In the heart of California’s Imperial County, a region often overlooked and grappling with the harsh realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Tien Vo stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. His tireless dedication to his patients, particularly within the vulnerable Latino and low-income communities along the Mexican border, paints a compelling picture of a doctor deeply committed to his calling. For Dr. Vo, his evening rounds might end at the bedside of Cynthia Reyes, a 35-year-old woman battling multiple underlying health conditions now exacerbated by the coronavirus, mirroring the struggles faced by many in this underserved area.
Community doctor, Dr. Vo, provides medical care to a family affected by coronavirus in Calexico, California.
Cynthia Reyes, connected to an oxygen device in her reclined bedside chair, poignantly describes her deteriorating condition to Dr. Vo. “I can’t catch my breath,” she explains, her voice strained, “It takes a long time to get to the restroom. I feel like I’m going to faint.” Dr. Vo listens intently, his expressions reflecting the weight of her words. He is more than just her doctor; he’s a constant point of contact, exchanging text messages and engaging in near-daily conversations to monitor her health and provide reassurance. Leaving Reyes’ home, Dr. Vo voices the quiet frustrations felt by many healthcare professionals during this crisis: “I’ve tried my best already, but sometimes, you know, we can’t do enough.”
Imperial County, nestled along the Mexican border, became a significant hotspot during the pandemic, burdened with California’s highest coronavirus infection rate at one point. The region’s healthcare system, comprising just two hospitals, was pushed to its limits. This agricultural area, vital for supplying winter vegetables to US supermarkets, is home to a large Latino and low-income population, demographics disproportionately impacted by the virus nationwide.
Former El Centro mayor, Alex Cardenas, aptly describes Dr. Vo as a “rock star,” recognizing his immense contribution to the community. Dr. Vo’s two clinics have conducted over 27,000 coronavirus tests since March 2020, revealing a stark positive rate hovering between 25% and 30%, significantly higher than the state average.
Dr. Vo’s journey to Imperial County is one of immigrant perseverance. He and his wife, a nurse, arrived from Vietnam as teenagers, eventually making their home in Imperial County a decade ago after initially settling in New York and moving westward. Despite the immense challenges, Dr. Vo, now 43, remains rooted in this community because of the genuine connection he feels with its people. “They really need a doctor here,” he reflects from his clinic van, en route to another house call. “They’re not very hard to please. They chat with me. They text me every day.” This deep sense of community and the palpable appreciation from his patients fuels his unwavering commitment.
The statistics underscore the severity of the situation in Imperial County. With over 5,200 cases per 100,000 residents, the infection rate nearly triples that of Los Angeles County, a region already heavily impacted by the pandemic. Furthermore, almost 20% of patients in Imperial County tested positive for the virus, compared to a statewide average of just 6.3%. These figures highlight the critical role of doctors like Dr. Vo in regions facing disproportionate healthcare challenges during public health crises. His dedication not only provides vital medical care but also embodies the essential human connection needed to navigate such difficult times.
