Hingham Surgeon Shifts Into Coronavirus Response

HINGHAM, MA —A Hingham surgeon has gone from helping save the lives of her patients in the operating room to helping save the lives of many veterans in the Boston area as the VA Boston Healthcare System's COVID-19 physician lead during the coronavirus health emergency.

Lerner, the section Chief of Urology, was asked to temporarily step away from her surgeon's role into an administrative position in helping the VA Boston manage the emerging crisis.

"None of us have ever experienced anything like COVID," she said. "But for me to be in a completely administrative role, this has been an opportunity for significant learning and growth."

Dr. Lerner has helped develop the protocols for care and clinical decisions for VA Boston Healthcare across its systems when it comes to the proper use of personal protective equipment.

"My experience as a surgeon has been particularly useful," said Lerner. "Surgeons are experienced in all versions of PPE and we have a very good understanding of nearly all environments in the hospital."

Dr. Lerner joined the VA as a medical student in Tucson, then completed her residency in White Junction in Vermont, and joined the VA Boston in 2007.