**1. Introduction**

The current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed virtually every aspect of our societal matrix and daily existence, considered from both individual and collective perspectives, for generations to come. It has transformed our healthcare systems, how we work and study (e.g., widespread implementation and acceptance of remote presence), existing supply chains, biotechnology and information technology industries, in addition to re-defining (and reinforcing) our understanding of the term, *carpe diem*. For many, work-life balance turned upside down, as home-based work became the norm. At the same time, hands-on education (e.g., nursing and medical training) became the norm for the future generation of doctors and other medical providers [1, 2]. Finally, the pandemic also made us acutely aware that we live in a global community, and how very quickly challenges that start in one area of the world can spread and become substantial global issues. A pictorial representation of keywords and themes related to the current discussion is provided in **Figure 1**.

During these turbulent times, humanity came together to devise novel treatments, vaccines, and other far-reaching scientific and clinical advances. These considerable developments will endure both as a proof of our collective achievements when working together as a civilization and as a reminder of our ability to overcome the nature's indifference and, at times, ruthless power. Although the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pathogen will undoubtedly keep surprising us with new variants and mutations, the overall "advantage" may have gradually shifted toward human ingenuity and resourcefulness. Consequently, it is the Editors' hope that the pandemic is now on its "last legs" and that a "new normal" will continue to be restored over the next several years. But, we also recognize that we will continue to see spikes and surges and variants of all flavors may come and go as we all continue to learn and adapt.

**Figure 1.** *Pictorial representation (word cloud) of keywords and themes related to the current discussion.*
