Guest Blog Post
Jay Steven Cohen M.D, F.A.C.O.G. is a board certified OB-GYN
and has been in practice in the Plantation and Fort Lauderdale area for the past 30 years.
He currently practices at the Institute for Women’s Health and Body, in Plantation, FL
At ViaCord, OB-GYNs are a part of our family. From helping educate expecting families about their option to bank, to ensuring as much cord blood and tissue possible is collected at birth, our OB-GYNs are there every step of the way to help us, help families plan for their future. We’re always thankful for the OB-GYNs we work with, but these days we are especially thankful.
Today, we are joined by one of our favorites, Dr. Cohen. Dr. Cohen has graciously taken time out of his incredibly busy schedule to share his thoughts and provide a glimpse into his daily life as an OB-GYN during this unprecedented time. Thank you, Dr. Cohen, and thank you to all medical front-line workers during this time. You are our heroes and an inspiration to all.
Dr. Cohen shares his story below…
Boy, how times have changed! In 30 years of practice, I have never experienced or have been through a Pandemic. This will probably change the way we live and practice medicine for a long time to come.
In the past month we have cut our staff’s hours, learned how to use Telemedicine (the new norm), have prevented our patients from bringing their family and friends to their visits, wear PPE, and have applied so much hand sanitizer we can barely recognize our own skin.
I feel bad for the patients that give birth and can only have 1 person with them in a 24 hr period. I have not yet been able to hold my 2 week old granddaughter.
I get asked a lot by my patients, ‘Can we still collect Cord Blood and Cord Tissue?‘ and I let them know that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has stated that collection can continue. “Respiratory diseases are typically not transmitted by the transfer of human cells. Currently, there are no reported cases of transmission of COVID-19 by blood products (FDA); therefore, umbilical cord blood banking can continue to be managed according to clinical guidance”.
Above all, we will be alright. We have each other, our faith and our positive attitude.
Stay safe and be smart,
Jay S Cohen, M.D.
