Chris Firlit – a PGY6 Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery Chief Resident in Detroit, Michigan (presumed) – passed away on 5 April, 2020, after suffering from COVID-19. Chris was 32 years old.
He experienced a fever before his chief fellow drove him to Providence Hospital in Southfield, where he died of suspected COVID-19, Dr. Rafael L. Barretto, director of medical education, wrote in a message obtained by The News.
While it is not immediately clear whether Firlit's exposure came at work, Baretto's note underscored rising tensions about the increasing use of residents — physicians who are training in their specialty — in medical areas that are not their specialty during this crisis.
"As we continue to ramp up using our residents and fellows in roles outside their comfort zone (ICU and hospital floors), Chris' death may create more hesitation and uncertainty," Baretto acknowledged. "Please continue to provide support to each other in these trying times."
Source: The Detroit News