Chicago’s Healthcare Heroes

A salute to the inspiring individuals who’ve made a difference during the Covid-19 pandemic

Covid-19 may have initially shut down Chicago, but healthcare heroes quickly rose up and sprang into action. They’ve been hard at work ever since.

Despite hardships and health risks, they’ve aided patients, guided healthcare teams, researched new therapies, and shown up for their communities. These local heroes have helped Chicagoans who have struggled with complications from Covid-19 and from the isolation and disruption of the pandemic.

Often, they’ve done so while putting themselves at risk. Especially in the early days, many lacked adequate support or personal protective equipment. Many provided patient care around the clock, while also balancing the needs and safety of their own families.

These pages feature some of Chicago’s Covid-19 heroes from all areas of healthcare. Courageous individuals, they’ve provided all of us with healing and hope.

We know by now that not all heroes wear capes. But all do wear masks.

Originally published in the Fall 2020/Winter 2021 print issue. Photos by Jim Vondruska