PETALUMA, Calif. – On National Doctors Day, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new initiative to recruit more healthcare workers to the frontlines of the coronavirus crisis.

The governor is calling for retired medical professionals to help in the fight against COVID-19. He also issued an executive order that clears the way for nursing and medical students to help.

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“We are very, very hopeful with this effort that we will see a surge of individuals,” said Newsom. 

As of Thursday, more than 70,000 had signed up to volunteer for the California Health Corps. 

 

 

 

One of those volunteers is Dennis Pocekay, a retired physician from Sonoma County.

Pocekay, who is board-certified in internal medicine and occupational and environmental medicine, spends an average of 30 hours a week volunteering in his community. However, none of the volunteering experiences he’s had since retiring a decade ago compare to the one he’s preparing for.

“I’m eager to take part in whichever way I can be helpful,” Pocekay said.

Pockekay, 70, knows he’s putting his own life at risk by preparing to respond to one of biggest medical emergencies of his lifetime. As a retired physician, he says he’s pleased to see so many colleagues volunteering their expertise during this global pandemic. 

Despite being in a high-risk group himself due to his age, Pocekay says he wants to do whatever he can to serve.

“I don’t feel fear in a situation like that. If I have any fear it’s that, ‘Will I be able to do the medical practice that I need to do having been retired 10 years?’” he stated.

If he’s able to choose, Pocekay would like to volunteer with contact investigation.

“I’d like to help flatten the curve by asking these people who their contacts have been when their diagnosed, and then getting on the phone to those people to get them in isolation or quarantine as needed,” adds Pocekay.

While Pocekay believes this is the best way he could help, he’s prepared to be in the frontlines if necessary.

“I’ve had a really good life, and I think that’s partly why I’m not afraid of something that could get me sick”, said Pocekay. 

His wife, who is also a retired physician, doesn’t want him on the frontlines, but Pocekay says he knows she would also volunteer to serve if the circumstances require it.

As Pockey waits for instructions from health officials on how he’ll be helping, he emphasized he’s willing to do whatever is necessary to meet the needs of this moment.