A biography for Leana S. Wenhasn’t been written yet.
“By definition, outbreaks are quickly evolving situations. Outbreaks with novel diseases bring even more unknowns.”
“In many patients, covid-19 causes a bilateral pneumonia affecting both lungs. Air sacs in the lungs become inflamed and filled with fluid, leading to breathing difficulties and low oxygen saturation. If the pneumonia becomes extremely severe, patients need to be intubated and put on a ventilator.”
“Of the many lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic thus far, two of the most critical are the need for effective national leadership and clear, consistent communication. Countries that fared well had both in abundance; those that didn't often faltered.”
“If someone is told they have depression or addiction, why don't we allow them the same compassion and time for healing as if they were diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes? These are all illnesses for which treatment exists and recovery is possible.”
“Continuing the legacy of Elijah E. Cummings requires that we fulfill our destiny to fight for the world as it should be.”
“Public health is a powerful tool to level that playing field, to bend the arc of our country away from distrust and disparities and back towards equity and justice.”
“There is so much information on diagnostics and treatments - one person cannot possibly know everything. A good doctor is one who isn't afraid to admit that he or she doesn't know everything.”
“My job as the doctor is to provide my patients with the information and services they need to make the best decisions for them and their families. Medicine is complex, and every situation is different.”
“As a former local health official, I can tell you that local health departments are chronically understaffed and do not have the capacity to analyze scientific reports and synthesize them into policies and regulations.”
“For covid-19, we can think of risk through three key variables: proximity, activity and time. The highest-risk scenario is if you are in close proximity with someone who is infected, in an indoor space, for an extended period of time.”
“As an emergency physician, I have seen my patients forgo needed treatment because they are afraid they will lose their jobs.”
“My parents sacrificed everything because they wanted a better life for me and my little sister. That's why we came to the U.S. So it wasn't an option not to step up to those high expectations. So I didn't go to high school. There was an early entrance program at California State in Los Angeles, and I started college at 13.”
“We came to the U.S. with $40. My parents were both professionals in China who had difficulty finding employment here. They worked multiple jobs, but we still really struggled. There were times when we could not make rent and were dependent on the good graces of people that we met, and sometimes we depended on shelters.”
“Inaction will always have a disproportionate impact on those who are the most disadvantaged.”
“Public health is hard. Nobody goes into it for the money or the acclaim. People work many long hours.”
“In a country that lacks federal paid parental leave, many new mothers are back to work within weeks of giving birth, which can result in health consequences like maternal stress and anxiety.”
“When doctors and nurses do rounds in the hospital, we pore over charts of all of the patient's vitals during the past 24 hours.”
“Doctors have limited time to listen to your story, but you must make sure they understand why you're there. Don't just say that you have chest pain - explain when it started, what you were doing, and how it felt. Write down key elements. Practice until you can tell it in 30 seconds or less.”
“To be clear, from an epidemiological perspective, there shouldn't be any mass gatherings during a pandemic.”
“It's unrealistic to expect that your doctor will be at your beck and call 24/7; however, before you leave your doctor's office, he or she should communicate to you how you can get help if necessary.”