Dr. Chauncey Thuss '74 P '09

Q: What challenges have you faced working during the COVID-19 pandemic? 
A: As most of us who work in healthcare, our clinics faced the lack of adequate PPE, trying to convince employers to use TeleHealth/Virtual visits, performing physicals for Department of Transportation drivers, and dealing with the seemingly ever-changing screening requirements as more was learned concerning the virus. We had to determine what services we could continue to provide that would not endanger patients or staff.
               
Q: How has your work changed during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A: In many ways, it has not changed at all. That is, we continue to practice the same way concerning possible exposure to infectious materials the same way we were trained for Tuberculosis, Blood Borne pathogens, and other viral and bacterial pathogens. However, because we knew little about the COVID-19 virus, caution became extraordinary, and methods were untested. My specialty is Occupational Medicine, and, as such, we can probably best be described as a cross between Emergency Medicine and Family Practice, and we only deal with injuries and illnesses that occur in the workplace (Workers' Compensation). Because of this, we tend to see more trauma than a typical doctor's office, and we have seen more severe injuries/trauma, which we feel is due to employers trying to help their employees to stay out of the Emergency Rooms in order to decrease potential exposure to COVID-19.

Q: What successes have you celebrated during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A: We have gradually increased the use of TeleHealth/Virtual visits. We continue to guide employers in their efforts to return-to-work safely by providing guidelines. We have been in contact with the Alabama Department of Public Health and even reached out to another Springs Alum, Meade Morgan '73, at the CDC in this process to develop testing devices, determination of specimen choice (saliva vs. nasal swab vs. blood) and return-to-work protocols. We have kept, literally, hundreds of patients from having to go to the Emergency Room, thereby decreasing their potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus, by being able to receive treatment for their trauma/injuries in our clinics on Lakeshore and Downtown on campus at Ascension/St. Vincent's Hospital. Thanks, in part to my son Ben '09, none of our clinic employees, to date, has tested positive for the COVID-19 despite our increased exposure risks.

Q: What has been your most challenging moment working in healthcare?
A: My most challenging moment in healthcare was probably just getting into healthcare! However, that being said, there have been many challenges over the 30+ years I have been practicing, each with its own set of circumstances. I guess I am fortunate that none of these challenges stand out individually. I do remember a time when after a series of events, that certainly qualifies for the description of challenging, my father, an orthopedic surgeon, offered me advice. He said, "Just keep practicing good medicine, and you will be fine." I have made it a point to live up to that advice every day.

Q: What has been your proudest moment working in healthcare?
A: Receiving my medical degree with my parents and (soon-to-be) wife, Jill present. But after that, I would be receiving face-shields (PPE) that my oldest son, Ben '09, who wanted to contribute to the COVID-19 battle, sent to our clinics. Be bought two 3-D printers, joined a group of people with the same desire to help, and used them to print our face-shields as well as some for his Aunt's ENT surgical floor in England as well as other clinics, hospitals and even to Auburn University.

Q: When and how did you decide to pursue a career in healthcare?
A: Well, I am a third-generation practicing occupational medicine physician, so it goes without saying that I was influenced by my grandfather, my uncle, and my father, who were all physicians. As a child, I spent my summers shadowing my father at Thuss Clinic, which my grandfather started in 1924. In college, I was fortunate enough to work my summer with Dr. Eugene Blackstone, at UAB, in cardiovascular research, and the next two summers I was in the operating room directly across from Dr. John Kirklin, a true pioneer in cardiovascular surgery. These experiences pretty much guided me in the direction of medicine.

Q: How did your experience at Springs shape your career choice?
A: Springs gave me independence but taught me decision making and teamwork (soccer) in an environment that I probably did not fully appreciate. At the same time, I was a student there, but now I fully embrace memories and understanding of how it shaped my character. I already had confidence, but without the guidance that Indian Springs provided to me, I may have been misguided in my use of this confidence. I used to think that I was a pessimist (I believe Benjamin Franklin said, "I'd rather be a pessimist because then I can only be pleasantly surprised.") but in my heart, I believe I am an optimist. If I can be a confident optimist and I can base this on good decision making and teamwork, then I will always be pleasantly 'surprised.' 

Q: What advice would you give Springs students who want to pursue a career in healthcare?
A: Expect the unexpected, and overcome the obstacles. Follow the process of "Learning through Living" because there will be many challenges: From getting admitted to medical school, to residencies that seem to sap every fiber of your being, to maintaining a practice. If healthcare is your passion, if you love the intricacies and the 'machinery' of the human body and marvel at life in general, then healthcare can reward you in ways you cannot begin to imagine. You will never stop learning. And finally, listen to your patient and respect your patients. You can learn by just taking the time to listen. Don't be quick to diagnose. Listen and format at least three possibilities in your differential diagnosis. Most times, the patient will tell you what the problem is if you take the time to listen. I once was performing a physical on a gentleman, and during the exam, I asked him what he did for a living. His response was, "I'm just a mechanic." I was touched by the feeling that he said it as if it was a lesser important job. I thought for a moment and responded, "So am I. It's just a different type of machinery that I deal with." He smiled, and we discussed all kinds of things he did. He actually was, and rightly so, very proud of what he did and how long he had been doing his job.
       
Q: What can the Springs community do to help during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A: Volunteer in any way possible. People need help (3-D printing with online communities, food bank help/donations, have a blood drive or participate in one, donate time/money/support) to those who have been affected medically, financially, personally, socially, and/or spiritually. As Springs is a community, so are we all.