As of April 1, there are more than 850 000 reported cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during this global pandemic. It is also clear that both this denominator, as well as the casualty toll, will continue to rise. The widespread nature of this event is both unprecedented and unparalleled within our working lifetimes. Out of great pain, however, also comes great opportunity. More specifically, our exhausted Italian (and other) colleagues have reminded us of some of the very best qualities we can possess as surgeons: commitment, empathy, drive, collegiality, compassion and grace. The world needs more of these qualities in general, and hopefully this pandemic will provide a spark to revisit these behaviours in both our daily work and personal lives once things slow down again.
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