“Want to know who’s not practicing social distancing? These babies! Because they just keep coming,” says Nicole Sparks, a physician of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Atlanta, Georgia. “And I fully expect to have an influx of babies approximately 9-10 months from now. (Laugh out loud)!”
Nicole has been an OB GYN for almost five years, but her interest in the medical field started as a young girl. Growing up, she marveled at how her family pediatrician would perform back to back visits for her four siblings and herself and never lose patience. Her doctor cared for them with such kindness that it imprinted on Nicole’s heart. She knew she wanted to follow in the same career path.
Since becoming a physician, never did Nicole dream that she would find herself working during a pandemic. She says, “This is unchartered territory. The biggest challenge I am facing as a physician at this time is trying to keep my patients calm in the midst of grave uncertainty. The field of OB GYN is unique in that we are taking care of two patients at any time—both the mother and her baby. Mothers are extremely worried at this time. They are afraid of what the future holds for their pregnancy and their delivery. They are looking for us to have all the answers, and unfortunately we are navigating this new territory too, just like they are.”
In order to promote peace during this time of uncertainty, Nicole’s first priority has been to remain calm and educate herself so that she can strengthen and encourage her patients. Nicole says, “Pregnancy is supposed to be a beautiful time, and it has been plagued by a pandemic. So as a physician, I feel it is my duty to encourage my patients and provide them with information that will keep them safe. We took an oath when we became physicians to do no harm. That is what I intend to do, especially during a time like this.”
The outlook can be bleak sometimes, but there is something that will always light up the darkness—the wonderful gift of life when a child is born. They are the picture of innocence. They are our hope for tomorrow. Thank you to Nicole and all OB GYN physicians for assisting mothers and their beautiful babies, in all seasons. You are our frontline heroes. We are grateful to you.
In closing, let us remember and dwell on the good in this world. Let us shift our focus to the positive things. Nicole said it perfectly in a recent Instagram post. “I hope if nothing else that this time away from work and busyness helps people realize what really matters most. I hope this time helps us to focus on our loved ones, on really connecting with each other, and connecting with ourselves. Take the news in doses. Guard your heart. Guard your peace. We will get through this. Together.”
