Imagine waiting over two months just to see a doctor 😷. That’s the reality for Max Gavrich, a San Francisco artist battling fatigue and neurological symptoms 18 months after catching COVID-19. His story reflects a growing crisis: nearly 24 million U.S. adults now struggle with long COVID, according to the CDC. But can America’s healthcare system keep up?
The pandemic’s ripple effects are straining hospitals nationwide. The American Hospital Association warned in March that staffing shortages have become a “national emergency”, with nursing deficits alone projected to hit 1.1 million by end of 2022. Burnout and resource gaps leave many patients like Max feeling abandoned.
“The system is really unable to meet basic needs,”
he says.
While debates rage about funding and policy, millions face daily battles for care. Will innovation emerge from this pressure cooker? 💼⚕️ For young professionals, students, and families alike, the answers could shape health access for a generation.
