Mary Stock (back row, center), senior physician with UB Student Health Services, has been a UB employee since 2000. With Stock are Student Health Services staff members (clockwise, from front left) Rosemarie Zendano, senior pharmacist; Camille Long, registered nurse; and medical assistants Angel Nance and Carmen Hernandez.

Stock explains: “Student Health Services comprises doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, medical assistants, pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and office assistants, all of whom work to provide necessary services to any registered UB student ─ despite and throughout the shutdown. Like other medical offices operating during the pandemic, our staff has had to continue to adapt to changing circumstances.”

What’s the hardest thing about working through the pandemic? “The cognitive overload; it is exhausting trying to keep up with the information and adjusting how we conduct business accordingly. Everything we do has to be thoughtfully planned and carefully executed in order to minimize staff and patients’ exposure to SARS-CoV-2. We are grateful for all the people who allow us to remain operational. People who work at UB are clearly creative, resilient and committed.”

What do you miss the most about work before the shutdown? “I missed the end-of-the-semester excitement. It’s always nice to speak with students about their plans for the summer, their plans for the fall semester, their plans after graduation. From my office (in Michael Hall), I see the students moving out of Goodyear and Clement halls, playing Frisbee, sitting in the Adirondack chairs on the lawn. I also miss the walks the children who attend UB’s Child Care Center would take past my window.

What helps get you through the day now? “Fresh air and sunshine make everything better!”