A Physician's Intimate Experience with COVID

Dr. Prakash Gatta, an esophageal robotics surgeon for Multicare Health System in Tacoma said he started documenting what life was like in the operating room before finding out he tested positive for the coronavirus.

“I didn’t think I would have COVID. Why? Because, you know, I never get sick. What I see in the world and in my patients, can’t possibly happen to me,” Gatta said.

Gatta’s symptoms were mild compared to most, but he said the virus is powerful and one month later, he was still recovering.

“Lots of body aches and the fatigue persists to this day. I lost like 12 pounds in just that one week,” Gatta said.

Yet, the first thing Gatta did when he got the OK from officials? He went right back to the hospital: “Here I am back to work after COVID-19.”

As a surgeon during a pandemic, he said it’s his calling to be there, and now he feels there’s less reason to worry.

“For the people with fear, know that no matter what happens, the lights are always on. Babies are being born. Bones are being set. This hospital, this profession, we’re in a league of our own. We’ll take care of you.”