Healthcare workers are the first people on the frontlines that are in the fight against this pandemic. They place themselves in harm’s way, risking contracting the virus themselves, to ensure that their patients receive the help they need.
Many consider healthcare workers heroes for the noble fight they’ve endured ensuring the numbers remain low and the curve flattens to help contain the spread of COVID-19.
Dr. DeWayne Gammel at Crossroads Family Medicine said he feels a bit indifferent about the term hero, and he doesn’t consider himself as such. He’s doing the job that he has done for 11 years in Winona, 21 years total -- helping people to stay healthy and well.
“I believe that there are those in the healthcare profession that are getting the respect they deserve and have not gotten, and people are starting to see the hardships that we go through,” Gammel said. “But, it’s who we are and what we’ve got to do, in my opinion.”
Gammel, a native of Eupora, said he’s always wanted to be in the medical field, but he didn’t initially want to be a doctor; he wanted to be a physical therapist. Gammel started out working as an EMT and said through the years, his passion evolved, and he became a doctor.
He doesn’t regret the decision at all.
“I like being able to have a positive impact on people’s lives,” he said.
Gammel said he’s worked in the medical field as a doctor for 11 years.
“I was looking for a place to stay and work, and Winona was halfway between my hometown and my in-laws so, it was a good option,” he said.
When he’s not helping people, he said he loves to go hunting, fishing, and irritate his wife, Amy.
The Gammels have three children, ages 19, 16, and 14, and with everyone sheltering-in-place, Gammel said it’s been fun having everyone at home together.
“We get to sit down and play board games and card games with the kids,” Gammel said.
He said when the “outside” reopens, he’s looking forward to Chinese food and going to the spillway to fish.
“God, I miss Chinese food,” Gammel said. “And I’m going to the spillway to go fishing. But, I want the Chinese food first, if I can’t get it, then I’m going fishing.”
Tyler Holmes Memorial Hospital has an Acute Respiratory Clinic, where they see patients who may have Coronavirus. Gammel said it’d been a little adjustment with social distancing, but not much.
“So, I haven’t seen a big influx in the clinic, but it’s not that much of an adjustment. I have to remember not to shake their hands and to talk to them with my mask on,” Gammel said.
He said if he could say anything to encourage people through this time, he’d thank them for doing their part to fight COVID-19.
“Thank you for staying home. I know we’re going through a tough time, but we’ll get through it,” Gammel said.
