In the early months of 2025, a brisk morning greeted me as I emerged from the subway at 168th street. The streets, unusually quiet, seemed to echo with remnants of a not-so-distant past. Amidst the deserted blocks leading to my workplace, a faint cough and a windblown plastic bag served as stark reminders of times that have irrevocably altered our world. The distant wail of an ambulance underscored the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare systems.

The global pandemic, which erupted five years ago, has left an indelible mark on society. What once evoked fear and uncertainty now seems almost normalized. We have rapidly adapted to a new reality shaped by widespread loss and profound changes in public health infrastructure. As a medical professional, I witnessed firsthand the toll taken on countless lives, including that of a young mother whose death remains etched in my memory. In the aftermath, I joined efforts to rebuild New York’s health infrastructure, driven by a collective resolve to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Yet, today, it feels as though the urgency has faded, and the lessons learned are at risk of being forgotten.

The pandemic's impact extends far beyond individual experiences; it has fundamentally transformed how our country approaches public health. During the height of the crisis, I revisited John M. Barry’s insightful book, "The Great Influenza," which chronicles the 1918 pandemic and the evolution of public health as a formal discipline. This transformation began in October 1918 when William Welch established the first school of public health at Johns Hopkins University. It marked a shift from ad hoc responses to systematic, institutionalized methods for addressing epidemics and health crises. Through data-driven approaches and coordinated efforts, public health professionals now possess tools that, while less dramatic than individual acts of heroism, have saved millions of lives.

As we move forward, it is crucial to recognize the progress made and the importance of maintaining robust public health systems. The challenges of the past remind us of the resilience and adaptability of humanity. By learning from history and continuing to innovate, we can ensure a healthier and more secure future for all.