Heroism is defined as great bravery. In the world of cinema as in studies of literature, the notion of heroism is aggrandised to epic proportions, assuming valorous actions in the face of great peril. Heroism is fighting villains and saving the world from the apocalypse. It is slaying dragons and snatching people from the jaws of death. Heroism exhibits a kind of power and honour we wonder at. We consider it extraordinary.

In the seemingly endless battle that is the COVID-19 pandemic, we often hear healthcare workers referred to as heroes, and it cannot be stressed enough that they are. Yet to say so has become a platitude. There are people on the front lines of this virus every day, but we don’t really consider what they face and cope with in their work. Healthcare professionals face peril with courage daily, but this heroism is so invisible that it has become inconceivable.

Last week, on American Thanksgiving, a now-viral photo was released of a Houston doctor, Dr Joseph Varon, comforting an elderly patient in the ICU of his hospital. Varon is chief of staff at the United Memorial Medical Center and has been working for over 250 straight days caring for COVID patients in the ICU. To say the image is heartbreaking is an understatement - it is gut-wrenching. The distress of the older gentleman is visible as his face is buried in Varon’s arm. His fear is palpable as he would be alone, but for the deeply good doctor clad in PPE giving him a desperately-needed hug.

This kindness is heroism. It is the best of what people can be and do for each other. It should humble us to see it, and it should make us want to make it less extraordinary.

Dr Joseph Varon hugs and comforts a patient in the COVID-19 ICU during Thanksgiving.