the highest levels of his
sport again, too. I can tell
him this: It will mean more
after all he’s lived through,
after the indelible impact
that he has made. It will be
more fun.
I know his life now, the
stress and fulfillment and
demands. There’s a lot of
work involved, a ton of
hours. It is difficult to go
from being the best in the world at something
to entering a new, in some ways more difficult,
arena and not be an expert anymore. For me, as
a new medical student, I found myself at the bot-
tom of the barrel, just starting out, grunt work
aplenty at hand. It’s an interesting transition, but
one that reminded me to be humble, that taught
SP me what’s at stake. I admire that Laurent was 87ORTSILLUSTRATEDDECEMBER2020willing to make that same transition—and not
only in general but in the middle of the pandemic,
when there are so many layers to staying safe.
I now work at the VA hospital in Charleston, S.C.,
as a physician anesthesiologist. Most of my day
is focused on managing the care of patients get-
ting invasive procedures or surgery. Every day I
feel gratitude toward them, knowing that these
people served our country, and I can help them
get through their illnesses. These people have
lived through a lot. Some have gone to war, but
many suffer immensely. On a daily basis, I am
reminded why I became a doctor. This work is
more gratifying than winning any medal, or
standing on any podium.
Fortunately, we haven’t had many positive
COVID-19 cases, but that could change quickly,
at any time. That’s the way the virus works and why
we must remain vigilant to stop its spread. I agree
with Laurent and top medical officials throughout
the world: It’s important to continue to abide by
the CDC guidelines. Maintain the six-foot distance.
Wear a mask (over your mouth AND nose). Wash
your hands. Listen to public health officials.
I have no issue with sports returning, with the
NFL season moving forward, as long as COVID-19
precautions are taken. Certain things are helpful
in maintaining sanity and our economy. I still
swim for fun, as part of an adult team. I need the
pool, just like fans need their football, or basket-
ball, or whatever diversion they might choose.
Even at the hospital, where we try not to discuss
divisive topics like religion or politics, sports are
something safe that we can
play on the TVs. Sports bring
people together. We need that
now, more than ever.
We also need more people
like Laurent. Most who go into
medicine do so because they
love science, sure, but also
because they love people and
humanity, because they want
to make a difference in the
world. Clearly, that is coming
through for him right now, as
he forgoes the glory inherent
in defending a Super Bowl
title to help his fellow hu-
mans, to wade back onto the front lines and fight
COVID-19 at that long-term care facility in Quebec,
while also studying public health at Harvard. His
choice was difficult but admirable, in the most
staggering way, and he should be celebrated not
for his accomplishments on the field but for the
choice he made in 2020 to leave the gridiron for
CH something more important. Well done, doctor.
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