Dr. Asra Mazhar (PNWU Class of 2017) courageously expresses the fear she is experiencing as a physician serving on the frontlines of a global pandemic.

I’ll admit it: I am scared.

I’m scared for my patients. I’m scared for the country. I’m scared for my colleagues who are struggling to work through a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). I’m scared that we are putting ourselves at risk every time we clock in.

I’m scared of the difficult decisions we will soon have to make when we are out of ventilators.

As I participate in this unprecedented fight, I’m scared for my family, who I am exposing daily.

This is a scary time. This is real. This is a never-before-seen virus. We’re in new territory — uncharted waters — and it’s hitting us hard.

The tragedies and heartbreak we see abroad in places like China and Italy are no longer the headlines filling our television screens. Instead, we are now the headlines. The horrors we’ve witnessed are becoming our reality.

As I write this, the United States leads the world COVID-19 cases. I’m scared that this is only the beginning.

So yes, I’ll admit it: I am scared. But I am committed.

I know that, together, we can overcome this and emerge stronger than ever before. But while my peers and I serve on the frontlines, we need your help. Please, stay home for us. Help flatten the curve and prevent this spread. And please, keep everyone in your prayers.

asra Mazhar, DO

Family Medicine Chief Resident, PGY3,
Skagit Regional Health
PNWU Class of 2017

A Message From the Frontlines: COVID-19

Dr. Asra Mazhar (PNWU Class of 2017) courageously expresses the fear she is experiencing as a physician serving on the frontlines of a global pandemic.

asra Mazhar, DO