Spire Summer 2020

vision mission

From Skyline to Frontline: BC Alumnus Dr. Jacob Gillikin Shares His Journey into the Medical Field and COVID-19

A t the start of the Coronavirus Jacob Gillikin (’06) felt the call to serve on the frontlines. “In what capacity that I could serve, I didn’t know at the time, but I knew I had to go,” said Gillikin. “At the root of it, this is why I became a physician, to help the helpless, not to run away from the problem but to meet it head on.” Originally planning to go into elementary education, Gillikin graduated from BC in 2006 with a B.S. in Biology and Minor in Chemistry. Unsure of his future plans after graduation, Gillikin went to work on the tarmac for US Airways. “It was a terrible experience,” said Gillikin. “This led me to pursue a master’s degree in public health. My initial plan was to complete my masters and become an epidemiologist for the CDC.” Gillikin left US Airways and took on a full-time position at Operation Smile, a non- profit dedicated to repairing cleft lips and palates in children globally. There, he worked logistics in their warehouse while completing his master’s in public health – epidemiology from Eastern Virginia School of Medicine. “At Operation Smile, I began to feel the calling to serve others in the medical field,” said Gillikin. Although his career on the tarmac was short, a flight to his first medical mission trip changed Gillikin ’s life. “It was not until the spring of 2008 when I traveled to Phenom Phen, Cambodia for my first medical mission that I truly felt my calling,” said Gillikin. “On the flight from Seoul, South Korea to Cambodia, I was seated next to Dr. Dan Derewitz, an anesthesiologist from York, PA who was also part of the mission. During our connection, we quickly developed a friendship and he invited me to spend the week with him in the operating room during my free time. Dr. Derewitz encouraged and mentored me to pursue a career in medicine. ”Upon returning from Cambodia, Gillikin took the Medical College Admission Test pandemic, bass player of BC’s former worship band, Skyline Drive, Dr.

(MCAT), was accepted into Ross University School of Medicine, and began his journey into the medical field. Following medical school in 2012, Gillikin completed a surgical internship at Morehouse School of Medicine, residency in Anesthesiology at Penn State University in 2016, and a fellowship in Pediatric Anesthesiology at The Mayo Clinic in 2017. He is currently a partner with North Florida Anesthesia Consultants and the assistant medical director at First Coast Surgery Center. He lives in Jacksonville, FL with his wife, Alexa, and baby daughter Ensley Quinn.

ventilator with a breathing tube at all cost, as well as getting individuals off the ventilator as quickly and safely as possible,” said Gillikin. Aside from treating patients came another challenge, the social aspect. “At that time, we were attempting to treat a new disease that the medical community did not fully understand. The patients understood this as well and I could see the fear in their eyes,” said Gillikin. “Typically, in an ICU, family members are allowed to visit their loved ones but not during these times. This led to frustration and a sense of helplessness for families, which is completely understandable. Out of this though, I was able to build relationships with families.” Gillikin faced his own challenges as well. “Every day I asked myself, how do I treat a disease that nobody worldwide knows how to treat? Is today the day I am exposed and contract the virus? Am I doing everything in my power to provide patients with the best up-to-date care as possible?” said Gillikin. “Despite all of these challenges I was comforted knowing that God is in control, the ultimate healer, and I am just His servant. Every day I placed on my biohazard suit, entered my patients’ rooms, and treated them as if they were family.” Through these challenging times, Gillikin remains hopeful. “The best way to stay positive is to draw near to God’s word,” said Gillikin. “Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” It is very easy, especially in the age of social media and news outlets, to become overwhelmed and worried. I encourage everyone to be mindful daily, engage in positive activities, surround yourself with uplifting positive people, and most importantly actively lean into God.”

With news of the COVID-19 outbreak, Gillikin felt the desire to serve on the frontlines as an Intensive Care doctor for COVID-19 patients at Northside Hospital-Cherokee in Atlanta, GA. Gillikin worked 12-14-hour shifts, 5-6 days a week for two months. “Treating patients with COVID was challenging on multiple levels,” said Gillikin. “Every time I stepped into a room, I had to suit up into my respirator, sterile gown, gloves, and boot covers. COVID is multisystemic effecting almost every organ, and more often times that we did not understand.” While most of his patients had similar symptoms, the severity of the symptoms fluctuated. “My goal was to avoid placing people on the

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