Goldwire MA, CHES ’08, Ehlimana M. Imamović MPH, PBT(ASCP)c ‘16, ‘19, Nicholas Ponichtera PT, DPT, CBIS ’08, ’10, Karl Shallowhorn, MS, CASAC, Dylan Stannard, PT, DPT, EMT-B ’18, ’20, Erik Waltz, PA-C, ’17 and panel moderator, Whitney E. Mendel, MSW, PhD, Assistant Professor & Practicum Coordinator for the Daemen College Master of Public Health Program.
“As we continue to respond to the pandemic, it is crucial that we continue to shine a light on the needs of our essential workers”, said Mendel. “Those who are asked to move toward those in need, to serve in the time of crisis, deserve our support and understanding.”
The panel focused on the unique challenges posed by COVID-19 on systems of care and the potential dangers of regarding essential workers in healthcare as heroes. Panelists discussed their work is more than ‘a job but rather a purpose and devotion to service’. Daemen has a history of healthcare programs: physician assistant studies, physical therapy, social work, nursing, public health, health promotions, and natural science were all mentioned throughout the discussion.
Panelists also expressed the need to be connected and stay connected to their friends, family and the community they are serving. The COVID-19 pandmeic has challenged this calling and also bolstered the sense of purpose for many.
Panelist Karl Shallowhorn said, “I feel that we need to appreciate healthcare workers, now more than ever. Their contributions to the wellbeing of our communities is invaluable and their sacrifices are often underappreciated.”
The panel can be viewed on the Daemen College YouTube channel along with previous topics from panel series. The virtual panel series was established in 2020 and features topics ranging from healthcare, diversity, innovation, leadership and our ever changing society. Sponsored by the graduate programs at Daemen, the series brings together experts from our Daemen community.
Those interested in learning more about the virtual panel series, may contact alumni@daemen.edu or go to the Panel Series website to explore upcoming and past panels.