ER Doctor

APRIL 11, 2020 — While coronavirus has upended the work schedules of many Floridians, AdventHealth DeLand Medical Director Justin McNamee said his job has remained relatively the same.

“In the ER we don’t have a set work schedule,” McNamee said. “My work week changes every week and it’s not because of the pandemic.”

Since he works in the emergency department, McNamee said his day-to-day job is just as unpredictable now as any other day of the year.

“The emergency physician job role hasn’t changed at all since we are the point of access for the community,” McNamee said. “Our job has remained the same but our day-to-day life in preparation has changed.”

Before entering his New Smyrna Beach home, where he lives with his wife, McNamee now takes off all his clothing, rinses off in his outdoor shower, changes into a spare set of clothes he keeps in the car and disinfects his keys and cellphone.

“I have a wife and family members I want to protect as much as I can,” McNamee said. “My life has changed just like everyone else’s has.”

An avid outdoorsman, McNamee said it has been tough not being able to do the activities he loves: hanging out with friends; visiting with his family; going out to eat; socializing with large groups of people.

“I usually see my parents often, but I haven’t seen my mom in four weeks now and she lives 10 minutes from me,” McNamee said. “We’re trying to flatten the curve at home just like we are asking the public to do.”

Instead, McNamee keeps busy by staying active in his yard and swimming in his pool. But he said it’s not what he would typically do on a daily basis.

When asked if he was scared of contracting coronavirus through his job, McNamee said he was not concerned.

“I really don’t have any fears going to work, as long as I follow the recommendations and wear protective gear and keep doing what I normally do,” McNamee said. “This is what I feel like I was born to do. To help serve the community. Coming into contact with potential coronavirus patients, that’s part of the job.”

And as far as he knows, none of his coworkers in the ER are concerned.

“I have not heard anyone who seems concerned to come to work for any reason right now,” McNamee said. “They all seem more ready to step up and take control of the situation. People want to come to work and care for patients instead of just sitting at home.”

McNamee said that he will continue to serve and help the community he’s grown up in as long as he’s able to.

“For me, this is my home. I feel pretty passionate about the pandemic and trying to help local people,” he said. “These are my friends, family, people I went to school with. These are my people. Anything I can do to help, I will be there.”

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