As the head of the Pediatric and Adolescent Clinic at Elmhurst Hospital, Dr. Pilar Gonzalez understood the threat as the coronavirus began to spread in New York earlier this year. With relatives in hard hit Spain, she found the virus hitting close to home in more ways than one.

“It was the most challenging time that I've had in my life,” said Dr. Gonzalez.

What You Need To Know

  • Dr. Pilar Gonzalez created a special hotline for the families of coronavirus patients at Elmhurst Hospital

  • Her father and brother who lived in Spain both died of COVID-19 in March

  • Doctors assigned to a COVID-19 unit make daily calls to update relatives of patients

While treating patients, she got the news: both her father and brother in Spain had COVID-19.

"You can imagine how horrible it was,” she explained.  “My father died on March 24, and my brother died on March 31 … I don't know if anyone can describe how painful it could be."

Unable to travel to see them, she realized how important it was for family members to hear from the physicians treating their loved ones.

Through her grief, she spearheaded a project to create a telephone line for relatives of COVID-19 patients, so that they could call in and stay informed.

"I was so devastated that the only thing that could make me feel okay was doing things for others,” said Dr. Gonzalez.

She also created a program where the doctors assigned to a COVID-19 unit make a pledge to call the relatives of those patients with an update on a daily basis. It’s a crucial way to connect when relatives aren't allowed to visit.

"Nothing can be the same as hugging or kissing your loved one,” said Dr. Gonzalez. Still, she said she understands how much it helps, even as she still processes her own grief.

"It’s so hard. It’s getting better. Like I said, things get better one day at a time,” Gonzalez added.