In a deeply moving episode of The Podcast by KevinMD, pediatrician Dr. Derek W. Moss shares his powerful narrative of community strength in the wake of catastrophic natural disasters. Entitled “How natural disasters illuminate resilience and the power of community,” Dr. Moss contemplates how Hurricane Helene devastated his pediatric practice in Hendersonville, North Carolina, providing practical insights on recovery, adaptation, and the significance of support networks in healthcare.
The Day Life Shifted
While on a vacation in Colorado, Dr. Moss was initially touched by the wildfires in Los Angeles and began composing a reflective article for Zócalo Public Square. Little did he know, his own practice was about to face a tragedy of similar scale. Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina with unmatched intensity, bringing severe flooding and significant infrastructural destruction. His primary office—Hendersonville Pediatrics—was inundated with five feet of water. The ground level was stripped down to the studs, rendering it entirely unusable.
The Human and Operational Impact
The flooding disrupted normal care for the nearly 100 patients typically attended to at the Hendersonville site. Although the Brevard location remained operational, it lacked adequate space and resources to handle the overflow of appointments. Initial patient counts plummeted, and many families faced difficulties even going outside their homes. Common medical services like immunizations, lab tests, and in-office procedures became challenging to manage, leading to referrals to alternative facilities.
“You quickly realize that you require more than just a room and a stethoscope,” Dr. Moss stated. “You need wash stations, lab kits, vaccines. We had to reconstruct every element of our clinical framework on the go.”
Staff Commitment and EMR Lifelines
Dr. Moss’s committed team proved to be a crucial lifeline. Staff members swiftly mobilized, creating mobile units, securing temporary facilities, and establishing new vaccine and lab sites. Shockingly, electronic health records remained mostly intact thanks to cloud-based systems and home computers. However, with many essential tools destroyed, they were compelled to acquire expensive replacements, all while revenue decreased and insurance reimbursements were delayed by nearly four months.
Financial Pressure on a Private Practice
Being a privately-held practice, Hendersonville Pediatrics lacked a corporate safety net. The team had to navigate significant cash flow obstacles, even halting provider salaries to continue compensating staff. Encouraging support from the North Carolina Medical Society and stabilization payments from insurers provided some assistance—$100,000 in emergency funds played a pivotal role in keeping the practice operational.
Dr. Moss noted, “Pediatricians typically operate on tight margins, so with overhead costs soaring due to the flood, one miscalculation could have submerged us financially.”
Tales of Community Valor
Amidst the ruins, stories of human resilience emerged. Neighbors offered makeshift medical locations, while a nearby hospital provided potential examination areas, showcasing the community’s collective spirit. Families shared emotional tales of survival—some even evacuated by helicopter—reminding Moss that the essence of any response is not solely dependent on federal agencies but on personal bonds and local unity.
For instance, dental practitioners opened their vacant offices on Fridays for colleagues displaced by the floods. Parents, despite their own housing struggles, brought their kids for checkups and expressed gratitude for being attended to. These interactions brought not only comfort but also a renewed sense of purpose.
Preparing for the Unknown
In contemplating future contingency strategies, Dr. Moss exhibited a blend of sobering realism and optimism. While the immediate plan involves rebuilding at the same location in Hendersonville, he acknowledges the need for a long-term move away from flood-prone areas.
However, plans require funding, and as Moss remarks, “We may wish to relocate, but we don’t have the finances to build a new practice right now. We’re at the mercy of our circumstances, even as we strategize for resilience.”
Insights for the Medical Community
For healthcare providers contemplating how to fortify their practices against sudden disasters, Dr. Moss shared the following recommendations:
1. Establish Redundant Systems: Cloud-based EMRs and offsite storage can safeguard critical patient information.
2. Utilize Community Networks: Collaborations with local entities—clinics, schools, and dental practices—can offer temporary space and support.
3. Push for Rapid Response Funds: Insurance payment delays can be catastrophic for small and mid-sized private practices.
4. Focus on Staff: Empowering a loyal team to make essential decisions can facilitate recovery and maintain morale.
5. Plan Logistically and Emotionally: The aftermath is not solely about physical debris. Emotional resilience, effective communication, and introspection are vital for long-term recovery.
The Spirit of Community Persists
Dr. Moss’s reflections impart a significant reminder: in our interconnected yet often fragmented world, the “neighborhood” remains profoundly valuable. The individuals around us—colleagues