Lorna Breen

American emergency physician

Lorna Breen was an American emergency physician known for her dedication to patient care and her tragic death, which highlighted the mental health challenges faced by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early life and education

Lorna Breen was born in Charlottesville, Virginia. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Cornell University, where she developed a strong interest in medicine. Breen went on to earn her medical degree from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. Following medical school, she completed her residency in emergency medicine at Long Island Jewish Medical Center.

Career

Breen worked as an emergency physician at the NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital in New York City. She was known for her commitment to her patients and her ability to handle the high-pressure environment of the emergency department. Her colleagues admired her for her leadership and compassion.

Allen Hospital in New York City

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Breen was on the front lines, treating patients in one of the hardest-hit areas of the United States. The overwhelming number of cases and the severity of the pandemic placed immense stress on healthcare workers, including Breen. Despite her efforts to continue providing care, the relentless pressure took a toll on her mental health.

Death and legacy

Lorna Breen died by suicide in April 2020. Her death brought national attention to the mental health struggles faced by healthcare professionals, particularly during the pandemic. In response, her family established the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation to advocate for the well-being of healthcare workers and to promote mental health awareness.

Related pages

• COVID-19 pandemic in New York City
• Mental health of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Suicide prevention