Healthcare Heroes
We are very proud of our alumnae who are working on the front line during the COVID-19 pandemic
We are proud to continue to share the stories of our Sacré Cœur alumnae who show their incredible stories of personal strength and conviction during this pandemic. Thank you to all our healthcare workers, for the acts of courage and kindness shown throughout our community. These reflections were received in August 2020.
We would love to share more of these stories. Please let us know if you or a classmate is involved in helping to combat the virus.
Contact Melinda Adams
Dr Jessica Biernacki (2010) Paediatric doctor at Monash Casey
What does your role entail? I am currently a paediatric trainee. This year has involved 6 months in a neonatal ICU, 3 months of general paediatrics and I am scheduled to complete 3 months of paediatric oncology and cardiology later this year. My role entails a variety of responsibilities that include; admitting new patients from emergency to the ward or nursery, reviewing patients on ward rounds and attending to concerns with patients throughout the day, assessing patients in clinic, completing various procedures and attending deliveries/resuscitations.
Have you moved from another role to handle COVID? No. Due to the nature of paediatric and neonatal medicine, our paediatric rotations went ahead as planned. Fortunately, children appear to be somewhat protected from the worst of the COVID pandemic compared to the aged population. However, presentations of respiratory illness are extremely common in children, and we have to assume that presentations of respiratory symptoms are COVID until until proven otherwise.
What is the feeling/mood at your workplace? It is time-consuming and uncomfortable wearing PPE all day and adhering to restrictions for things that we used to enjoy at work (like coffee breaks!). However, there seems to be an overall feeling of gratitude that we are still lucky enough to attend work and have social interaction with our colleagues.
What does your home life look like in isolation? Pre-covid, I spent my time outside of work teaching Les Mills group fitness classes. I have entertained myself in isolation by creating a YouTube fitness channel. My channel is “JB Corona Fitness”. Here is the link:
I’ve also had my fiancé train me in a new sport (boxing), and spent more time running and doing HIIT training. My fiancé and I have also invested a significant amount of time doing DIY home-renovations and learning to maintain our garden. I am currently studying for the RACP exams, so that certainly keeps me busy in between work, exercise and house maintenance!
Do you keep in touch with any friends from Sacré Cœur?
Yes! Myself and one of my closest Sacré Cœur friends both have planned our weddings a few months apart at the end of this year/start of next year and we are both in each other’s bridal parties. It’s not a great time to be planning our respective celebrations (and certainly not how we imagined being in each others bridal parties) but at least we can share the COVID wedding planning experience together!
Is there anything from your school days that still resonates with you today? Memories / songs etc. I have the fondest memories looking back at my time at Sacré Cœur. I am incredibly grateful for the love of learning and intellectual curiosity that Sacré Cœur instills in its girls. Those values have lived on to this day and shaped who I am.
What keeps you going during this pandemic? “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” - Michael Jordan
What would you like to tell everyone at this time? Masks and lockdown are incredibly isolating and take a huge toll on our mental health. It is so important to keep a routine in order to look after our wellbeing! I highly recommend making a list of things to achieve on a daily basis in order to keep us feeling motivated and goal directed during this tough time - even if these are only small household tasks. Make the most of the outdoors and schedule your daily exercise to get that endorphin/serotonin rush, and most of all just try to make eye contact and smile with others.
Dr Jennifer Wright (2010) Doctor on the COVID-19 Ward at a Melbourne Hospital
Thank you to Annie Wright (2008) for letting us know about the dedicated work her sister Jennifer is undertaking at the moment and putting us in touch with her.
What does you role entail?
I am a doctor on a COVID team where we help care for patients who are unwell and admitted to hospital, who are waiting for their swab results, as well as those who have tested positive for the coronavirus. It is really important that we take regular breaks to allow us to get out of the hot PPE for a while, and rehydrate.
Have you moved from another role to handle COVID?
Yes, many of us have moved from various medical teams to form a number of COVID teams who work 7 days on at a time. We have all needed to adapt in these changing times.
What is the feeling/mood at your workplace?
There is a great sense of camaraderie. We are all working together to ensure the best care for all our patients, and the safety of our staff, patients and the wider community. Sometimes there are letters sent in from school children or community groups which cheers us up!
What does your home life look like in isolation?
I live with my sister and a friend. We have gotten very into indoor plants and cocktail making as new indoor hobbies. We also try and get outside each day to get some fresh air.
Do you keep in touch with any friends from Sacré Cœur?
Definitely! Some of my closest friends were women I went to school with. They are all very dear to me and we try and catch up each week via zoom.
Is there anything from your school days that still resonates with you today?
I always remember there being a strong emphasis on female empowerment. We never had limits placed on our goals and aspirations, and were encouraged to go and explore the world. I also really fondly remember the end of year carol service, which I hope to see again one day.
What keeps you going during the pandemic?
I think what keeps me going is the sense of community and camaraderie between all Victorians. Also, my faith in our scientific community to help us combat this disease - not Pete Evans.
What would you like to tell everyone at this time?
I would really encourage everyone to keep social distancing, maintaining good hand hygiene and wearing masks. I know it can be tough to be so isolated, but we will get through this, and be able to be together again in the future. I would also encourage anyone who is struggling with their mental or physical health at this time to seek help.