Q Life Magazine Issue 8 | Page 15

Resilient by nature For the frontline heroes in the medical sector, helping others is “more than just a job”, as Al-Atey clarifies. She feels that she was “put in this position to do what I can to contribute to society.” Day in and day out, Al-Atey observed her fellow frontline workers willingly accept the risks associated with their work as they demonstrated exceptional selflessness and conquered their understandable fear of infection. It only seems befitting that the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated 2020 as the “International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife”. Healthcare professionals around the world share her feeling of isolation. Nonetheless, in Al-Atey’s words, “we do what is necessary at this time to keep the people we care about safe.” Her extraordinary bravery is echoed across the medical world and amplified by the unique challenges of the pandemic. Al-Atey is hopeful for the future of medicine after having seen Qatar’s healthcare system rapidly innovate in the face of adversity. “We have demonstrated that we can handle these challenges as long as we do so together.” The work does not come without incredible risks and sacrifices, particularly at a time of strict social distancing measures. Nurses on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19 15