Message from the PAOF Chair
Dear Colleagues:
When the Coronavirus epidemic began, we thought it would cycle through in a few weeks or a short couple of months. Then it turned into a pandemic and now it is proving that its impact is going to be longer, broader and deeper than anyone could have ever imagined in January or February of this year.
We want everyone to be and stay in good health. We are training our communities how important it is to frequently wash your hands with hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Just this basic sanitation guideline is so important to everyone on the planet. No one is exempt. For those in the medical profession, we need to follow all the safety protocols which include, but not limited to, wearing PPE’s and social distancing.
Many countries are lessening quarantine restrictions in an attempt to salvage their economies. Some of you have gone back to work, many of you have not. This is an opportunity to grow in several aspects of your lives and to expand your ophthalmological knowledge. I suggest you use each day as an opportunity to improve, to be better, to get a little bit closer to your goals. Please take advantage of Pan-American’s many free webinars, of the highest quality, on Campus PAAO. There are many courses, workshops and seminars. For more information, please see https://www.campuspaao.org/.
In this time, we are harvesting the fruits of the seeds that we have planted, thanks to your generosity. I would like to thank our wonderful Pan-American supporters. When PAAO members are paying their dues, many are adding on a donation to the Pan-American Foundation. During this time of COVID-19, we appreciate each and every one who is paying their PAAO dues and even more, those of you who are sending donations, large or small. They are so greatly appreciated. Every penny is going to support Pan-American educational programs.
I close this message with wishing you all well. Take care and stay connected. Help your families and senior citizens. Wash your hands. Use a mask and observe social distancing. If you feel ill, stay at home. Only by working together will we surmount this challenge.
Sincerely,
Jorge E. Valdez MD PhD
PAOF President