Five years have passed since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City, and the Mount Sinai Health System marked the occasion by preparing ways to reflect on lessons learned during the health crisis, and to memorialize the challenges faced.
During the period in which the message board was open to Mount Sinai staff for posting, many shared their experiences of going through the height of the pandemic, such as this post from Sean Liu, MD, PhD, Medical Director of the COVID Clinical Trials Unit.
One such effort was creating a message board and inviting staff across Mount Sinai to share their thoughts. From March through June 2025, doctors, nurses, volunteers, and even researchers posted about their experiences on navigating the pandemic.
“Many of us look back at the COVID-19 pandemic like a time of war,” wrote Sean Liu, MD, PhD, Medical Director of the COVID Clinical Trials Unit, on the message board. “Our loved ones were sheltered away at home while we marched into the hospital every day to face uncertainty and witness the horror and devastation of an invisible enemy.”
Some shared memorials for lives lost to COVID-19. Some put up pictures about the camaraderie and courage shown by members on the front line. One poster, in particular, shared how he tried to lighten mood for his team with a comically sized fake mustache on his mask.
The message board is now closed for any new posts, but you may still view it to see what Mount Sinai staff shared.