Dr. David Zisman is a pulmonary and critical care medicine specialist. He’s seen a lot over his career, which took him from Venezuela to Texas to Santa Barbara. But he’s never seen anything like this. “This is a new disease for us,” he said, “a new infection. We have no previous experience, and there is very little scientific information to go by.”
Zisman is one of eight pulmonary doctors tending to some of the county’s sickest COVID-19 patients. (Four work for Sansum Clinic, four work for other providers.) It’s been a long few weeks with more tough days ahead. But Zisman and his colleagues aren’t about to give up. Not by a long shot. And while they’re not looking for recognition, they certainly deserve it.
Zisman took time between shifts this week to speak with the Independent. Our exchange has been edited for length and clarity.