Hiatus

This is my 3rd draft. I'm trying to be witty and write interesting thoughts from last night, but my brain will not allow me. Better luck tomorrow. In the mean time, here's something pretty to look at.

(Inner monologue): I wish you were here.

Me: I wish I was there too.

1st Over-nighter

Tonight is my first overnight shift at work. I've been pretty excited about it up until now. Now I'm just partial to the whole idea of it all. If anyone is still up from 2200-0100 or 0330-0730 and you're feeling benevolent I could probably use a Red Bull by then, or coffee. I'll update tomorrow...if I make it.

In Spite of Nancy, But Because of Norm

We knew as we walked down the hall and saw the nurse’s smirk and nod, we were in for it. Dr. T’s reaction was immediate. His shoulders sank only momentarily then it was back to business. “Here we go,” he said right before we entered the room. Her dime store perfume, applied liberally that morning engulfed the exam room. I don’t think we got both feet fully through the door before she started. Norm, her timid and weary husband, didn’t even make the attempt to describe his symptoms. Nancy had it covered for him. The list she pulled out of her pocketbook rolled onto the floor like a child’s Christmas list. As she rounded out her litany of Norm’s complaints, I swear I may have briefly nodded off. It’s doubtful that Dr. T actually heard every word she said, however, every time I glanced his way, I would swear he was as attuned as if he were watching Woods teeing for the last hole in the Masters. When the break came, the moment she stopped reciting and waited for feedback, he did it. He identified the key ailments, linked them together into a diagnosis and recommended a course of treatment. He didn’t miss a beat. He was even able to tactfully dissuade her from the prescription painkillers she so adamantly demanded for Norm and steer him toward a course of nonmedicated pain management. We left the room, never having heard Norm utter a sound. As we got into the hallway and I was able to breath the fresh air and reflect, what had transpired actually hit me. I was just witness to the worst and the best of what medicine and patient care can mean. And I saw it handled by a master.

I spent the last semester** in a mentorship program with Dr. T at [Medical Center]. I saw my future and I am more committed to it than ever. Shadowing Dr. T showed everything I love about medicine. I’m inspired by the ability to restore a sense of normalcy to a life that has been shattered by injury or disease. I relish the challenge to pull together seemingly unrelated complaints and devise a diagnosis and treatment. The problem-solving aspect of the career excites me. Formulating the why’s, what’s and wherefore’s of an injury requires knowledge of human anatomy and medicine and an understanding of the scientific approach. The sureties of it, that there is a physiological answer out there somewhere, if you can only find the right pieces and put them together. That’s what I enjoy. Despite my love of the academics and research aspects of medicine, the patient impact is what inspires me. I know from my experience that I would never want to be solely a research doctor toiling away in a laboratory. I love the kinesthetics, getting patients to learn through a hands-on approach and take part in their own care. I did experience that patient care can be challenging, but even at its worst – with Nancy and Norm – it is the best part of medicine.

Dr. T inspired me with his ability to bring patience, humor and balance to medicine. I had a picture in my mind of a doctor -- a drab, scientific, coarse individual without the ability to see beyond dusty medical books and charts, to see the person beyond the patient. Dr. T broke the mold. He is funny. He is fun. He has a life. He has a family. He has hobbies. He didn’t have to give up his life for his love of medicine. He is one person, not two separate individuals split by a career and a life.

The semester I spent at [Medical Center] opened a window on the world of medicine for me. It is everything I thought it would be and so much more that I never could have imagined.

Thanks Dr. T!


*all names have been changed
**read:6yrs ago

A New Year

That is all.

Christmas 2007

Merry Christmas! This was the year for the family picture. All 15 of us squeezed into the studio at the local JCPenneys for a professional portrait. Afterwards, we headed over to Wings etc. to celebrate Chuck's 20th birthday. Then, it was over to grandma and papa's house to open presents.

Oldest(eldest?) brother Scott and mom.

2nd oldest brother Doug, me, nephew.

Christmas Tree

nieces.

sleeping brothers (Scott and Sean)

Max chillin' by the fire.

Scott and nephew.

I wasn't able to get all of the pictures to fit, I'm missing some pics of one nephew and all of my sisters-in-laws, at least you get the idea. Merry Christmas to you and yours!!

Attention: Expect delays

image credit

I received a call from the store that my bedding was in. I went to the store and stood in line at the catalog order desk. The man in front of me was picking up his order as well. When the lady came out with his package he opened it, and instead of an electric blanket he ordered as a Christmas gift, it was a sports bra. I couldn't help but laugh. Needless to say, he was not a happy camper. I picked up my order (2 boxes) and carried them to the car (at this point I noticed how heavy the boxes were; tears were coming down my face) went home and opened them up. First box, the comforter set that I ordered. Second box, an orange 2 piece luggage set. "What the heck? it's supposed to be a sheet set." No wonder it was so heavy. Serves me right for laughing at other people. I went back later that night, stood in line again. The teenager who was helping me and another lady was talking to his 'bros and I so wanted to call them out on it, but I restrained myself (improvement in anger management, one point for me) the teenager ended up not being able to help me and I ended up with the lady who saw me earlier in the day. After I explained to her what happened she gave me a sincere "I'm sorry" and then started reprocessing my order. 55 minutes later I was out of there.

My Christmas Shoes

Today my boss brought in a pair of dansko shoes. She had bought them on eBay but they were two sizes too big for her. Instead of sending them back, she gave them to me. They are really quite comfortable and after a long day of work my feet didn't hurt at all. It took some effort to adjust to them as early in the day I was having trouble balancing myself.

I was wearing green scrubs at the time so I looked liked a walking Christmas display. I wonder if I click them together three times if they'll take me home?